Equality and Diversity
Training 2000 Limited is fully committed to the principles of equality and diversity in employment and training. We will aim to ensure that no employee or applicant for employment is treated less favourably on the grounds of colour, race, age, nationality or ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, creed, offender background or marital status or any other condition which cannot be shown to be justifiable.
The Company recognises the benefits that can be secured through employing a diverse workforce and harnessing the individual talents of staff from different backgrounds and with different skills.
We are committed to providing fair and equal treatment for all staff and all staff are expected to treat everyone with whom they come into contact with dignity and respect.
Below are some examples of our equality and diversity projects:
WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) Partnership award – November 2010
Training 2000 has received national recognition for its investment in encouraging young girls into science, engineering and construction.
HRH The Princess Royal presented the award which gives credit to companies that bridge the gap for females entering male-dominated roles. Training 2000 was recognised for their single-sex Girls Allowed in Engineering and Girls Allowed in Construction workshops and their WISE Monkeys (Widening Information about Stereotyping and Equality) project for year six pupils, which saw them beating off competition from Careers Wales and L’Oreal.
Marilyn Pilkington, 14-19 Engagement Manager, said: “We’re delighted to have received this award and to have been recognised for the work we have done in helping to remove the barriers young girls face when looking for work in a male-dominated sector. Gender should not dictate where people can or can’t work and I think that this award acknowledges recognition at a national level for our programmes.”
Photo shows Marilyn Pilkington with the award
Equality and Diversity in Training 2000's Forklift Truck Department
It is always a refreshing change to see an employer who is willing to train female operators and give them the chance to progress on an equal footing with their male colleagues. Two female learners from James Dewhurst Ltd recently undertook an NVQ in “Plant operations.” They are both excellent examples in representing diversity in the workforce in both our forklift truck department and their company.
The course proved very successful for both Matgorzatta and Karolina who passed their practical tests demonstrating excellent operating skills. They will now go back to their company and will be able to use forklift trucks to bring heavy reels of raw material to and from machine without having to ask others for help. It will make them both more versatile and independent workers who will also be seen as a female doing a great job driving their trucks and helping to break down gender stereotypes even further.
Photo shows Matgorzatta and Karolina in the fork lift truck centre in Blackburn
United Colours of Training 2000
20 staff from across Training 2000 were driven together last year to raise awareness of the company's commitment to employing a diverse workforce. In an exercise to illustrate the company's diversity, Training 2000's Equality and Diversity Team donned their overalls to take part in a car spraying challenge. Using a vehicle donated by BMW training, the team were tasked with spraying the car to represent the diversity of the company. With the help of apprentices from the automotive centre, the team produced a multi-colour creation which will be put on display at our head office on Furthergate Business Park, Blackburn.
Photo shows the Equality and Diversity Team with the finished creation.
Upskilling at 80+
There is always an opportunity to learn more and increase your skills according to 82 year old automotive technician Eric Stronge. Still running his Bolton based business, Autocool, and classing himself as “semi retired” Eric recently achieved IMI Level 3 award in Automotive Refrigerant Handling. When asked what advice he could offer young people leaving school Eric said “Be sure to pick a career that matches your abilities and one that you will enjoy. There is nothing worse than doing a job you hate.” After more than 40 years in the business that sounds like good advice.
Photo shows Eric in the Training 2000 automotive centre at Blackburn