This article was originally featured on HIP Magazine: https://www.hip-magazine.co.uk/inta-addresses-skills-gap-by-committing-to-staff-training/ (external website)
Inta, which manufactures ant-scald bathroom products, has committed to reducing the skills shortage by encouraging its staff to undergo training.
It has said about 20% of its staff is on some form of training at any one time – the highest number it has ever had on training.
As well as investing in technical apprentices, including HNCs in Mechanical and General Engineering, the Stafford-based company said it was keen to ensure staff across the whole of the business completed relevant training courses to help it stay ahead of its competitors.
Cynthia Fisher, Director at Inta, said senior management involvement in staff training and giving responsibility to junior members of the team were key to so many employees signing up for courses. In addition, the company has developed close links with nearby Stafford College and Burslem College, where many of Inta employees undertake a variety of training courses.
Cynthia said: “By encouraging our employees to undergo training in their specialised fields, we’re not only ensuring that they have the right skills for the job, we’re also future-proofing the business.”
Inta’s warehousing team, which is central to the success of the business’ day-to-day operations, has undertaken NVQs in Warehousing and Storage Level 2 and Performing Manufacturing Operations Level 2.
Two of the company’s accounts trainees are studying for professional AAT accounting qualifications, which includes weekly day release study at college, while its business operations manager completed a training course to become an ISO accredited auditor.
As well as formal training that attracts nationally recognised qualifications, Inta also uses training courses offered by Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce for staff in the sales administration and accounts departments.
As well as training staff, Inta also provides work experience opportunities to students and has created a bespoke college pack, which it provides free of charge to City & Guilds accredited colleges across the country to use as training materials.
The firm has also been named one of Staffordshire’s top 50 fastest growing businesses, as revealed in the Staffordshire Growth Barometer 2017. Carried out by global accountants BDO LLP, the report placed Inta at number 33 in the list with it growing by an average of 22.27% over the last three years and achieving turnover in excess of £20 million in 2015 alone.
At present, employees are undertaking qualifications including:
- Level 4 Advanced Diploma in Accounting
- Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Accounting
- Level 2 Mechanical Engineering
- HNC in General Engineering
- Level 2 Performing Manufacturing Operations
- Level 2 Warehouse & Storage
For more information about Inta, visit www.intatec.co.uk