University's New Partnership With Toyota Set To Improve Workforce's Skills
3 October 2012
Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne (left) with Tony Walker, Deputy Managing Director Toyota Manufacturing UK (right)
We have been working with the University for a few years already, so we know that they bring the high level of capability in technical and educational skills that we need for this vital enhancement of our staff's professional development.
”Tony Walker, Deputy Managing Director of Toyota Manufacturing UK
A new online learning platform designed to support staff training and development at Toyota Manufacturing UK, one of the region's biggest employers, is set to launch next year after the car manufacturing giant signed a contract with University of Derby Corporate (UDC) for its delivery, development and ongoing technical support.
The platform, which will be managed by Toyota's HR department, will be based on a system used by UDC to deliver its own corporate e-learning projects. Its functionality will include an online course diary and booking process to enable staff to identify and book onto suitable training courses, a personal training record for each staff member, an online appraisal system and competency evaluation.
This contract is the latest in a string of new business wins UDC has secured this year, which sees it increasingly working with national and regional businesses to provide work-based learning and skills development programmes for their employees.
Andrew Hartley, Managing Director of UDC, said: "We've been working closely with Toyota's management team for the past few months exploring how we can support their staff development, so we're delighted to be able to work with them on this new project.
"Not only will the learning platform enhance the ability of employees to develop their skills and undertake personal development, it should also lead to increased productivity and efficiency. This project marks a significant milestone in the development of our close working relationship with Toyota."
Tony Walker, Deputy Managing Director of Toyota Manufacturing UK, added: "We are committed to the ongoing professional development of our staff and this new partnership with the University of Derby will be a significant contribution to improving the learning opportunities for our Engineering and Specialist professionals.
"We have been working with the University for a few years already, so we know that they bring the high level of capability in technical and educational skills that we need for this vital enhancement of our staff's professional development."
UDC is the corporate training and development division of the University of Derby. It works with a wide variety of organisations to deliver work-based learning programmes and accredited qualifications that improve key capabilities such as service, innovation, leadership and problem solving.
For further information on UDC visit www.derby.ac.uk/corporate or call 0800 678 3311 and for Toyota Manufacturing UK visit www.toyotauk.com
