Training and Development at Macfarlan Smith


Working at Macfarlan Smith requires working within current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) guidelines and regulations. One of the traits of cGMP is continual improvement and development of all aspects of Macfarlan Smith. Continual improvement of our people is extremely important to grow the organisation and the people within the organisation. Macfarlan Smith has a dedicated in-house training department which provide the following training.

Training starts on the first day with Staff induction split over two days covering.

  • Organisational Background
  • Occupational Health
  • Human Resources / Payroll
  • Site Tour Health and Safety Security
  • Introduction to Staff Intranet

  • Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP)


Training at Macfarlan Smith adopts four styles of delivery:

  • On the job training
    This is provided by staff who have experience and knowledge of the department that you are joining. Dedicated trained trainers are within departments to provide training.
  • On-Line training
    This is a 12 month rolling programme which covers areas such as Occupational Health, Environmental Health and Safety, Engineering Controls, and Security.
  • Classroom based
    These courses can be either provided by in-house trainers or external trainers who are invited to site, and can cover anything from soft skills to safety equipment to in-depth technical subjects.
  • Off site training
    Off site training can either be a specific course in relation to specific roles which a member of staff or group of staff can attend.


Business Training Programme

The business training programme is internal to Johnson Matthey and staff are nominated annually by their Manager. The programme is designed to ensure individuals gain a broad understanding of the organisation and businesses whilst learning a specific job. It focuses on developing commercial awareness and understanding of best business practices; introduction to a network of colleagues across our business units; and insight in to the company strategy and goals by contact with senior executives.

The course runs from October to July in blocks of two-day modules which cover four areas of learning:

  • The European businesses
    You visit business units to hear about their work, customers and strategies; take factory tours and learn about the range of products and processes; discover how the businesses interrelate and realise the amazing variety of opportunities available in the future.
  • Personal skills development
    You develop transferable skills such as organisation, presentation, writing, cross-cultural communication. The aim is to improve your confidence and effectiveness in business situations.
  • Business awareness:
    You experience the mix of disciplines that contribute to our success and development – marketing, manufacturing and business finance – providing you with the breadth of understanding to command respect as you progress your career.
  • Project management
    You'll develop your leadership and team working skills as a member of a cross-divisional team, addressing a 'live' business problem and have the opportunity to present your results to the Chief Executive and members of the Board.