Training & skills
Daniel Reed adds: “Many of our members offer excellent advanced training courses and, in the future, we plan to offer some of these courses via the MTA platform.” Defining the need While many manufacturers complain about the skills gap, some struggle to define their actual training requirements, which is where the MTA Training portal can help by providing access to many learning possibilities in one place. “If a particular training need is not available on the platform, we’ll act as a conduit to find and introduce it,” says Daniel Reed. “We’ll talk to partners around the world and work tirelessly to support our members.” The MTA says its members will likely save in the region of 20% when acquiring technical training from the new platform against sourcing it themselves. Steve Shickell outlines why some courses may offer even greater savings: “With the ever- increasing movement in the labour market, many companies may have the requirement to train one of their employees. However, many training providers only offer a standard course for four people, and therefore will still charge the full cost regardless of just one attendee. In contrast, we are now holding courses for people from individual companies so that they pay per person, which can represent a 75% cost saving.” Regional approach Although the MTA is working with Make UK, which has state-of-the-art training facilities, it’s also looking to network with FE colleges and UTCs (University Technical Colleges). When these institutions are not open to students, they can open for MTA Training, thus taking the whole platform to a regional level. The MTA Training offer comprises multiple threads. Online training will be available
immediately following the MACH launch. Numerous online compliance training courses already feature on the platform, including GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), cybersecurity, fire safety, hybrid working and inclusive leadership. The number of training courses available is likely to grow considerably moving forward. In addition, MTA Training can offer classroom- based compliance training in wide range of subjects, including first aid, health & safety, and crisis management. These courses are also available for delivery at member facilities. As a further offer, the MTA worked closely with industry experts to develop a package of training based around so-called soft skills. “Courses here include Modern Service Ambassador, Modern Inspirational Leadership and Introduction to Consultative Selling,” says Daniel Reed. “These skills were maybe not written down in years gone by, but simply passed down the generations verbally. Many of these courses are completely unique and not available elsewhere.” The Modern Service Ambassador course, for example, is for service engineers, project engineers or other support personnel who make regular customer visits. This two-day workshop provides delegates with a range of customer-focussed consultative communications skills to build customer satisfaction, handle challenging situations and identify opportunities to increase business. Technical courses are also available via the MTA’s collaboration with Make UK, including turning, surface grinding and an introduction to 3D CAD. “Whatever the requirement, manufacturers will almost certainly find it on the MTA Training portal,” concludes Daniel Reed. “And if it’s not there, we’ll do our best to introduce it as soon as possible.” n
www.mta.org.uk/training
Machinery & Manufacturing 20
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