Case Study: Kirkstone

News

10th May 2010

Kirkstone Quarries is a family run business established in 1949, set amongst the hills of the Lake District in the northwest of England.

One of the market leaders in natural slate and stone products, Kirkstone quarry, manufacture and supply a unique volcanic slate which comes in three colours - Kirkstone Sea Green, Kirkstone  Silver Green and Brathay Blue Black. Formed over 450 million years ago from deposits of volcanic ash, Kirkstone slate is regarded throughout the world as a superior stone product.

Rock extraction and architectural stone production takes place at the main quarry on Kirkstone Pass over 500m above sea level. Further production facilities for bespoke items such as work surfaces, head office and trade showroom are located at Skelwith Bridge near Ambleside. A second quarry site is situated close by, as well as a large warehouse and despatch facility.

Kirkstone’s workforce of over 30 skilled personnel range from experienced rockhands, sawyers, polishers and masons to technical sales and administrative staff.

Learning World began working with Kirkstone in 2009, providing training and assessment for Level 2 NVQs in Plant Extractions (Extractives), Plant Maintenance, Warehousing and Storage and Driving Goods Vehicles.

Nick Fecitt, Managing Director of Kirkstone:

“We have been quarrying and working with natural slate for many years so we understand the exacting requirements of architects, interior designers and of course the end client. It’s important that our entire process is quality driven and that’s why the ongoing development and up-skilling of the team is a priority.”

“Having the workforce qualified to a national   standard, over and above our own internal training and qualifications was an attractive proposition. Not only does the NVQ standard drive quality and professionalism, it also builds self esteem and    personal credentials that the workforce can take with them in the future – sort of a personal qualification pension if you like.”

“We began by informing our staff at the regular update meetings we hold, telling them about the NVQ qualifications and how it would work. This was supplemented by Learning World personnel holding induction sessions on site, where any questions could be answered and an understanding of the process gained. All in all, my team took to the idea very well and were happy to embrace it.”

“Soon afterwards, the Learning World NVQ assessors started to arrange visits to begin the evidence collection and verification required for the qualifications. It was pretty painless for all concerned as the assessors did their best to work around out operation, so there was no disruption to the business. They just got on with it and made best use of their time on site, leaving me to get on with my job.”

For further information about our training and assessment services please call us on 0115 973 9210 or click on the Contact Us button on the menu bar.

Link: http://www.constructionlearningworld.com/news/2010/05/10/case-study-kirkstone/