European Social Fund in England

The food industry basic skills initiative

Poultec Training Limited, based in Dereham, Norfolk

Measure 3.1 Food Industry

135 beneficiaries (employed), 100 SMEs

2 projects totalling £148k, concentrating on Basic Skills development.

Leading local training provider Poultec, which specialises in training for the food industry, was delighted to have been successful in securing four ESF co-financing bids back in November 2002 through the Learning & Skills Council Norfolk Co-financing programme, and one in September last year. Ranging from a basic skills project through to a food industry resource network, the Poultec projects have attracted over 450 beneficiaries to date and demonstrate the broad scope of ESF co-financing.

One of these projects - "The Food Industry Basic Skills Initiative" - supported the creation of material relating to basic skills aimed at the Food Industry, and the promotion of basic skills training to employers in the industry and adults employed in the labour market. Aims included 100 SMEs receiving Basic/ Key Skills information and 30 individuals completing a Key Skills qualification. The project provided an ideal opportunity for newly appointed and recently qualified Graphic Designer Matthew Brasnett to flex his creative muscles by designing a range of innovative basic skills materials. "We were keen to produce materials which were directly relevant to the food industry so that the companies involved could see the real benefits in using them for their business as well as for their staff," explained Training Director Neale McArdle.

"Developing Basic Skills in the Food Sector" is a current project which involves running short courses in the workplace and having a basic skills tutor 'shadowing' a course specific tutor (e. g. basic health and safety). The basic skills tutor will also be responsible for specific basic skills group sessions and one-to-one sessions. In many instances, this training will be run parallel to an NVQ Level 2 (delivered through their ESF Co-financing project 3.1c). Aims of the project are to support 105 beneficiaries, 30 Jobs, 45 Basic Skills qualification achievements and 10 Level 2 achievements. Target groups are adults 25+ in the food industry who have a basic skills need and areas where support will be concentrated are wards in East Dereham, Thetford, Diss, Lynn, Watton, Cromer, Bowthorpe, Swaffham and Yarmouth. Some learners on these projects have said:

"I found everything very positive and I feel that I learnt a lot even with my grammar" "I believe if you wish to learn more challenging skills you should be able to; the subject I have done is very good. It is explained well, to understand what I have to do".

"This training was very useful to me. Makes you more aware in the workplace. It also keeps your brain working".

"The training is overall excellent and the Poultec's courses are great as well. Thank you." "The whole course is excellent and I am pleased how the Poultec's assessors have helped and explained things really well to achieve all my work, which I have done. Thanks very much."

"The tutors worked well with us to work out any problems and discuss any issues we had".

Howard Foale, European Social Fund Manager for the LSC Norfolk said: "The LSC Norfolk through ESF co-financing is working with organisations such as Poultec Training Ltd. to enable learners, employed or unemployed, whatever their level of ability, to both re-enter and continue learning in enjoyable and creative ways such as these in a safe and comfortable environment, be it in or out of the workplace. We are working to try to ensure that as many people as possible in the county have the opportunity to fulfil their goals and reach their full potential, and this project will have enormous benefits for the Food Industry and community as a whole."