City and Guilds, the leading provider of vocational qualifications in the United Kingdom has awarded SMC Pneumatics (UK) Limited with approved centre status, for its pneumatics training programme.

City and Guilds, the leading provider of vocational qualifications in the United Kingdom has awarded SMC Pneumatics (UK) Limited with approved centre status, for its pneumatics training programme for industry. The programmes offered by SMC cover Pneumatic Technology, Electro-Pneumatics and PLC technology, and are held at a number of centres (and at customer premises), around the UK, and will now offer, in addition to the CVA (Certificate of Verified Achievement) a contribution towards N/SVQ'S. The N/SVQ'S (National Vocational Qualifications and Scottish Vocational Qualifications) assess the skills, knowledge and ability needed by people working in industry.

They are generally undertaken at work, or between the workplace and a local accredited centre, and a suitably qualified tutor usually acts as the assessor.

The qualifications comprise a number of core and optional units so that the employee can choose the route best suited to their particular ambitions, or their company requirements.

NVQs are available at five levels and include qualifications for those who are just starting their careers, to those at supervisory and management level.

Government organisations, such as the Learning Skills Council, recognise that employers need to take a closer look at training programmes offered for their workforce, and in a recent report* states '...for the individual organisation or firm, the evidence reveals that investment in workforce development is repaid with higher levels of organizational performance.

While the relationship is undoubtedly a complex one, subject to many caveats and qualifications, the finding that investment in workforce development improves organisational performance remains a robust and valid one.' SMC has invested heavily in training, and as the world's leading manufacturer of pneumatic components and automation equipment, the company has the resources, skills and expertise in providing an exceptional standard of training.

The training courses are presented by professional, experienced, and qualified trainers, and cover both theory and practical within the range.

Format of courses includes interactive workshop, real-life problem solving, practical circuit design and construction, as well as the use of state-of-the-art modules for each delegate.

Venues currently include Milton Keynes, Cumbernauld, North Tyneside College and Egham (Brunel University), and courses vary between 3 to 5 days, depending upon level chosen.

In addition, the company offers bespoke training, for customers needing a focused approach to their pneumatics training, pertinent to their own business.

SMC will tailor and ensure an exact fit to customer needs.

Skills in England 2003 produced by the Learning Skills Council.

Report prepared for the Learning and skills council by Institute for Employment Research, University of Warwick, Coventry.

About City and Guilds: City and Guilds is a household name - in fact, according to recent consumer surveys, one in five households has a City and Guilds qualification.

Established in 1878 to encourage education and training in, and for, the workplace, they have built close links with industry, government and training organisations to identify the skills needed to support the UK economy.

City and Guilds is the leading vocational awarding body in the UK, awarding almost 50% of all National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs).

They are a global organisation, too, providing unique internationally recognised qualifications across the world through City and Guilds International.

As the only awarding body solely dedicated to vocational learning, offering companies worldwide a recognised skills benchmark.

There are more than 8,500 approved City and Guilds centres worldwide offering more than 500 qualifications in almost all sectors - from agriculture to hairdressing, and from IT to vehicle maintenance.

City and Guilds provides a range of office-based qualifications through City and Guilds Pitman Qualifications, and a comprehensive set of management qualifications through the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM).

City and Guilds Affinity sector offers a well-respected and extensive suite of awards in health, care, early years and community services.