Heinz is reporting an increase in staff engagement following the launch of an innovative training programme.

The food manufacturer launched Learning Bitez earlier this year and has so far trained 300 employees in areas such as innovation strategies, recessionary times, emotional intelligence, and coaching and presentation skills.

The scheme means staff are trained in short sessions by other employees. Staff can either attend the sessions at one of eight participating sites or join remotely.

Courses are posted six weeks in advance and employees sign up online for the courses - many of which are oversubscribed and are having to re-run.

Pat Rees, talent manager at Heinz, said: "We are seeing high levels of employee engagement in this training initiative both for trainers and trainees. It makes our resources go further and encourages greater cross-functional engagement and interaction providing real business benefits.

"Employee feedback has been very positive with new topics being proposed to meet particular needs."