Dairy champion wins prestigious training standard

The Training Quality Standard with Excellence in Food and Drink Manufacturing is awarded only to training establishments that prove they offer quality, employer-led training in a specific field, and that they have the flexibility, knowledge and facilities to respond to clients’ individual needs.

To be considered for the accolade, Reaseheath College’s food manufacturing department had to prove that it has developed expert products and services, and illustrate how well it responds and understands its specific market area. The department’s services also had to record the highest level of customer satisfaction.

The Learning and Skills Council-sponsored award was rigorously and independently assessed to European Foundation Quality Model standards and has been endorsed by Improve, the Sector Skills Council, and the National Skills Academy for Food and Drink Manufacturing.

Paying tribute, Learning and Skills Council employer responsiveness director, Richard Marsh, said: “Only the best achieve this award and Reaseheath College should be congratulated on reaching this very high standard. Reaseheath has demonstrated that it’s the clear leader in the supply of training to this important sector of the economy. The Training Quality Standard is given only to those who can demonstrate excellence in their chosen field and whose customers are prepared to vouch for that excellence.”

Reaseheath business director, Margaret Bardsley, added: “We’re delighted to have been awarded this prestigious, quality kite mark. This is proof to employers in the food and drink manufacturing industry that Reaseheath offers high-quality training and development solutions, product development and trials. It also confirms that our college works with and for employers, and that it understands their specific business.”

Reaseheath College in Nantwich, Cheshire, is recognised as an international centre of excellence for dairy training and is dairy champion within the National Skills Academy for Food and Drink Manufacturing.

Its unique food processing plant and licensed dairy factory are being continually updated and will undergo a £2m refit in 2009. The facilities and professional expertise are used by many blue chip multinational companies for new product development.