Barnstaple chimney firm takes trainees to the top

A BARNSTAPLE chimney manufacturer is the latest Devon firm to invest in workforce training, according to the Learning and Skills Council. SFL, a leading UK manufacturer of domestic and commercial chimneys, flues and vents, has joined 238 firms and organis

A BARNSTAPLE chimney manufacturer is the latest Devon firm to invest in workforce training, according to the Learning and Skills Council.

SFL, a leading UK manufacturer of domestic and commercial chimneys, flues and vents, has joined 238 firms and organisations in the county to have made a "Skills Pledge", a commitment to raise all employees' skill levels to the equivalent of five GCSEs (grade A-C).

Managing director, Sami Caglar, said: "We made the pledge to show we are dedicated to developing our 80 employees.

"We have NVQs and a wide range of other internal and external training initiatives beginning in January 2010. We are also working towards gaining Investors in People Status."

Paul Lucken, director of regional skills at the LSC South West, congratulated those employers who have made the Skills Pledge. He said: "Investing in training and development will help us all during the economic recovery. The Skills Pledge is a key step in raising skills to improve organisational performance.