Plant operators reap benefits of college training

A training centre launched on the Kingsnorth site in January 2009 and run by Norec Limited in partnership with MidKent College has enabled 80 workers at the coal-fired plant to gain a full NVQ qualification in plant operations. The college and the power station are now looking to train a further 120 workers by the end of March 2011.

The training scheme, funded through Train to Gain and subsidised with more than £15,000 worth of Norec funding, forms part of a national push to up-skill the entire Norec Group workforce.

“As well as working in partnership with Norec at its Kingsnorth plant, the college is also delighted to be supporting it with training at power stations as far afield as Liverpool and Rugeley,” said head of the college’s Business Development Unit, Jacqui Brown. “Norec’s aim is to ensure all its operators are fully competent and qualified in their role, across the country,” she added.

Kingsnorth worker Garrick Capp said he was pleased to have completed the NVQ qualification. “We only did in-house training before,” said the 32 year old from Hoo. “I’ve worked here for eight years, but feel much more confident in my role now. I’m also happy to have my first nationally-recognised qualification in plant operations, as I can take it with me when I move on from here.” 

Site manager at Kingsnorth, John Huxted, said: “We’ve seen an increase in the enthusiasm of our staff because we’ve demonstrated through part-funding the training that we value them as employees and are committed to developing their skills. We’ve also seen an increase in competency amongst the workers.

“As a manager I like to know that my staff are trained to a high-quality, national standard. This training opportunity was one we simply couldn’t miss.”