Formerly the testing arm of Bodycote plc, the company was established in 1980 and has grown significantly through organic and geographic expansion.  In 2008, it was bought by Clayton, Dubilier and Rice, (CD&R), and rebranded as Exova.   Its objective is to build on its excellent reputation in testing services and to expand the company’s sphere of influence.

As an accredited testing laboratory, Exova operates to National and International Standards and therefore undertakes a significant amount of internal staff training.  However, conscious that staff members do not necessarily hold external qualifications relevant to their current employment, the company asked Trafford College to deliver an NVQ programme to its test technicians. 

John Wilcox, Talent Manager for Exova, said “The aim was to ensure best practise and to improve customer confidence in what we do.  We chose Trafford College because it offers the appropriate framework for our business, it has a reputation for excellence in the sector, it listened to our requirements and works with us to meet our needs.”

The solution

First, the NVQ Framework in Laboratory and Technical Activities was identified as meeting the business needs.  Then a training needs analysis was carried out by the company on its technical staff in order to identify those without relevant external qualifications.  These individuals were then invited to take part in an NVQ programme delivered by Trafford College.

“We started with the Testing Assistants,” said John, “ensuring that they were qualified at Level 2.  The next phase was to target the team leaders, and get them qualified at level 3.”

To date, Trafford College has delivered over 20 NVQs across four sites in the North West. 

The result

On achievement of the NVQ, all employees are interviewed to check on the perceived benefits of the training and assessment process.  They see the benefits of the NVQ as:

• Providing confirmation and recognition of the quality of in-house training
• Confirming that they are working to best practise:  standard procedures are being followed and international standard are being complied with
• Helping them fully appreciate the scope of the job and its importance
• Increasing their confidence in their own abilities and quality of their work
• Recognising their status by awarding them a qualification for what they do.

The company also sees the value in the NVQs.  The assessment process adds value to the written documents that are in place to ensure good working practises, and reinforces the need to work to these written procedures.  Health and safety procedures are also reinforced, as is the need for good housekeeping. 

The relationship between the company and the college continues to develop, with the some staff now attending the college on a day release basis to study for other technical qualifications.