Modern Skills for a Traditional Firm

‘You're never too old to learn’ is the view at Rochdale-based engineering firm Whipp and Bourne, which celebrated its hundredth anniversary this year.

A specialist in electrical switchgear equipment, Whipp and Bourne has a workforce of 211 and 180 of them are aged over 25. The managers had long recognised the need to develop staff skills to deal with the decline facing the engineering sector, but had previously lacked the necessary resources. By gaining NVQ level 2 in Performing Manufacturing Operations, the initial group of trainees are making the company more competitive, securing their own jobs and hoping to create new ones. The company is providing 11 more mature employees with valuable new skills that will strengthen its market position.

"Our employees are already more confident when working as a team while, as an employer, we are pleased to be demonstrating our intention to have a competent workforce producing quality products with the aid of professional training," said Personnel Secretary Tereza Camilleri.

Denise Sinclair, the Business Link North Manchester adviser for the Employer Training Pilot, said, "Management have reported that the staff involved are delighted to gain accreditation for their own occupational competencies and are taking a new pride in their work. Now things are looking really positive for the company."

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