ASA is a division of ThyssenKrupp, one of the world's largest technology companies. The group employs some 188,000 worldwide providing steel, capital goods and services to businesses across the world.

ASA is based in Newtownards and supplies metal products such as stainless steel, titanium and aluminium to a broad range of aerospace and commercial customers including Shorts.  The company holds the ISO 9001 quality standard and the ISO 14001 environmental standard.

The management team at ASA recognised that continuous personal development was a critical element of maintaining a highly motivated and skilled workforce.  They therefore decided to enlist the help of the Technology and Innovation Centre at Bangor campus to develop a training programme that was both relevant and achievable.

The team of 10 Warehouse Operatives started on the tailor-made NVQ Level 2 Performing Manufacturing Operations programme in September 2006.  The training took taken place on site and the team was assessed on the key competencies of creating orders, operating machinery, quality approved metal cutting and health & safety.

Andy said, “The training was carried out in our warehouse which means that productivity has been unaffected and critically our night shift team has been able to undertake the training and achieve the qualification.  Even more importantly, this training has helped to achieve the team’s personal development goals.  We are delighted to be working with the college on this project and look forward to running the course again in the future.”