staff training is a real family affair at TMD Friction, in Hartlepool .

More than 30 workers and their partners are getting to grips with IT.

The brake pads manufacturer has supported a major learning initiative through the Automotive Sector Strategic Alliance (Assa) to develop the computer skills of team leaders who supervise the factory floor.

The course is aimed at improving the overall effectiveness of individuals through relevant learning. They allow TMD employees to learn at work, during their lunch breaks and also at their own computers at home.

Because of this flexible method of learning, husbands and wives of TMD workers have also seen the benefits for themselves and wanted to get in on the act.

Colin Bromley, production manager at TMD Friction, said: "TMD was established in 1971 and now employs 200 staff. Due to an increase in orders we are expecting to expand our workforce to 250 over the next few years and want the staff to be equipped to cope with this change.

"We have recently updated our entire computer network and wanted to get the best out of this major investment. We were approached by Assa with a range of IT courses that were directly relevant to our employees.

"Assa has an unmatched reputation in training for manufacturers and we were so impressed that we decided to extend the service to partners of TMD staff."

The learning is delivered through the Assahub, part of the Government's innovative lifelong learning initiative - learndirect.

One of the team leaders enrolled on the course is Andy Watson. His wife, Karen, manages a fruit shop in Seaham and is among those using the course to benefit her business.

Andy said: "I have been with TMD Friction for 13 years and have progressed to become a team leader in charge of 20 other employees. The job requires me to run my section of the workshop as efficiently as possible, and at the heart of this is computers.

"By learning at my own pace, and where and when I want, I have been able to grasp the fundamentals of computing and produce performance graphs, work schedules and skills matrices.

"Karen has really got into the training as well. She is using her new-found skills to produce posters and marketing materials for the business."

TMD Friction is establishing a purpose-built IT suite on site for staff to use before and after work and is hoping to offer the courses to other employees in the future.

Heather West, a learning facilitator for Assahub, said: "It is incredibly rewarding for us to see, not only TMD staff, but their families get involved in learning to help them at work, support their studies or simply to improve their understanding of computers."

For more information about courses delivered through Assahub, contact Heather West on 0191-415 9410.