 |
Network Journal 2006 Issue 1 March |
 |
Learning brings new life to pastry makers at Jus-Rol
Reps and management have risen to the challenge at Jus-Rol and signed a joint learning agreement which will provide new opportunities for staff at the famous bakery in Berwick, Northumberland. It’s clearly a recipe for success, Network found out more.
The agreement was signed after Lifelong Learning made such an immediate impression at the site with more than 50 employees enrolling on computer courses and 16 on essential skills courses during a 12 month period.
The company was so impressed, the new partnership agreement on learning was born creating an extra buzz about the site and attracting widespread interest.
Usdaw learning reps Stephen Anderson and Ian Rutherford were among the first to join a course to brush up on their maths and English. "Many of us missed out at school for one reason or another," said Stephen. "Studying essential skills with the college gives us an opportunity to better ourselves and gain certificates and qualifications. I enjoy the challenge and better still I can even help the kids with their homework these days!"
"I'm now at the age where I'm ready to learn," said Ian. "At school I couldn't be bothered, but now I want to learn. Getting back into studying has given me a real sense of achievement and helped to boost my self-esteem, making me a much more confident person.
Usdaw's lifelong learning project worker for the division is Martin Warwick. "It's important to stress the partnership approach behind this initiative," he said. "The learning reps have promoted learning to help the whole workforce. A Learning Committee made up of all the partners will plan and promote a range of different courses in the future."
Mobile Team
A team of mobile union learning reps (MULRs) have their work cut out as they travel around the UK's supermarkets aiming to make learning accessible to thousands of union members.
"It's been extremely difficult so far to engage retail employees in the learning agenda," said Usdaw national learning co-ordinator Ann Murphy. "Hopefully the MULRs will help to give retail workers vital opportunities to access learning, encourage in-store reps and persuade companies to get on board."
For more information on lifelong learning you can contact your local office, or the education department at central office, or visit: www.usdaw.org.uk/lifelong_learning/
 Printer Friendly Page  Email to a Friend
|
