Fifteen former workers from the MG Rover Group car plant have today (Wednesday 28 June) completed the Automotive Academy Re-employment Training Programme, and with it, been awarded their Skills Passport. The Work and Pensions Minister, James Plaskitt MP presented the first set of passports at a ceremony at BMW’s Hams Hall facility in Birmingham.
For the last 15 weeks, the successful candidates have been developing new skills as part of their training in engineering operations. This has been supplemented by the Academy’s Business Improvement Techniques Level 2 course, including live assembly operations simulation and visits to two best practice companies. They have also completed work experience at the BMW Hams Hall engine plant and the Land Rover facility in Solihull.
The Skills Passport will prove to potential employers that the candidate possesses all the key skills to go straight into any production environment. Candidates have also been guaranteed a job interview with the possibility of working for a number of major automotive manufacturers.
James Plaskitt said, ‘I am delighted that these former MG Rover workers should soon be able to start car production jobs thanks to the Automotive Academy’s Re-employment Training Programme and the support provided by BMW and Land Rover. It is encouraging that the essential skills these workers gained at MG Rover will be kept within the automotive industry, proving that there is life after Longbridge.’
Academy chief executive, Dr Alan Begg, said, ‘In the wake of recent highly publicised job losses, the Academy strives to retain essential skills within the industry, as well as raise the skills and expertise of those actively seeking re-employment. These dedicated men and women are a credit to the industry. Their Skills Passport proves they have all the skills in lean tools and techniques making them significantly more valuable to prospective employers. We congratulate them on gaining their Passports and we hope to see them back in the industry quickly.’
