FOOD manufacturer Bake Best is turning up the heat on its training and development programme aided by Training Development Resource (TDR).

Bake Best, Gateshead-based manufacturers of biscuits and cereal bars for supermarkets, contacted TDR about its workforce development service.

The company operates three shifts a day and relies on its mechanical engineers to keep production running smoothly. If electrical problems occur it has to call in an electrician.

Now six engineers, their manager and an apprentice are being helped to broaden their skills.

Personnel manager Susan Malston said: "Our engineers are all experienced fitters, but over the past few months we've realised that if they had basic electrical skills it would give them added job satisfaction, save the company money and create greater efficiencies."

TDR's workforce development manager, Darren Bentham, developed a multi-skilling programme covering a wide range of electrical tasks.

He said: "We work closely with companies to understand their training needs and source tailored programmes to meet those requirements."