It is one thing being able to do a job, but quite another to have the qualification to match.

Just ask this team of Cotswold Manufacturing Ltd staff who have seen their skills recognised with a work-based qualification.

A 13-strong team have all completed their Level 2 Certificate in Performing Manufacturing Operations, while another picked up his Level 2 in Warehousing and Storage, all delivered by Stockton Riverside College.

By increasing the workforce’s knowledge, the firm’s operations director Stuart Burnett said: “It not only helps them to develop as individuals, giving them a sense of belonging to the business, but it also improves the quality and the services of the product.”

Based at Teesside Industrial Estate, Cotswold Manufacturing Ltd, supplies doorsets, doorkits and internal glazed screens, for use in the commercial, residential, leisure and education sectors of the construction industry.

In their 10-year history the company has grown to its current workforce of 76, and Mr Burnett said in that time a commitment to staff development has always been a priority.

He said: “We have gone from zero to a £10m turnover in 10 years; without the commitment of our workforce we couldn’t have done that.”

The latest 14 staff members to complete their training have fit their studies around their working hours.

Warehouse Operative Chris Murray, 30, of Thornaby, said: “It’s been spot on, not only have I learnt a lot but it has also helped with the work that I do in the warehouse.”

Paul Atkinson, 46, a Production Operative, also from Thornaby, said: “It’s great to get a qualification on paper that recognises the job that you are doing.

“I felt a little nervous at first, doing a qualification at my age, but it’s been good and now I have achieved something further on in life.”