MORE than 3,000 workers at the Nissan car plant, in Sunderland, are to be trained in how to improve the manufacturing process.

The three-year scheme will see employees earn an NVQ level two in Business Improvement Techniques.

The qualification assesses the ability to carry out a range of improvement activities, such as online quality control and data gathering, plus suggesting and participating in improvements to the production process.

Steve Pallas, Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK's training manager, said: "Although it's valuable that staff receive a qualification, by launching the initiative we also hope to foster an improvement mind-set in our employees. If we can gain external recognition for our staff, while also encouraging them to think creatively and suggest improvements to how they work, then the scheme will be doubly successful."

It follows the success of a similar initiative five years ago, when all 3,300 assembly line workers achieved an NVQ level two in performing manufacturing operations.

Mr Pallas said: "We already know that our workforce is heavily involved in this kind of activity, but at the moment they have no external proof of this.

"Like the previous NVQ initiative, this new programme will equip our staff with a nationally-recognised qualification, allowing them to demonstrate the skills and experience we know they have."

The scheme is being co-ordinated by Assa - the Automotive Sector Strategic Alliance.