Learning is a s-mash hit at potato factory

Workers at a Northumberland food factory are reaping the rewards of their union rep being in the wrong place at the right time - such are the unlikely origins of a successful learning project.

Three years ago, Usdaw rep Jon Lambert enrolled on what he thought was a course offering advice and guidance to shop stewards. But the course he was attending was in fact an introductory session for union learning reps. Rather than get up and leave, Jon listened and learned - and soon realised this was an excellent opportunity for colleagues back at his factory.

Armed with his unexpected new knowledge about union-assisted learning for workers, Jon immediately got the learning ball rolling back at his workplace - Cheviot Foods Ltd, a company in Amble, Northumberland, that makes a wide range of potato products.

Three years on, the "AChevUS" (Amicus, Cheviot and Usdaw) project's success is clearly evident through the workers' enthusiasm for learning. Jon said: "We've had many success stories during the last three years, assisting more than 100 people to improve their skills and confidence. The project is growing and developing all the time - not bad considering it all started from a mistake on my part!"

Workers are now able to complete courses on site at Cheviot Foods within a dedicated resource centre, equipped with computers, training packages and other materials. Tutors from Northumberland College lead courses at the centre. Workers can also learn at the college. More recently, the facilities at the Amble factory have also been made available for employees in other local companies to use - a development that has delighted Jon, 46. "It is very difficult in a rural area to get access to a learning centre, especially for people who work shifts," he said.

A learning awareness day is to be held at the AChevUS learning resource centre (a joint project between Cheviot Foods, the TUC and the two unions on site, Usdaw and Amicus) on 10th September 2004, when workers can find out more about the learning opportunities that are available.

Cheviot Foods is one of many successful Lifelong Learning projects assisted by trade union Usdaw. Usdaw launched its Lifelong Learning campaign six years ago, with remarkable success. Since then, 10,000 members have returned to some form of learning and more than 500 learning reps have been trained up. Learning projects are up and running in over 150 workplaces, which includes projects run from 25 dedicated Workplace Learning Centres.

Notes to Editors:

• Usdaw (the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth largest trade union with over 337,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, dairy process, call centres, chemicals and other trades

• More information and news releases are available at our online Newsroom.

• Journalists can subscribe to receive Usdaw news releases via our online e-news service.

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