Scottish scuba diving company Aquatron has
breathed fresh life into its expanding team thanks to new dynamic
Flexible Training Opportunities funded by Skills Development
Scotland.
Aquatron, which is based in Glasgow, is set to improve the
skills of its team by allowing them to learn about gas blending and
how to sharpen their sales expertise as part of the Flexible
Training Opportunities programme, launched by Skills Development
Scotland earlier this year.
The innovative training initiative encourages businesses to
apply for up to £5000 towards employee training costs. A total of
5,000 places have been made available across Scotland and six of
the Aquatron team will undergo expert tuition from training
provider Aqua North next month.
Aquatron was established in 1969 and provides skilled diving
tuition as well as selling scuba gear. The centre employs six full
time members and 30 more on a part time basis.
Director of Aquatron Ronnie Young recognised training as a
valuable element for growing the business set up by his father in
Troon 40 years ago.
Ronnie said: "The Flexible Training Opportunities programme has
allowed us to deliver more training to our people than would have
otherwise been possible.
"The extra funding provided by the scheme is very welcome. In
the current economic climate, businesses need support like this to
enable them to build the skills of their teams in order to continue
to move onwards and upwards.
"Our team is multi-skilled and they have to know their stuff in
terms of servicing, retail and training, so it is vital they are
continuously brushing up on their skills to ensure they stay at the
top of their game."
Ronnie added: "Flexible Training Opportunities have allowed us
to equip our people with skills we couldn't have afforded otherwise
and I would encourage anyone who hasn't considered the benefits of
this programme to find out how it could help them.
"The ability to tailor training to meet your needs is a real
advantage. We don't have a huge staff, so we couldn't have everyone
being off for long stretches. Therefore, we've arranged an
intensive two-day programme for our team, which will be hard work,
but the benefits to the business in the long run will make it
worthwhile."
Damien Yeates, chief executive for Skills Development Scotland
said:
"Skills Development Scotland is committed to equipping people
with the necessary training and skills to help ensure they can
fulfil their potential, helping businesses fulfil their goals.
"The Flexible Training programme will help to enhance employees'
skills and bring real benefits to businesses up and down the
country.
"It will also help to improve productivity and create a stronger
more confident workforce, ensuring that businesses are better
equipped to overcome the economic downturn."