Business News
MINISTER GOES BACK TO SCHOOL AT POLESTAR VARNICOAT
Monday 08. June 2009 - Siôn Simon, Minister for Further Education, has opened a new learning suite at Polestar Varnicoat. Mr Simon also presented certificates to a number of union learning representatives at the site, who have just completed an introductory course on quality improvement and management.
The Minister also witnessed the signing of a Pro-Skills Pledge. Already signed by John Denham, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, the Pledge was countersigned by Simon Jones, Polestar Human Resources Director, Vernon Robson of Unite, and Bernard Rutter, National SSCC Co-ordinator, to reflect the organisations commitment to encourage and enable people to undertake training and learning.
In partnership with Unite and Leeds City College, Polestar Varnicoat is also officially launching the Evolve project for employees. The project is designed to develop work-based skills around City & Guilds NVQ levels 2, 3 and 4. The first 12-month programme has just begun, with 75 people already on board and a further 110 employees ready to join.
Simon Jones of Polestar says: “We are very pleased to be opening the new learning facilities here and we are grateful to Siôn Simon for taking the time to visit the company and meet some of the staff who will benefit.”
Phil Boynes, Managing Director of Polestar Varnicoat, adds: “For us, training and development is a strategic priority for the business. As well as a means of improving performance, it is a necessity for cultural development. We are using it as a catalyst for change to meet the demands of very challenging market conditions. It will be designed to encourage a learning environment in the organisation to enable us to tap into innovation and talent. This will help deliver our competitive edge in the current economic climate.”
Although a learning suite existed at Polestar Varnicoat, the company, in conjunction with the Union and College, was keen to enhance the facilities and to develop an area that was more accessible to all employees. A new wireless hub, with 24-hour access, has been created in the companys canteen area, enabling staff to work on their laptops in their own time. Funding was provided by Advantage West Midlands.