The Scania Training Centre, based in Loughborough, was awarded the Training Quality Standard for Employers in March 2008. Whilst authoring the application, right at the start of process, the training centre instantly recognised the potential value of the Standard for Employers when applied to its internal training function, and felt:

'…by taking part, we would learn whether what we considered good practice actually stood up to the rigour of the [Standard for Employer’s] assessment process'

Stephen Brown, Programme Manager

In preparing the submission for the Standard for Employers, Stephen Brown described a range of benefits in having to pull together the information required within an application. He stated that ‘it was good… to step back and look at what we do’, reflecting on the planning, approaches and results in place to assess the impact that the training had, not only on its customers within the Scania network, but the company as a whole. Going through the process allowed the training centre to see ‘how it fitted into not only Scania GB’s plan…but Scania’s global plan’ and its role as a ‘key player in helping to solve the issue of getting skilled people into the organisation and also raising the profile of the industry in general.’

Furthermore, receiving recognition of its achievement from its customers within the Scania network has been equally gratifying. On sharing the news of the award to the Scania network, the Loughborough Training Centre has received numerous congratulations; ‘the network is full of glowing praise’, Stephen remarked. He also explained that as the apprenticeship programme they deliver is purely an option and not compulsory for the network, ‘this speaks volumes for the fact that we continue to be supported…In turn, [the network is] now starting to appreciate what we actually do and how we can help it better.’

When asked whether the Scania Training Centre will continue to apply the principles of the Training Quality Standard for Employers to its business, Stephen stated:

‘Most definitely: achieving the award has now produced a solid platform….not only to maintain this level of performance but to give us the confidence to continue to improve in the knowledge that we have been recognised nationally, not only by the Standard for Employers, or our approach to training, but for the contribution we have made to the Scania Network as a whole.’

Mark Oliver and Stephen Brown, Scania, receiving their Training Quality Standard for Employers certificate from Michele Roberts, Learning and Skills Council.