AkzoNobel
AkzoNobel are developing a new range of learning products and qualifications tailored towards business need, ease of delivery, value for money and the benefit to the wider local economy.
The skills challenge
The chemical sector in which AkzoNobel operates is highly competitive and cost sensitive. The reduction of manufacturing costs is needed for continued innovation, product development and UK operational viability. AkzoNobel has participated previously in vocational qualification programmes but has found success levels to be varied and limited. Despite there being a strong recruitment pool, there are major skills gaps within 16-24 year olds in both knowledge of chemistry and general business acumen.
AkzoNobel need the right skills to be developed and at an accelerated pace to remain competitive.
The solution
A new range of learning products and qualifications are being developed tailored towards business need, ease of delivery, value for money and the benefit to the wider local economy.
AkzoNobel operates a range of business units in the UK, including the International Paint and Dulux brands. Working with training providers, awarding organisations, schools, colleges and JobCentrePlus, the business will take the lead in developing new qualifications as a “pilot” before rolling out into other parts of AkzoNobel and other supply chain employers in the region.
Four themes have been identified to achieve the sector’s needs:
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Employability & Internships in Production, Research, Marketing and Logistics:
AkzoNobel will work with local young unemployed people and deliver teaching across core subjects. The programme will include project work within AkzoNobel with delegates being signposted to Apprenticeship opportunities in the sector. 200 delegates will enrol from April 2013.
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Employability – Female graduates:
This will encourage female graduates to consider the chemical industry as an employment route by raising the profile of the industry as a whole with emphasis on coatings manufacture, marketing and sales. 60 graduates or undergraduates will be recruited through a network of four universities.
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Sector leadership:
This theme is aimed at existing experienced employees and will develop leadership, coaching and mentoring skills enabling them to support people development in their own work areas. Training will be delivered to over 100 employees across four UK sites.
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Apprenticeships:
A specialist Apprenticeship style pathway will begin at our oldest manufacturing facility based at Felling, Gateshead. The programme is developed to combine specific teaching in either coatings design and production or supply chain. 260 apprentices will be recruited across three production sites in total.
Impact
This project will address a skills shortage in the chemical and coatings sector. It will specifically increase employability in the manufacturing sector for a minimum of 200 people. More opportunities will become available for female graduates and a new Apprenticeship pathway will create opportunities for new entrants. Long term leadership and coaching skills will also be developed to support young people entering the sector.
Investment
Employer investment: £1,530,748
Employer Ownership Pilot Funding: £1,017,998
Total: £2,548,746
