THE first phase of training to multi-skill all Vauxhall workers in preparation for the launch of the new Astra has been completed.
A total of 330 craftsmen at the Ellesmere Port car manufacturing plant have successfully finished their classroom training run in conjunction with West Cheshire College.
And 146 of them also completed an additional consolidation phase.
At the end of the course, which started a year ago, each successful candidate received a nationally recognised EMTA qualification.
The training involved two weeks off the job in a workshop and classroom environment.
This was then followed by a three-month period in the workplace consolidating the new skills acquired.
Alan Tate, business development, manufacturing and automotive cove manager at West Cheshire College, said: “The aim of the program is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the maintenance teams across the plant.
“This happens while also developing the individual’s needs.
“Working closely with General Motors Manufacturing Ellesmere Port (GMM EP) we have developed a rolling programme which benefits both the company and staff.”
Dave Wells, central maintenance manager at GMM EP, based at the factory in North Road, said: “The multi-skill training program continues to improve the skill set of the maintenance personnel at Ellesmere Port, with a nationally recognised qualification.
“Multi-skilling our maintenance staff is a key component of the new vehicle launch plan, helping the organisation to achieve world class standards.
“The aim of the program is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the maintenance teams across the plant, while also developing the individual’s needs.”
