"A competent workforce means higher productivity"

Richard Owens, managing director of Almac Engineering, believes that training can add to the bottom line.  We asked him to tell us why it’s important to his business to provide ongoing training for existing staff. 

Q. Tell us about Almac and its training ethos

A. We’re based in Cardiff and we specialise in ductwork manufacture and installation. Almac was set up in 2000 and we now employ 12 people. We’ve been fully committed to training from day one and this policy means that nearly all our staff hold a formal NVQ qualification – many now at level 3. 

Q. How have NVQs helped your business?

A. We carried out the training in two phases to minimise the impact on the
business. NVQs are the only way of demonstrating that your employees are safe and competent. Knowing that our staff have NVQs also means that they have been able to gain a Skillcard which is proof of competence and enables them to gain access onto site. 

Q. So how has training benefited Almac’s performance?

A. It’s important to have confidence in the people who are going out and doing
the job – and qualifications provide just that.  Competent employees also work
together better as a team, which in turn helps to enhance productivity and
boosts the bottom line. That’s what I’d say to anyone who thinks training doesn’t pay.  We’re also very proud that one of our employees was named Ductwork Engineer of the Year by the Welsh Training Group.

Q. In a nutshell?

A. As I see it, it’s essential that people have not only skills and experience but
the qualifications to match. In the long term, training really will pay for itself.

Q. And finally – what does a good day at work mean to you?

A. To me it’s all about the satisfaction of knowing we’ve done a good job. Knowing that our staff have the qualifications they need is an important aspect of that confidence. Business-wise, of course, a good day should always be a profitable one!