Photograph left to right: Francesca Tones, Jackie Howett (Account Co-ordinator, Geka) and Suzanne Miller (Skills Adviser, Access)
A North East based cosmetic brush manufacturer is made up with a specialist training programme which is improving team performance.
Geka, which operates from Stanley in County Durham, called in Access to support its long established apprenticeship programme. In addition to the traditional apprenticeships the company also set up a mentoring programme to support its learners.
Francesca Tones, 19 and from Tantobie, has been with Geka for just over a year and is the company's first commercial apprentice - working towards a Business Administration qualification. As well as the support of her Access Skills Adviser, she receives guidance from a number of mentors who guide her throughout the course.
Francesca said: "The apprenticeship allows me to learn while I work and will lead to an industry recognised qualification. But having people on site who understand my programme, to answer questions and explain things means I can progress much more quickly."
Francesca's current mentor decided that she too could benefit from Access's specialist training. Jackie Howcroft, Account Co-ordinator for Geka, took a short course in Supporting Learners and Mentoring in the Workplace at the advice of her manager.
It helped her to better understand her role and responsibilities as a mentor to a young apprentice. She said: "I'm really glad I took the training. It was really beneficial to me as a mentor because I now know how to give Francesca the best support possible. It has given me more confidence which I will use the next time I mentor a young apprentice.
Melody Taylor, Business Solutions Consultant with Access, commented: "We have been working closely with Geka for some time now and have seen great results. By providing training for both apprentice and mentor we can ensure a productive and fulfilling working relationship, developing the business and increasing productivity. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Geka."
With headquarters in Germany, Geka is one of the world's leading manufacturers of Application systems and plastics packaging for the Cosmetics, Pharmaceutical and Technical industries., working with international companies which market liquid cosmetics such as mascara and eyeliner, liquid eye-shadow, lip gloss and other lip care products. With more than 80 years in the industry, Geka has manufacturing facilities in Germany, the UK and the United States, employing more than 700 people.
