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Midland automotive vehicle manufacturers and component suppliers are being urged to boost levels of skill amongst employees to ensure that their businesses remain globally competitive and they are able to respond to continuing market changes.
A survey commissioned by Midlands-based Skills4Auto amongst all manufacturers and suppliers throughout the Region, revealed that more than a quarter believed directors and senior managers lacked leadership competences and that over half of shopfloor operators had inadequate process skills.
The research, entitled “Skill Gaps in the Automotive Supply Chain in the West and East Midlands 2004/5”, also showed that manufacturing operatives needed more training in process and product skills, basic skills and team working.
Bryan McGinity, Managing Director of Skills4Auto, said the report, which was undertaken by BCT Research Associates, also showed that there was a significant lack of training opportunities for shopfloor operators, particularly those working with specialist equipment and materials.
“These were some of the many key issues raised, particularly by automotive suppliers. It is a major concern and, we believe it is vital that these issues are urgently addressed. Only by increasing skills and efficiency will we be able to compete globally and win business against low cost but distantly located manufacturers,” he said.
The report also revealed that many firms believed leadership and management development presented major challenges to their businesses which were either too small or lacked effective organisational structure.
Bryan added that one of the biggest problems cited by employers was the difficultly in establishing convenient and cost effective high quality training opportunities.
He said: “As an organisation formed to increase skills in the Midlands automotive industry we are now urgently seeking to address this situation by raising awareness of these issues and helping to bridge the gaps by offering free training consultation.”
Skills4Auto has invited companies from across the region to a series of Bridging the Skills Gap breakfast meetings during April. They will be held in Telford, Birmingham, Derby, Worcester and Northampton.
For more details please contact Anne Kaarlela, Communications and Marketing Manager, Skills4Auto on 0121 717 6643.
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Issued on behalf of Skills4Auto by Lois Burley PR (0121 666 7003). For further information, please contact Anne Kaarlela, Skills4Auto on 0121 717 6643
Notes to Editor
• Skills4Auto has been formed as a publicly funded organisation to support the Midlands’ automotive sector.
• Skills4Auto aims to make businesses aware of the impact training and development has on their competitiveness
• Skills4Auto ensures firms in the Midlands region have access to high quality training by offering free training needs analysis and matching training providers into businesses. Skills4Auto is not a training provider.
• Skills4Auto is working to encourage more young people to pursue a career in the industry.
• Skills4Auto is a spoke of the Automotive Academy
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