ABOUT HOWDENS

Established in 1995, Howdens is the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier and a FTSE 100 company, employing approximately 11,000 people in the UK. The company provides trade customers with kitchens, joinery, and hardware products, which are available from local stock at depots in apporoximatey 900 depots in the UK, France, Republic of Ireland and Belgium.

All five manufacturing and logistics operations (located in East Yorkshire, Cheshire, and Northamptonshire) incorporate the use of Materials Handling Equipment (MHE), driving significant demand for regular MHE training. Howdens’ lift truck fleet extends to around 40 different truck types from multiple manufacturers, including Counterbalance, Reach Truck, Low Level Order Picker Trucks, Pivot Steer and Very Narrow Aisle (VNA). Howdens employs approximately 4,765 MHE operators across the business, holding 9600 certificates in total.

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ABOUT HOWDENS

Established in 1995, Howdens is the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier and a FTSE 100 company, employing approximately 11,000 people in the UK. The company provides trade customers with kitchens, joinery, and hardware products, which are available from local stock at depots in approximately 900 depots in the UK, France, Republic of Ireland and Belgium.

“Our partnership with RTITB has provided high levels of assurance to Howdens, from compliance to legal requirements but most importantly, better, more consistent training, a strong message of commitment to Howdens’ people, and ultimately, a safer workplace for all.

We are confident that with the continued support of RTITB we can accomplish even more in the coming years.”

MICK DYER, L&D MANAGER

(Workplace Transport Skills)

THE CHALLENGE

Howdens created a technical and compliance learning and development team to improve site safety. As part of that initiative, Howdens has aligned materials handling equipment training standards across all sites, established dedicated training areas, and implemented full-time Instructors, rather than using trained part-time warehouse operatives to deliver training. The company also wanted to improve record keeping and implement electronic paperwork.

BENEFITS OF RTITB ACCREDITATION FOR HOWDENS

Becoming RTITB accredited enables Howdens to demonstrate its commitment to safety, robust and consistent training, and record keeping.
As an RTITB Accredited Partner, Howdens has access to the TrainingFriend app. This is a completely unique solution that makes lift truck operator testing 100% paperless, helping to reduce costs and improve environmental impact, as well as reducing training administration time. This benefits the individual Instructors, and the organisation as a whole.
All MHE training is registered on NORS (National Operator Registration Scheme) through the TrainingFriend App wherever possible. This includes training for the entire agency workforce. Howdens Site Trainers are equipped with Android tablets to easily

All MHE training is registered on NORS (National Operator Registration Scheme) through the TrainingFriend App wherever possible. This includes training for the entire agency workforce. Howdens Site Trainers are equipped with Android tablets to easily

As an RTITB Accredited Partner, Howdens also has access to solutions such as eTruck digital theory training for lift and reach truck operators.
Alongside many other benefits, RTITB accredited organisations delivering in-house training can also receive a free annual MHE operations HealthCheck, to provide complete peace of mind around legal and regulatory compliance in the event of an incident.

WHAT HOWDENS HAS ACHIEVED WITH RTITB ACCREDITATION

With RTITB accreditation and training, Howdens has substantial assurance and is working year on year on measurable incident reduction.
Howdens has seen a positive step change towards safety and established a robust safety culture, with high safety standards and MHE policy in and around MHE operations, which is filtered to all depots. MHE safety processes and equipment are backed up with a safety spotter and through correct training of the MHE operator (including all-round observations).
MHE training is now delivered to an internationally accredited standard and documented on RTITB’s National Operator Registration Scheme (NORS) for accredited training, including for temporary workers.
Previously, Howdens’ RTITB Registered Instructors were Warehouse Operatives who delivered training part-time, whilst also fulfilling the role of Warehouse Operative. All Instructors are now full-time, professional, multi-skilled, and experienced Site Trainers. In addition, a further four Instructors have been added to the talent pool through this program of reskilling warehouse operatives, including the company’s first female Instructor.

Howdens has built two dedicated MHE training centres, with plans for two more. During 2021 Howdens conducted over 6,300 NORS registered sessions (plus other courses), operating a 3-yearly refresher cycle for all operators.
Howdens Managers and Supervisors are now educated on the operation of MHE within their working environments through the use of RTITB’s Managing and Supervising MHE Operations training materials, delivered through eLearning and in-person courses.
With clear, internationally recognised standards, a collaborative approach and a focus on continuous improvement, Howdens can be sure that training standards are measurable, auditable, and compliant with legislation requirements. Furthermore, it demonstrates and reinforces investment and commitment to its people, through adopting industry best-in-class standards, facilities, and systems.
By using the MyRTITB TrainingFriend app for training administration and assessment, Howdens’ training records are now electronic and held centrally on its Learning Management System, which enables the company to record all training and certification, and run reports, ensuring operator training is always in date.

RTITB MEMBERSHIP & TRAINING

Howdens has been an RTITB accredited partner since 2017. RTITB Accreditation supports companies delivering training in-house with the resources they need to deliver standardised, effective, and compliant training