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Wrigley Gets its Teeth into Learning
TOP Plymouth employer, The Wrigley Company, has signed up to the Learning and Skills Council’s (LSC) ‘Skills Pledge’ to develop its employees’ talents.
Managers at the company are welcoming the new initiative, which the LSC has developed as part of its ongoing aim to make England better skilled and more competitive.
By participating in the Skills Pledge, Wrigley is committing itself to helping its employees work towards a relevant, valuable qualification that is at least NVQ Level 2 standard (the equivalent of five GCSEs at A - C grade) and to mastering basic numeracy and literacy skills.
Ingrid Purse, LSC SW Train to Gain (Brokerage) Skills Development Manager, said: “The LSC aims to improve the skills of this country’s young people and adults to ensure we have a workforce of world-class standard.
“The Skills Pledge is an opportunity for employers to make a public statement about their commitment to improving the skills of their staff. Already a number of major employers have made that statement and many more have expressed an interest. Supporting and encouraging learning and skills development helps everyone – the employer, the workforce and society.”
Wrigley’s Training Specialist, Jenny Taylor, said she thought the Skills Pledge was an excellent idea.
“This initiative from the LSC is very much in line with our company ethos. It’s accepted that Plymouth has a literacy problem with many people leaving school unable to read and write properly. The Wrigley Company already helps employees improve their skills in literacy and numeracy through City College Plymouth and we offer everyone support gaining qualifications up to NVQ level 2. The Skills Pledge will make this a more formal procedure and help publicise the message and hopefully encourage more people to take part.
“Ensuring staff reach their potential is very important to The Wrigley Company. We believe the more skills we can equip people with the better - not just for the company but also for the individual.”
Jenny also said that with the help and support of the LSC’s Train to Gain service, Wrigley is hoping it can become even more creative with the learning opportunities it offers staff.
