New framework for lean manufacturing skills

The Operations and Quality Improvement Advanced Apprenticeship Framework, issued by sector skills council Semta, was produced in partnership with leading employers and their supply chains. It aims to create a pool of talent across the UK which can help businesses to become more productive and remain globally competitive. The framework sets out the skills, knowledge and understanding that employees require to identify and then deliver the continuous and sustainable quality, cost and delivery improvements for products, processes or services that are fundamental to lean operations. Semta chief executive Philip Whiteman said: "The long-term profitability and competitiveness of Britain's manufacturing base depends on being able to manufacture high value added products more cost effectively, with greater quality and productivity than international competition. "Between 1998 and 2007 gross value added productivity per engineering employee increased by 47%. Our new framework will help keep up this momentum. It provides employers with a programme based on proven tools and techniques which promote effective team working whilst developing continuous improvement skills across the workforce." Job roles relevant to the framework include business improvement co-ordinators, lean manufacturing facilitators, production team leaders and Six Sigma quality and reliability co-ordinators.