Re-employment training saves MG Rover workers

Former workers from the MG Rover Group car complete retraining and commence employment with the BMW Engine Plant at Hams Hall near Birmingham.

Having completed the Automotive Academy Re-employment Training Programme and been awarded their Skills Passport at the end of June, more than half of the original 15 former workers from the MG Rover Group car plant have now commenced employment with the BMW Engine Plant at Hams Hall near Birmingham.

The remaining six passport holders will join them next month.

"This is a strong endorsement of the programme we put together and proves there are still opportunities in the UK motor industry for skilled and dedicated workers", says Alan Begg, Chief Executive of the Automotive Academy.

"The purpose of this programme is to retain essential expertise within the industry, as well as raise the skills of those actively seeking re-employment".

James Plaskitt MP, the Works and Pensions Minister, presented the first of the Passports at a ceremony at BMW in Birmingham on 28th June 2006.

The Skills Passport proves to potential employers that the candidate possesses all the key skills to go straight into any production environment and were acquired by developing new skills as part of the individual's training in engineering operations.

This was supplemented by the Academy's Business Improvement Techniques Level 2 course, including live assemble operations simulation and visits to two best practice companies.

Work experience was gained at Hams Hall and the Land Rover facility in Solihull.

Begg continues: "The fact that so many of the candidates have already returned to employment, shows not only their dedication, but also the commitment and recognition by the industry to programmes such as this".

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