WORKERS at one of the world's biggest tea manufacturers have new qualifications after a partnership was formed with Middlesbrough College.

Tetley - which employs more than 600 people at a factory in Eaglescliffe, on Teesside, and a depot in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham - was keen to boost the skills of its workforce.

It has teamed up with Middlesbrough College to offer a variety of NVQ programmes, starting with a pilot course in warehouse and distribution and team leading at the Aycliffe site.

Following that initial success, employees were able to study towards other NVQs, including performing manufacturing operations.

So far, the programme has gained a 96 per cent success rate, and earlier this month, the first 50 members of Eaglescliffe production staff received certificates for passing the Level 2 Performing manufacturing operations course.

The next phase of training for another 45 production employees is under way.

Jeff Milburn, director of employee responsiveness for Middlesbrough College, said: "We're delighted at the impact this partnership has had.

"Ensuring its employees have the right skills is essential to any business and we look forward to continuing to work closely with Tetley in the future."

Tony Stubbs, manufacturing manager for Tetley, said: "This is a fantastic achievement for all involved.

As a business, we value staff development highly and see the benefits it brings to our productivity and our employees' personal development."