Andrew Rice (centre) is pictured completing one of the team building exercises with colleagues Blair Jebson (left) and Jeff Pegg (right).

JCB has partnered with Derby College's skills solutions provider, Corporate College, to enhance the skills of over 600 of its employees.

Graeme Macdonald, JCB's group managing director for business operations, says the initiative tackles the continuing effects of the global economic downturn.

"We need to face the challenges posed by the economic climate head-on, and improving skills levels, which makes us more efficient, productive and knowledgeable, is key to being successful now and in the future when recovery arrives," Macdonald explains.

Last week, shopfloor employees from JCB's Rocester headquarters spent four weeks participating in workshops held at Uttoxeter Racecourse on team leading, problem solving, performing manufacturing operations, business improvement techniques, numeracy and literacy, and management.

Andrew Rice, 38, a welder in the Backhoe Loader Business Unit, says the workshops inspired him to enhance his qualifications at a local college or learning online. "During the literacy course, the tutors picked up that I was mildly dyslexic. I'd had an inkling that I may be dyslexic, but this means I can now go away and get more support," he explains.

Dave Beech, an assembler in the Loadall Business Unit, says: "It's been very useful as well as bringing the lads together. The team building has been good and everyone has got involved and joined in."

Corporate College business development director April Hayhurst says JCB has set an example for other companies. "[JCB] has thoroughly committed to up-skilling their workforce to meet future skills needs when the market returns to some normality. The company is to be commended."

Last year, JCB undertook a training program that involved over 2,000 employees from its Midlands' and Wales factories, with plants in Rocester, Cheadle, Uttoxeter, Wrexham, Rugeley and Derbyshire participating.

Corporate College delivered the training for the Rocester employees, with colleges in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Burton, Walsall, Lichfield and Tamworth delivering similar training to the other staff.