Human Resources
As far as back in the days in 1910 when Robert Ford set the business with a work force of three, Ford has always regarded its employees as its greatest asset.
While numerous businesses make the same claim but then fail to back it up with evidence, Ford established its custom built Learning Centre in 1999. This provides appropriate facilities for its staff to develop their skills and abilities to help sustain Ford through the challenging times which lie ahead.
Every employee is actively encouraged to commit to Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Program and National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) are constantly promoted.
Offsite teamwork based training has been a feature of Ford for many years, while our Tyne Dock site is the home of the South Tyneside Manufacturing Forum. Our training facilities are regularly utilized by local businesses as part of our commitment to the local economy.
Partners are a key element in our people development plans, none more so than local training providers such as South Tyneside College, with who Ford has National Training Award.
As well as continuous internal and external training that goes on at Ford, recently with a clear eye to the future, we have embarked on a "Tomorrow's Leaders" program. 32 of the company's brightest young employees have been identified as the possible future managers and leaders of the company, so key employee training and development has been put into place for these members of the workforce.
It is tailor made to augment the skills needed to be a manager in business today and covers a broad range of topics from Motivation to Problem Solving. We do this because we believe it is important for our staff to grow within their jobs and within the company. We look actively into identifying in-house potential and harnessing it by giving the opportunity of development.