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Twenty three of Usdaw’s finest reps have just embarked on the busiest six months of their lives as part of the union’s own Academy – now in its third successful year.

The new team, drawn from all over the UK and from a number of companies, will spend six months recruiting and organising in more than 200 workplaces while under the guidance of a permanent union official.

All 23 will be given four weeks training and spend 22 weeks on the shopfloor bringing their recruitment skills to thousands of potential members at hundreds of workplaces.

Usdaw has negotiated six months off work for the Academy trainees whose wages will be paid by the union. At the end of the six month secondment the 23 will return to work with more skills, a better understanding of how the union operates, and the opportunity to contribute more to the union in the future.

For more information on the Academy contact the education department at central office or visit: www.usdaw.org.uk/getactive.

• In 2003 the union took on 15 Academy trainees who between them recruited more than 5,000 members. • In 2004 the intake of 18 trainees signed up more than 6,200 members. • In the last two years, more than 300 new reps have been taken on.

Name:	Sandra Cooper
Age:	39
Job:	Tesco general assistant
Lives:	Chester, Cheshire
Activist:	Three years
	“I read all the information about the Academy and knew straight away it was the job for me. I love being a rep and helping people sort out their problems. The union has a vital role to play especially the unorganised workplaces.”

Name:	Peter Millward
Age:	40
Job:	Blender at Twinings Tea
Lives:	Andover, Hants
Activist:	Ten years
	“I’d applied in 2003 and was unsuccessful, but I kept knocking on the Academy’s door. I’m delighted I’m now on the team. I’ve had some excellent training from Usdaw over the years and I want to put this into practice and give something back.”

Name:	Amanda Burgess
Age:	32
Job:	Co–op Group supervisor
Lives:	Moffat, Scotland
Activist:	Four years
	“I’ve always worked for a small village store so the chance to recruit on a much larger scale and in a variety of workplaces really appeals to me. I was over the moon when I found out I’d been selected. I’m really looking forward to it.”

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© 2003 (USDAW) Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers
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