Prism staff pass lean manufacturing NVQs
Article Type: Industry news From: Soldering & Surface Mount Technology, Volume 23, Issue 1
Undertaking NVQ business improvement training has helped staff at St Ives(Cambridgeshire)-based contract electronics-manufacturing services provider Prism Electronics Limited become better problem solvers.
Eight members of staff at Prism Electronics undertook the government-funded Business Improvement Techniques NVQ Level 2. It was undertaken to acquaint staff across all functions of the company with “lean manufacturing”business improvement techniques focussing on waste reduction.
In addition to developing lean manufacturing principles, delegates also learned how to take a structured approach to problem solving. The purpose of the course was to improve business effectiveness and increase customer service levels whilst providing more rewarding employment for staff.
The course, facilitated by a consultant through Cambridge Regional College (www.camre.ac.uk), is part of an ongoing process of improvement in the company. The first session took place at the college and subsequent sessions were held at Prism’s St Ives premises.
Course modules included complying with statutory regulations and organisational safety requirements, contributing to effective team working,applying 5S workplace organisation techniques, Kaizen continuous improvement techniques, creating visual management systems and applying problem-solving techniques.
The Business Improvement Techniques NVQ program provides an industry standard qualification centred on the proven tools and techniques of lean manufacturing. It is designed to support continuous improvement by promoting effective team working and developing lean skills across the Prism workforce.
The Prism staff who took the course were David Dale, Robert Follon, Phil Lennard, Linda Rose, Nicola Shepherd, Lindsay Webb, Kellie Whitworth and Paul Young.
