New learning opportunities are opening up for employees at the Tenneco Automotives factory in Tafarnaubach, Tredegar thanks to the training advice the company received from Careers Wales Gwent.

The factory, which assembles parts for the automotive industry, has developed a learning programme for each of its 114 staff, which will help them gain new skills in computing, team leadership and line manager training.

Tenneco Automotives HR Manager Lisa Rogers said, "Our company policy is to give all employees the opportunity to spend time on their own personal development. In doing this we are ensuring that every individual is achieving their full potential and has a better understanding of their role within the company."

Careers Wales Gwent undertook one to one interviews with each of the employees at the factory to determine where training was needed.

Paty Wysom Workforce Development Co-ordinator at Careers Wales Gwent explained: "We spoke to each member of staff at Tenneco to find a training strategy that would match the business objectives of the employer and the personal objectives of the employees."

The interview process revealed a lack of computer skills amongst the staff and a strong interest in career development, management training and team leadership skills.

"The response from the staff has been fantastic." said Lisa Rogers "The new skills they are developing not only benefit them as individuals but also have a very positive effect on their work.

"For most of the staff this is the first time back in the classroom for many years but everyone has been keen to take up the learning challenge. Thanks to the advice of Careers Wales Gwent, we are in the process of creating a highly skilled workforce and have identified skills we never knew some employees already had - which has really given us a platform to go forward."