30 Oct 2006
As technology develops and customer needs change we inevitably require different skills from our workforce. This creates new opportunities in some areas but means other jobs will be lost.
Air Systems has developed a strategy to anticipate the future needs of the business and prepare employees for this challenge. Retraining for employees at risk of redundancy is an important element. Debbie Sallis, HR Director for Air Systems, explains: "It is crucial that we address what that means now and define the steps that will have to be taken to reduce the impact on employees."
To do this the company carried out a review of its existing training programmes, looking in detail at their effectiveness. Training resources were then reallocated from non-essential areas to focus on important skills training and the New Start retraining programme.
A Management Development Programme has also been introduced to help managers recognise and implement the most appropriate training solutions. The trade unions were kept involved and informed throughout this process. Results are starting to show. Barrie Mason-Lister is one of 70 employees at Air Systems' Warton site enrolled on the New Start training programme. A fitter at Air Systems for 16 years, Barrie is now retraining to be a qualified electrician. "Not only has it given me the chance to do something I've always wanted to do, now I have a future to look forward to with the company."
