Usdaw has a new Lifelong Learning Project Worker

Margaret Fleming joins the Lifelong Learning team

The newly appointed Lifelong Learning Project Worker is Margaret Fleming, who previously worked for Safeway for 25 years.

As a result of a successful Scottish Union Learning Fund bid Usdaw has been able to employ a full-time Lifelong Learning Project Worker, whose remit is to cover Scotland. After a successful interview, Margaret got the job.

“I have always been interested in Lifelong Learning. I really got back into learning when I did the Usdaw Home Study Courses. They really whetted my appetite for learning – I then just wanted to do more and more” said Margaret.

“I also attended Usdaw’s Summer School, where I was inspired by the range of subjects you could study, and also the friendships that were made. The people I met at Summer School still feel like my extended family.”

“I was Branch Secretary for West of Scotland Safeway G131 and have been for 12 years. Lifelong Learning is on the agenda at every branch meeting and because some of the shop stewards are also Union Learning Reps (ULRs) it’s a great opportunity to talk through any problems that may have arisen and also to encourage and support them.”

Margaret transferred to Safeway in Girvan to the Admin Dept in December 2000 to live by the sea, thinking she would be enjoying the quiet life!  Little did she know.

She had only been there for one year when she was asked by Usdaw to co-ordinate a Lifelong Learning pilot project within Safeway, as Usdaw had been successful in their first retail bid that covered Scotland. Margaret jumped at the chance to get involved.

“These were exciting times for Usdaw as I knew our members in Safeway were hungry for learning. Because I knew the Safeway and Usdaw structures very well I thought I could help to get Lifelong Learning off the ground,” said Margaret.

“I was seconded for a year which then turned into three years, as a second bid was also successful. We are now involved in a two year strategic bid involving six different companies.”

As well as being the newest addition to Usdaw’s team of Lifelong Learning Project Workers, Margaret is also in the middle of an ECDL course and really enjoying the challenge. “What the Lifelong Learning agenda has made me realise is that we all need to keep updating our skills as it’s an ever-changing world out there.”

“I love my job! It gives me the opportunity to meet lots of new people and to encourage them to get back into learning. There is no better feeling than to see the change it makes to members’ lives through the increase, not only in their self-confidence but also in their self-esteem.”

Everyone at Usdaw wishes Margaret the best of luck in her new role.

Margaret Fleming can be contacted by phone at Usdaw’s Glasgow office on 0141 427 6561 or alternatively you can e-mail her at margaret.fleming@usdaweducation.org.uk

 Printer Friendly Page

 Email to a Friend

© 2003 (USDAW) Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers
This page: http://usdaw.org.uk/lifelong_learning/lifelong_learning_news/1105636621_25140.html
Last Modified: Monday, 04-Jul-2005 20:03:45 EST