Andy Harris, (right) die-cutting product specialist in folding carton for BOBST UK & Ireland Ltd, delivered training to MPS Nottingham
Bobst has expanded its training offer to drive up customer efficiency and productivity, and address a skills gap within the wider manufacturing industry.
A new and comprehensive training programme has been developed by Bobst UK & Ireland which can cater for all machine operator abilities and skill levels due to its bronze, silver and gold structure. It has been designed to support customers to implement best practices and enhance workforce knowledge, as well as understanding, to give them a competitive edge in their sector.
‘We have always suspected there was a need for more comprehensive training within manufacturing,’ said Andy Harris, die-cutting product specialist in Folding-Carton for Bobst UK & Ireland. ‘With such complex machinery at the core of our business, education is an essential part of what we do. We don’t just help businesses discover how to get the best from their equipment but how to get the best from their people too.
‘We aren’t necessarily addressing a lack of knowledge within the industry, more providing a better method of increasing productivity, decreasing downtime and ultimately keeping efficiency at the industry’s core.’
Mr Harris added, ‘The fundamental motive behind the programme is to generate a highly competent, responsible and value-based workforce through structured, vocational training.’
At each level, whether bronze, silver or gold, participants will undertake a mix of both practical and theoretical study and assessment to gain a deeper understanding of safety awareness and develop problem solving skills. In addition, the programme will support trainees and businesses, to understand factors around obtaining higher productivity, minimising unscheduled machine downtime and the importance of succession planning.
Training is bespoke to each individual trainee’s job role and the business they work for. Held on site at the customer’s business, using real-time jobs, and led by Bobst product specialists, each machine operator’s skills are assessed for a full day to identify gaps in knowledge and to tailor the programme to their needs.
Mr Harris concluded, ‘The product specialist’s role in the training programme is more than that of a training aid. By assisting machine operators in achieving maximum productivity, minimal waste and optimum machine health, business demands are better dealt with.’
Feedback from this new training initiative has been positive. Scott Marshall, cut & crease manager at Multi Packaging Solutions, in Nottingham, said, ‘Beyond the new skills learned by trainees, operator motivation has also increased because of the knowledge gained. Trainees have a deeper understanding about the role they play in the wider business and understand how they can really make a difference to company success and productivity.’
