Aycliffe manufacturer hails positive impact of apprenticeship training

A plastics manufacturer has shared the success of apprenticeship training for its existing staff, saying the process has improved productivity.

Primex Plastics, which operates a factory on Aycliffe Business Park, recently put seven of its employees through a Performing Manufacturing Operations apprenticeship, delivered by NECC Training.

The qualification, which is fully funded through the Skills Funding Agency, equips learners with essential health and safety, production monitoring and team working skills.

Primex staff spent 18 months learning, in their workplace, before securing an NVQ Diploma in Performing Manufacturing Operations.

NECC Training tutors visited Primex at its Aycliffe base to deliver the training which was tailored to the plastics industry.

The course is designed to deliver core maths and English skills to workers while boosting their competencies in manufacturing tasks.

Adam Ferrer, training officer at Primex, said the apprenticeship training had already made a tangible impact on day-to-day working at the firm.

He added: “Primex is keen to develop its workforce, and this apprenticeship programme has been of great benefit to the company and our employees.

“The course has helped our staff develop stronger group working skills which really makes a difference to productivity on the factory floor.

“We’ve seen renewed confidence and enthusiasm from the group – who are now better equipped to tackle the challenges of our workplace.”

Following the success of the programme Primex is now preparing to put a second cohort of employees through the Performing Manufacturing Operations apprenticeship, delivered by NECC Training.

Lindsey Thornton, NECC Training’s regional manager for engineering, said: “Primex Plastics Limited is a great example of a company that has seen immediate benefits from our apprenticeship training.

“NECC Training delivers a range of apprenticeship programmes, some fully funded, that are designed to meet the demands of employers.

“We work with businesses to create programmes that address key operational aims, and safeguard their future skills requirements.”

Primex Plastics Limited was established in 1998 and manufactures high quality plastics products that are moulded into a variety of end products such as children’s outdoor toys, automotive components and portable toilets.