Usdaw hosts successful Lifelong Learning conference

140 delegates attended an important national conference on Lifelong Learning in the Distribution Sector, which was held on May 13th at the Moat House Hotel in Northampton.

The event was aimed at Usdaw activists and employers already working with us to promote access to learning for our members, as well as at those who Usdaw  still hope to engage in the agenda.  It provided an invaluable opportunity to exchange ideas and opinions and to showcase good practice.

The conference was opened and chaired by Sir Bill Connor who outlined Usdaw’s achievements in the field of Lifelong Learning to date including:

• Over 450 trained Union Learning Reps in workplaces across the UK
• Over 8,500 members re-engaged in some form of adult learning
• Over 525 members entering Basic skills programmes with Individual Learning Plans and over 703 starting a CLAIT type course this year alone

Gerry Sutcliffe, the Parliamentary under Secretary of State for Employment Relations in the Department of Trade and Industry then focused on how the government is supporting Lifelong Learning in the Workplace.

Delegates then got the opportunity to hear about the impressive Lifelong Learning projects that Sainsbury’s Supply Chain has been carrying out in partnership with Usdaw.  Speakers were Jane Fenwick, Employee Relations Manager from Supply Chain HR within Sainsbury’s and Stuart Barber, Usdaw Area Organiser and former Union Learning Rep. Jane emphasised that Sainsburys participation was based on an understanding that the initiative contributed to the company’s bottom line performance. Stuart emphasised the value of the site learning committees. Delegates commented “This event has given me an advanced insight into what Lifelong Learning and Union Learning Reps are all about” as well as “This is an excellent introduction to the Lifelong Learning agenda”.

As well as speakers, there were discussion groups available on a range of topics, including the role of the Union Learning Rep, How to get Started and Setting up a Workplace Learning Centre. 

After lunch delegates were treated to a performance focusing on the issue of Basic Skills in the Workplace, which was delivered by the theatre group, Green Paint, who then involved the audience in a lively interactive exercise, which provoked much discussion.

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