Derby roll-out of bespoke structured employee development process is paying dividends
8 January 2024
After our Award-winning training programme was pioneered at our Barnstable site, TEX Plastics Derby facility embraced investing in a new approach to give both operatives and apprentices' more 'on-the-job' training.
The feedback from operatives has been amazing
Throughout 2023, we remapped the production facility at Derby and looked at how we could possibly improve efficiency, quality and staff welfare. As a result TEX Plastics has undertaken the largest investment programme in its history. It's not finished yet, but with 12 new, highly energy efficient, injection moulding machines installed, a new quality lab and welfare facilities, plus the implementation of our bespoke award-winning training academy - were now feeling the benefits.
A structured employee development process bespoke to TEX Plastics
Creating a structured employee development process bespoke to TEX Plastics was pioneered at Barnstaple. Now rolled out in Derby, operatives who have gone through the programme have fed back how they feel more confident to resolve problems effectively and efficiently. The business has seen the benefit directly impact the bottom line and the positive impact on staff as it's reduced downtime, improved quality and increased output.
Creating an 'F1 Pit Crew' at Derby
The in-house training has been likened to creating an F1 pit crew, in that everyone involved in the plastic injection moulding process works together, they understand their role and that of everyone on the team. The objective of the training programme is to develop a higher skilled workforce.
Mind the gap!
It starts with each person being assessed on their knowledge and skills, then clarifying the part they played in delivering success to the business. This was then linked to their personal aspirations and development opportunities. The gap between where they feel they are and where they want to be becomes each individual’s goal. The result is a highly focused team, where each person can be the best they can be.
There are multiple roles and it’s about recognising which areas suit the individual
Understanding the work environment, the role the individual plays within it, plus the wider opportunities within the business has been key. The most effective training for any technician we have found, comes from the training they receive within the position they hold. To have strong technical knowledge, an individual must be exposed to nearly all departments within their working environment. Some they will enjoy and thrive in, others they will endure – everyone is different. We must recognise that.
Within TEX Plastics there are many opportunities:
• Logistics
• Technicians
• Toolmakers
• Fitters & maintenance engineers
• Post moulding operations
• Quality
• Management
Where you start does not dictate where you end up
The benefits of a long-term training approach is, that whatever the previous experience an individual may have gained in a role, should they want to change direction - it adds to their value. If someone is in a role and really enjoys it, the training will develop their expertise, so they can progress their personal development. If someone finds a role difficult, unchallenging, or just plain boring - there are many roles within the organisation. It's about finding the right fit for both the individual and business.
Home Grown Timber - it's about creating strength in depth
By consistently exposing our people to the various skillsets within our facilities, over time we build weaknesses into strengths. Working with Sierra 57 Consult, we have developed a complex skill matrix that outlines the needs of our different teams. We use this matrix to plan a training approach specifically tailored to everyone joining the company. As the team matures and grows, we have seen the benefits in people wanting to develop within TEX Plastics, rather than feel they need to move jobs to achieve their life goals.