Onwards and upwards

Winning a place on the union’s 2003 Academy was the start of something big for three Usdaw activists.

After completing their six month stint they went on to a further 12 months training and work experience with the TUC’s academy.

Now two years later former factory worker Paul Taylor, 43, Tesco’s Jan Hind, 34, and stock controller Liz Hampson, 40, have all found employment with Usdaw as recruitment and development officers.

“I can’t recommend the academy enough,” said Liz. “We’ve all come a long way. We’re better trained, highly motivated and really enjoying our new roles.”

Jeff Beresford, 49, worked for Makro in Washington, Tyne and Wear when he spent six months with the Academy in 2003.

Since then Jeff, an executive council member, has changed jobs and is now working part-time for Newcastle College helping retail workers take up NVQs. The rest of his time is spent as a TUC tutor, training new shop stewards and safety reps. “I’ve never looked back,” he said.

Paula Colbourne, 34, works for Tesco, Exeter and was a member of the Academy in 2004. Since then Paula has been promoted. She has also used her organising skills to run campaigns in other companies. “My confidence is sky high after the Academy. I’d encourage everyone to go for it,” she said.

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