 |
Arena Magazine 2005 Issue 5 |
 |
Taking the high road
Hundreds of members in Scotland can now take advantage of life changing opportunities as lifelong learning is rolled out across the division and with the reintroduction of Individual Learning Accounts (ILAs) money is available towards the cost of courses.
It's a really exciting time for members in Scotland, particularly those who find themselves geographically isolated when it comes to education and learning new skills, according to Margaret Fleming, lifelong learning divisional project worker. "Chances to learn will reach our members from the highlands to the lowlands and help increase their skills and confidence."
It is happening at a number of companies. Safeway learning rep Valerie Bartlett had little trouble persuading her colleagues in Anniesland to sign up for a course of their choice at an awareness day held earlier this year. "There was a tremendous amount of interest with more than 20 people signing up for the sign language course," said Valerie. "People were amazed when they found out there was money available to study and there was no catch."
Staff at the Morrisons store in Ayr were given their first taste of Lifelong Learning when the roadshow hit town in July. "The day was a huge success with staff really keen to check out what was on offer," said rep Lisa Shimmons. "There's something for everyone, whether it is the chance to improve basic skills such as writing and numeracy or even brush up on your holiday Spanish."
Meanwhile learning rep Frankie Christie trawled his membership at fish processing plant, Macrae's, in Fraserburgh to encourage them to take up an ILA. "We're sitting on a pot of gold here," said Frankie. "We've a mixed staff including 150 workers from Russia, Portugal and Poland who work at the plant and who would benefit greatly from the courses."
Similarly at the ACC distribution plant in Harthill there was a great response from the reps and the workforce who were very keen to find out more about ILAs, and the courses on offer.
Strengthening the push are mobile reps Lorraine Barr and Ian Wilson who are literally the new driving force behind raising awareness of learning across Scotland. "Ian and I will visit many workplaces across Scotland to spread the message about ILAs and Lifelong Learning and explain how staff can access it," said Lorraine.
 Printer Friendly Page  Email to a Friend
|
