Youngs

As the company that introduced frozen prawns and scampi to Britain’s tables, Young’s Bluecrest is understandably proud of its heritage. It is equally determined to ensure its standards - built up over almost 200 years and with annual sales in excess of £350 million - are maintained.

The company prides itself on having a powerful combination of consumer insight, global sourcing ability, excellence in food manufacturing and specialist seafood expertise, to ensure that customers receive the very best every time. Needless to say, this involves training staff to the highest standards.

As a result, the company’s relationship with Back-Up is seen as a key part of its ongoing strategy, with the programme now in operation at all three of the company’s major sites and involving some 2,500 employees. To date more than half of them have achieved NVQ status.

Young’s Bluecrest has used NVQs in its integrated pay and development strategy for the last two years and those benefits speak for themselves: a well-established and highly-trained workforce; employees with high self-esteem; and NVQs leading to career progression through the organisation, resulting in greater staff retention.

In 2000, the company received the prestigious ROSPA 2000 Occupational Health & Safety Gold Award for all its sites, the only seafood company to hold this award.

Kate Conway, Human Resources Projects Manager says:

"We hold a review every six weeks with Back-Up and the college. Between these meetings, all ensure the smooth running of the programme - they do everything they say they’re going to do. It’s a very structured operation and we’re delighted with the way it’s going. We see the programme as a win/win situation, with both the employee and the company reaping the benefits."