Ford Motor Company is the third largest car manufacturer in the world, producing in excess of 7 million vehicles annually and employing 13,000 individuals in the UK.
The company’s main aim is to drive competitive advantage through cost efficiency. Its Skills for Life strategy aims to develop a skilled workforce committed to improving the business whilst maintaining employment opportunities now and for the future.
An innovative methodology was required to meet the needs of a dynamic, manufacturing environment and those of a predominantly male, ethnically diverse, long-serving and middle-aged workforce. Additionally, international and technological competitiveness have placed substantial pressure on the company to become as efficient as possible.
Responding to these challenges, Ford has focused its pilot training programmes on Dagenham Engine Plant in East London, and aims to bolster its competitive position by increasing productivity by 20%.This initiative is being rolled out nationally.
Employees take part in 1:1 coaching sessions and assessment with dedicated skills coaches, leading to national qualifications, and often remain hungry to achieve further. These programmes have enabled Ford to work with learning providers, policy makers and trade unions who understand the importance of business productivity and the skill-rich workforce it is dependent upon.
Ford was one of the first companies to sign the Skills Pledge, reflecting its commitment to employee development, and allowing it to re-affirm plans for upskilling the workforce. It is this inclusive and multi-partnered approach that has enabled Ford’s Skills for Life strategy to be both sustainable and highly effective.
