The Metals Industry Skills and Performance Strategy hinges around nine key industry drivers that have been identified by metals employers, and sets out a series of strategy business solutions that build on best practice, recognised standards and frameworks that have been developed by and for the metals industry. This model provides the platform for the development of relevant metals industry solutions.

Business Drivers Adding value and elimination of waste • lean awareness, process improvement and supply chain partnership are particular needs High quality engineers to lead change • few companies are large enough to employ their own "change agents" all companies benefit from independant help Innovation and technology transfer • In response to globalisation and new information and process technologies Managers' strategic and behavioural skills • 50% managers lack relevant training • global/domestic market pressures; company restructuring; need for new ways of working, etc, • performance management and business improvement skills lacking Culture changes at all levels • responding to flatter structures and new working practices Skills level and flexibility • 50-60% employees are currently 'low skilled'; need to raise skill levels widely recognised • 66% companies have employees with basic skills needs Transferable skills and retraining • for adults entering or leaving the industry Demonstration of employee competence, e.g. in health and safety • over 40% employees currently have no qualifications • regulation and insurance costs drive the need to demonstrate competence High quality new entrants • mainly graduates and school leavers; issues include poor image, concerns re graduate standards Quality and availability of Metallurgists and Engineers

Industry Solutions MICE Process Improvement, Continuous Implementation, Supply Chain Improvement and SME Programmes (part of SMMT Industry Forum since October 2006)   NAMTEC products Forward thinking programme for senior managers Managing for Success Programme (NVQ level 4) for middle managers. Leadership Development & Teamwork Development Programmes Structured programmes leading to NVQ Level 2 or Level 3 Metals Processing & Allied Operations NVQ Metals Industry Health & Safety Passport & Passport PLUS An industry-set standard, including NVQ Level 2/3 unit   Basic & Key Skills Development Work-based programmes leading to recognised vocational qualifications Metals Academy Metals Industry Apprenticeships Building on school industry links, careers and enhanced apprenticeship activities. Masters Programmes, Foundation degrees and Vocational Awards Metallurgy for Non Metallurgists Programme

The Strategy also addresses specific skill needs in particular parts of the metals industry, e.g. the need for design detailers in structural steelwork companies.