Pictured above: Employees from JCB World Parts Centre successfully completed the NVQ Level 2 in Warehousing Operations in partnership with Newcastle-under-Lyme College

More employees at Staffordshire-based construction giant JCB received NVQ awards recently as part of a company-wide training initiative.

Straightforward Training, the skills solution provider of Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) is currently working with JCB to deliver training designed to help tackle the continuing effects of the global economic downturn.

A group of 14 employees have completed the NVQ Level 2 in Warehousing Operations and were presented with certificates on Thursday 4 November as part of an awards ceremony at JCB World Parts Centre in Uttoxeter.

The event was part of a national "Training for Business Growth" campaign held during Colleges Week 2010 to demonstrate the value that College training provides to UK companies.

Vicky Boulton-Clarke, Newcastle-under-Lyme College's Head of Employer Training, said: "Over the past couple of years Newcastle-under-Lyme College has played an important role in equipping JCB employees with the skills they need to help the company progress and grow in the future." 

JCB first contacted the College in 2008 and undertook a training needs analysis. The College responded by basing several assessors at JCB full-time to deliver training and assess employees in the workplace. 

A JCB spokesman said: "JCB puts great store by training and developing its workforce as it's an essential component of remaining competitive in a global market." 

Newcastle-under-Lyme College Principal and Chief Executive Karen Dobson said: "This achievement at JCB yet again showcases the wealth of high quality, cost effective and flexible courses available to employers and demonstrates that Colleges are uniquely placed to offer affordable, effective training which fits around the needs of businesses."

She added: "Colleges play a vital role in building Britain's future, providing a huge range of opportunities for individuals and businesses to build world class skills to strengthen our economy. I hope JCB's success will inspire other local employers to make use of the resources provided by the College to drive their businesses forward."