So, the best advice is to approach senior level managers within your site eg the location manager and HR/training manager and spell out the benefits to them:

• A skilled workforce more adaptable to change

• Increased production and more competitive business

• Better morale and retention of staff

• Subsidised learning done in member's own time

To ensure the management stay committed to the project set up a joint Steering Group with terms of reference outlining roles and responsibilities. Make sure that key decision makers from the company form part of the committee as well as Union Learning Reps.

The Lifelong Learning section of the Usdaw website has lots of information that will help you. You may also want to contact the Usdaw Lifelong Learning Project Worker for your area. You can find the contact details in the Lifelong Learning section of this website.