The college, which has campuses situated in Chester and Ellesmere Port, provided training for 17 DHL staff at the Preston Brook Distribution Centre, near Frodsham.

The employees were undertaking work for their client, B&Q.

DHL co-ordinates all of B&Q's logistical operations, distributing products to different stores throughout the UK.

It also work in partnership on a number of training projects to help enhance the job role of employees and support their future employability.

The students, who have a variety of roles within the warehouse, completed the NVQ level 2 in distribution, warehouse and storage, along with skills for life training to help increase their confidence at completing everyday tasks.

DHL training manager Vikki Blease said: "As a company, we are committed to developing the colleagues on site.

"We are very proud of those who have recently gained their NVQs.

"The qualification not only benefits the employee as they gain a national recognised qualification, but it also benefits the organisation as the colleagues are more engaged and have developed skills that are relevant to the business.

"As the NVQ is based around the colleague's job, there was minimal disruption to our operation."

Sian Williams, commercial adviser in logistics at the college, added: "The success of the project is another example of West Cheshire College's commitment to support the Government's Skills Pledge.

"Compared with other countries, one of the biggest problems in this country is the number of adults in the workforce who do not have basic literacy and numeracy skills.

"It is important that these basic skills are developed first to help provide a platform for employees to develop.

"Investing in economically valuable training not only helps to improve an employee's future employability and competency, but reaps rewards for a company or organisation too by improving their overall performance in the marketplace."

If you are an individual or employer and would like to find out more information on the courses available at the college, call the employer hotline on 01244 670600.