Usdaw launches in-store learning partnerships for the South West

Retail union Usdaw has launched an innovative in-store learning partnership encouraging workers at Sainsbury’s stores to join the information superhighway.

The union has teamed up with local colleges to run a series of Lifelong Learning workshops at Sainsbury’s stores in Newton Abbot, Paignton, Torquay, Plymouth, Bristol, Taunton and Exeter.

Informal learning road shows in stores have proved the best way of reaching workplaces the rest of the education system can’t reach by offering employees a chance to sample learning opportunities at a time and place that suits them.

“We’re delighted with the response we’re getting from staff we’ve already spoken to,” says Christine Green, Usdaw’s Lifelong Learning project worker. “We’re offering basic IT skills to help staff deal with computers in work and at home with their families.

“We’re delighted Sainsbury’s have been so supportive of this scheme and they recognise the value of a well educated, motivated workforce in increasing staff retention and boosting productivity.”

“The most rewarding part of this project is seeing first hand the real difference our courses make to people’s lives. Students who were terrified of computers are now sitting City and Guilds IT certificates and some are eagerly awaiting the results of national tests in literacy and numeracy.”

Usdaw members have elected learning reps to work closely with store management to make sure the learning road shows reach the maximum number of staff.

Mark Coker, Sainsbury’s Senior Duty Manager said: “I’m so pleased that my colleagues have taken advantage of this great opportunity to learn and develop themselves, and that this partnership has given them the chance to develop their self confidence.”

Usdaw now runs Lifelong Learning projects in more than 25 workplaces with hundreds of their members gaining qualifications that have boosted their careers and self confidence.

John Hannett, Usdaw General Secretary, commented: “In the modern world unions have to offer a whole range of services and Lifelong Learning is one scheme we’re extremely proud of. Our agreement with Sainsbury’s is a perfect example of how innovative partnerships benefit both employers and our members.”

Notes to Editors:

• Photo opportunities are available at the following stores from 10.30am - 6pm: Torquay: 17 - 18 February; Castle Court: 22 - 23 February; Armada Way: 28 February; Clifton Down: 9 March; Alphington Road: 10 March; Emerson Road: 15-16 March; Taunton: 17 March.

• Contacts for newsdesks: Usdaw’s Media Officer, Paul Clarke, can be contacted on 0161 224 2804 or at paul.clarke@usdaw.org.uk.

• Usdaw (the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK’s fifth biggest trade union, with over 340,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, 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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© 2003 (USDAW) Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers
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