Why are you backing the Manufacturing Management Show?
JTJ is proud to be working with some of Britain’s best manufacturers. The Manufacturing Management Show is a fantastic opportunity for us to continue supporting this exciting sector, learning from industry leaders and being involved in the future success of British manufacturing. The show is the best forum to bring together manufacturing professionals, share best practice and learn about new and exciting advancements within the industry.
Why do you believe it is important to have a multifaceted manufacturing show like MMS?
Time savings are critical for managers especially within this demanding sector. With a focus around lean and continuous improvement (CI) within our Business Improvement Techniques apprenticeship training programmes, JTJ is delighted that the structure of this show, with everything under one roof, is lean in itself. It is an extremely efficient way for manufacturing professionals to gain the info they require in just one or two days.
Manufacturing has a historic skills problem- how can JTJ help?
There is no better asset than your people. And if they are not fully trained or own the skills needed both they and your business are not maximising their full potential.
Businesses facing a skills shortage are being forced to reskill and upskill their workforce. It is becoming an increasingly attractive way to get the most out of the people you already have as well as a strong recruitment retention tool. Upskilling your workforce brings numerous benefits and is an effective route to increased productivity, performance and motivation
Our training drives business performance through continuous improvement techniques aligned to lean management and six sigma methodologies to upskill existing workforces and offering the business with long term benefits and performance results. JTJ has earned an unrivalled reputation as the provider of choice in the delivery of Improving Operational Performance (IOP )and Business Improvement Techniques apprenticeship schemes. We work with some of the most influential businesses within the sector and have helped firms deliver millions of pounds of savings through upskilling their workforces.
What are the biggest challenges facing UK manufacturing over the next 12 months?
Without doubt, the skills shortage is a key challenge. One of the main contributors to this shortage is the extended supply chain. We have seen that the complexities of the modern supply chain has resulted in the principal supplier dominating the job market in terms of the ability to pay the highest salaries as well as offer the best benefits and training schemes.
In essence, they are getting the best people. This has meant that lower down the supply chain, companies are struggling to recruit and retain the best people. In these markets, people often move jobs for a few more pounds per hour rate.
Why should manufacturing managers be aware of JTJ?
Many UK businesses are unaware of the government and EU funding allocated to the reskilling and upskilling, but in effect this means that companies are able to offer bespoke apprentice schemes to its employees which are completely funded by the public sector. In fact, this funding is so under utilised that we calculate that there are reserves of more than £350 million from the UK's Skills Funding Agency and an outstanding £650 million untapped from the European Social Fund.
All of this is attainable through accredited apprentice training programmes. This means that most businesses can reskill and retrain their staff through tailored courses covering everything from functional skills (English, maths, health & safety etc) through to core training programmes to advance and improve performance on the shopfloor.
What’s your favourite UK-manufactured product and why?
Dyson - an innovative example of the great pioneering manufacturing ideas coming out of the UK today
What makes British manufacturing great?
A combination of the workforce, the willingness to embrace new ideas and ability to adapt proactively to market challenges both at home and abroad
What is the most impressive factory site you have visited and why?
I'm probably biased, but I would pick Vertu (client of JTJ's) it's simply, beautifully hand craftsmanship all the way.
QWhat do you wish was made in the UK and why?
Huff House - a completely prefabricated house build in component parts, delivered on a lorry direct to your building plot and assembled in under 48hrs - simplicity in motion.
Who is your manufacturing super hero and why?
Xtrac – a company developing transmission systems that lead the way in harnessing engineering excellence. Applied uses include - Formula1, Moto GP and Le Mans 24 through to every car on the Indy500 grid in 2015
What’s the most important super power, or gift, the manufacturing sector could receive and why?
Unlocking your workforce’s potential through harnessing the skills to develop, drive and capability to dominate its market sector for many years to come...
JTJ Workplace Solutions will be exhibiting at the Manufacturing Management Show at the Ricoh arena, Coventry on 23-24 November. JTJ will also be delivering a series of hands on workshop sessions at theatres on the showfloor, which will explain more about upskilling opportunities for UK manufacturing businesses. Find out more about the show at www.manufactuingmanagementshow.co.uk
