 |
 |
||||||
[June 2005]
University on the Shop Floor - Ceramic Perspective
What has been described as a vital weapon in the UK ceramic sector's growing search for greater competitiveness was put under the spotlight on 24 May 2005 when over 100 delegates from industry, government and training and educational specialists from across the country joined together to promote the virtues of work-based learning in the ceramic industry.
The unique University on the Shop Floor project, which was implemented through a partnership between the Ceramic Industry Forum (CIF) and the Association for Ceramic Training & Development (ACTD) has seen over 2,400 learners register since its launch.
Speaking at the Britannia Stadium, Stoke-on-Trent in the Potteries, CIF Chief Executive Sue Evans said: "The project was conceived as a way of helping the industry equip employees with the skills needed to embrace the widescale changes seen in the sector.
"After experiencing an extremely productive couple of years, we are now rolling the programme out to even more ceramic companies and are gearing up for another surge of learners enrolling."
The aim of the scheme is to encourage companies to work together as a partnership, making learning and education available to all individuals, groups and businesses in the industry. The 3.2 million project is funded by Advantage West Midlands with all government investment matched by the industry in the form of time, facilities and resources.
"Each company that has employees registered as learners at the University automatically becomes a member of the Ceramics Industry Learning Network (CILN)," explained Sue Evans, "which allows companies to share information and experiences and encourages non-participating firms to learn through collaboration. The result is tangible business improvements that create value for everyone involved."
Keith Marsh, Director of ACTD, picked up the story: "The input from the industry is absolutely critical to the success of the project. We've asked them to contribute not only their facilities, but also the time of their employees, which in today's manufacturing environment is a scarce commodity indeed.
"Thankfully, the UK ceramic industry is ready for change and has more than risen to the challenge that has been presented to them."
www.ceramicindustryforum.co.uk
ENDS