Flying start at Grampian

Learning is getting a flying start at Grampian Foods, Malton. 15 members of staff have now trained as Union Learning Reps, some of whom were existing shop stewards whilst others were completely new to a union role.

As part of their new role the Union Learning Reps are conducting a learning needs survey of the 1500 staff at the factory to find out what people want to learn, as well as running a two-week programme of ‘bite-size’ courses to help people get back into learning and to sample what kind of courses can be arranged.

All courses will be delivered on-site in their new Learning Centre, a redundant office block, which has been turned over to the Union Learning Reps to use. The facilities there will include a main multi-purpose room which will house PC’s, with dividing screens to allow the room to be used in a number of ways. There is a snug area where IAG material is available, an office, a private study room, a kitchen and toilet facilities.

The Union Learning Reps on site are working with a partnership of local providers which includes York College (local FE college), Ryedale community education, Askham Bryan College (local food/agricultural college), the Open University and the WEA, to provide a wide range of learning opportunities at varying levels.

“The Learning Centre will be a great way to show members and non-members alike what a trade union can do for them.  We are not only there when there is a problem!  It feels great to be able to help and encourage the members back into learning.  We look on this as a wonderful opportunity for staff who know the business inside out to gain qualifications that may help them to progress within the company” says Amanda Davison, one of the team of Union Learning Reps at the site.

The bite size launch at the factory was on May the 28^th and the official launch of the Flying Start Learning Centre will be sometime in July.  We will keep you posted.

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