Akabusi celebrates achievement by 'sprinting' around the potteries
Friday 6th October 2006
Olympian Kriss Akabusi, embarked on a ‘sprint’ around 10 pottery companies in just one day to celebrate the achievements of learners graduating from the ‘University on the Shop Floor’, a unique programme that promotes the virtues of work-based learning in the ceramic industry.
As a vital weapon in the ceramics sector’s growing search for greater competitiveness the programme was implemented through a partnership between the Ceramic Industry Forum (CIF) and the Association for Ceramic Training and Development (ACTD), has seen over 2400 learners registered since its launch.
The aim of ‘University on the Shop Floor’ is to encourage companies to work together as a partnership, making learning and education available to all individuals, groups and businesses in the industry.
Throughout the fast-paced day, Kriss visited 10 companies to celebrate the achievements, of over 150 learners that have gained NVQ, Management and Basic Skills qualifications.
As a keen advocate of life-long learning, the former Olympic Silver medalist presented certificates and prizes to learners who have excelled through the learning network.
He explains: “I’m excited to have the chance to meet these remarkable people who have embraced learning in order to acquire the necessary skills to overcome the wide scale changes seen in the sector
“It was a great opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of these learners that have worked incredibly hard to achieve great results whilst working and of course, to the companies that have supported them throughout their learning.
Kath Mellor from Wade Ceramics in Burslem is one of the learners on the scheme and explained the impact of the visit “It really meant a lot for someone like Kriss to come and visit us. He gave us some really inspiring messages and said that although we’ve gained these qualifications this isn’t the end - it’s just the beginning.
“That message really hit home and since Kriss’ visit I really feel like I have the confidence to go on and learn more so I can be even more successful in my job.”
Keith Marsh, Director of the ACTD, picked up the story: “The input from the industry has been absolutely critical to the success of the project. We’ve asked them to contribute not only their facilities, but also the time of their employees, which in today’s manufacturing environment is a scarce commodity indeed.”
“Thankfully, the UK ceramic industry is ready for change and each one of the companies we’ve visited has more than risen to the challenge that has been presented to them.”
He continued: “We are delighted with the support from partners of the project, such as Advantage West Midlands and Staffordshire Learning and Skills Council. As a result we designed a celebration event to acknowledge and encourage everyone involved.”
The £3.2m project is funded through Advantage West Midlands (AWM) with all government investment matched by the industry in the form of time, facilities and resources.
Mark Abrams, Partnerships Director for Staffordshire at AWM, said: “It’s people that have made this project the success that it is, from managers who realise the importance of training their workforce, to employees determined to learn skills which enable them to work to the best of their ability.
“These are testing times for the ceramics industry but University on the Shop Floor is a regional success story, putting companies on a competitive footing to take on the challenges of a global economy.”
Sue Evans, Chief Executive of the CIF, reinforced the praise for the project:
“There have already been a number of notable successes, not least the achievements of successful learners and the value that companies have derived from empowering their employees to learn.”
“Each company that has employees registered as learners at the University automatically becomes a member of the Ceramics Industry Learning Network (CILN), which allows companies to share information and experiences and encourages non-participating firms to learn through collaboration,” continued Sue.
“The result is tangible business improvements that create value for everyone involved.”
Kriss concluded: “I feel very honoured to have been able to meet so many remarkable people and to have the chance to say thank you to the companies that have supported the programme. By shouting the results from the rooftops, I’m sure that other companies will be encouraged to get on board so they also reap the benefits of ‘University on the Shopfloor’.”
For further information on Kriss Akabusi contact 0870 444 1975 or visit his website: www.akabusi.com
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