Pictured with Birmingham's Lord Mayor, Councillor Anita Ward is Stuart MacDonald and Lawrence Barton, director GB Training (UK) Ltd 

A new training scheme at Birmingham Royal Mail sorting office has produced first class results thanks to a city training provider.

Earlier this year GB Training (UK) Ltd linked up with Royal Mail at its Aston delivery office to provide NVQ training for 45 workers as part of a new contract with the service.

And more than 30 staff were presented with their NVQ certificates by Birmingham's Lord Mayor, Councillor Anita Ward at a special 'graduation' ceremony.

Staff were handed NVQ qualifications in warehousing, business administration, health and safety and IT.  

"This is the first training programme of its kind for Royal Mail with GB Training Ltd and we were pleased with not only the results but also the flexibility of the courses on offer which accommodated our staff and their shifts," said Royal Mail centre manager Ross Morecock.    

Lawrence Barton, GB Training (UK) Ltd director, said: "The courses are all about up-skilling staff in a flexible programme to fit in with the employer and employees needs. 

"However, the bigger picture is about Birmingham investing in people and improving skills to ensure our city is well placed in the employment pool for local and regional investors."

Stuart Mac Donald, who was presented with his NVQ certificates, added: "The course has really benefited me and I hope we will have the opportunity for more training in the future."