A METAL product manufacturer is offering staff the chance to boost their prospects in the industry under a new scheme.

Hydram, on the Chilton Industrial Estate, in County Durham, has enlisted the help of the Automotive Sector Strategic Alliance (Assa) to deliver training and development courses leading to recognised qualifications.

As a training provider for the automotive and high volume manufacturing industries, Assa has helped more than 1,000 people find jobs in the region and offers courses to increase productivity and promote best practice.

Hydram specialises in bespoke metal products, supplying companies ranging from Komatsu to Electrolux, and has adopted training and certification tailored to its needs.

Of its 100 employees, more than half have already taken part in more than 90 courses, including Japanese improvement techniques Kaizen and 5S.

Quality manager Andrew Robertson said: "These programmes have given our employees an opportunity to take control of their professional development and to gain accreditation for the skills they utilise at work each day.

"It has been an invaluable and refreshing exercise to apply cutting edge training initiatives to our production processes."

Learning facilitator with Assa, Mick McGarrell, said: "These courses give every member of the Hydram team the opportunity to learn skills and gain experience that will enhance their personal development and productivity."