Wiltan

Wiltan manufactures components for the transformer industry was among the first wave of businesses to sign the groundbreaking Basic Skills Employer Pledge, part of the Welsh Assembly Government's all-age National Basic Skills Strategy for Wales. The pledge, pioneered in Wales, was highly commended in the landmark Leitch Report on UK skills and is now being adopted across the country. So far 370 Welsh employers have made this commitment to boost the basic skills of their workforces. Wiltan say the pledge has helped a large proportion of the workforce and greatly improved recruitment, retention and productivity. Signing the Pledge has led to Wiltan joining forces with Torfaen Council's TABS team to launch the 'Step-Up' project. The scheme includes courses in spreadsheets and IT have encouraged staff not only to up skill themselves but to 'supporting your child in IT' and 'manage your budget'. Wiltan's Director Alison Itani said the new staff skills have had resulted in the company saving money and staff gaining confidence to help their children with homework. Furthermore, Wiltan's steel waste has dropped from 3% to 1% saving £7000 a month. So far the business estimates it has saved £100,000 from more efficient production time, better quality goods, less waste, and less staff absence. The company is so highly regarded that it had 50 job applications for one vacancy. Most of its staff live very close to the unit in Pontnewynydd. Alison said: "It was exciting to pick up an award. We can't believe we are now on the shortlist against three big name brands. It shows that businesses of every size can gain benefits from encouraging their staff toimprove their skills. We give our staff the opportunity to learn during work-time and hope that they pass that enthusiasm on to their friends and family who may well be our future employees." Torfaen Councillor Richard Clark, Executive Member for Regeneration, said: "Wiltan Ltd is helping to raise the profile of lifelong learning. It means the children and family of the staff hear positive things about learning which hopefully will encourage them to continue to learn. Our TABS team were keen to get involved in this project and hope it encourages other business to get involved." Stephen Howard, Chief Executive, Business in the Community said: "The Big Tick is now recognised as both a valuable and difficult award to achieve. It means a company has demonstrated ways in which they positively make a difference to the environment, their workplace, the community or in the marketplace in which they sell, advertise or trade. "Those who achieve the Big Tick are leading companies, ones that run their businesses aware that they depend above all on the talent, innovation and loyalty of their people. They know that they cannot build a successful sustainable business without constantly showing their commitment to being a better business." John Griffiths, Welsh Assembly Government Deputy Minister for Skills, said: "Wiltan are to be warmly congratulated for the huge strides they have made in improving employee skills and confidence since signing the Basic Skills Employer Pledge. The company is a shining example of how investment in such skills can have a major positive impact on business success. "As a government we are committed to increasing the skill levels of Wales workforce. Our ´Skills that Work for Wales´ strategy will play a key role in achieving this vision." The winner of the national prize will be announced on 7 July at the Royal Albert Hall in London.