AN HISTORIC Cornish boatyard is celebrating being named South West Employer of the Year for its outstanding dedication to developing the skills of its staff.

Mashfords of Cremyll in Torpoint was recognised for its commitment to its employees after entering an impressive 27 of its 32-strong workforce into Cornwall Marine Network's training programme.

The Rt. Hon Jim Knight MP, Minister of State for Employment and Welfare Reform and Minister for the South West, congratulated Mashfords at the 2010 South West Social Fund (ESF) Awards ceremony at the Thistle Hotel in Exeter.

Mashfords set itself the goal last year to bring its renowned but ageing business up-to-date with 21^st Century staffing practices and training opportunities. The company dates back more than 80 years and its management procedures had remained virtually unchanged over the decades. While employees had huge expertise in their areas, they did not have any qualifications recognising their skills

Initially some staff found the prospect of returning to education daunting. Many of the shipwrights, boat builders, engineers, plastic specialists, welders and riggers joined the company straight from school; two have worked there for more than 30 years and about a third have worked there for 10 or more years.

But concerns were soon allayed when each member of staff had a one-to-one meeting with Cornwall Marine Network's training team and 80 per cent of its workforce signed up to the scheme.

And the company is already reaping the rewards in terms of employee's job satisfaction, motivation and an enhanced pride in the company.

Richard Porter, Mashfords General Manager, said: "It is fantastic news for a small company of our size to be recognised for our efforts in the training of our staff.  This means a lot to us and would not have been possible without the assistance of Cornwall Marine Network."

The on-going training has been funded by the ESF Convergence Key Sectors programme and covers everything from maths and literacy, and NVQs in business administration, marine engineering and team leading. 

Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Convergence Partnership Office for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: "Congratulations to Mashfords and all the employees who played a part in winning this award.

"In these times of globally uncertain economies, increasing knowledge in the workplace is even more important to consolidate and expand businesses. Convergence recognises the importance of training in adding value to a business and in strengthening the economy."

The training has proven very positive in consolidating the staff's knowledge, increasing their confidence through achieving qualifications and bolstering camaraderie as they work towards their course assignments.

Mashfords' Director George Thornhill said: "The news of this award was a fantastic surprise and a great achievement for all Mashfords management and staff. We look forward to continuing everyone's future training and development in conjunction with Cornwall Marine Network. The construction of our new meeting and training room should greatly assist this process in the future."

Cornwall Marine Network Chief Executive Paul Wickes agreed Mashfords' SW award is thoroughly deserved and said: "Many of Cornwall Marine Network's marine businesses, like Mashfords, want to undertake skills training but are excluded because it means too much time for staff away from the business resulting in lost productivity and increased costs. We have developed a means of achieving qualifications in the workplace, with costs supported by ESF Convergence funding. So when these traditional barriers to engagement are overcome, the skills benefits can be realised, as in the case of Mashfords. Cornwall Marine Network is proud to support them."