unions north - january 2012
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Skills for Life...back to basics, Celebration of Learning, Health and Wellbeing and Quality ApprenticeshipsTRANSCRIPT
Skills for Life......back to basicsMaking Maths and English foradults the top learning priority
Celebrationof LearningLots of fun and activities to celebrateLearning Week in the workplace
Health andWellbeingThe start of 2012 is the ideal timeto get fitter and healthier
QualityApprenticeshipsOur region is continuing to makea valuable contribution
The Magazine of the Northern TUC
unionsnorth
Issue : 28
January 2012
03
Since 2003 there has been a significant
improvement in Level 2 and above
literacy achievement, but no
improvement in lower level literacy and
the nation’s numeracy skills have even
shown a small decline. So, there is still
a good deal of work to do in this area.
Some key actions outlined in the
Government’s further education and
skills system reform plan to tackle the
Maths and English challenge include:
Re-establish the terms ‘English’ and
‘Maths’ for adults.
Prioritise young adults who lack
English and Maths skills, and those
adults not in employment.
Promote a national Maths campaign.
Embed effective and timely screening
by Jobcentre Plus advisers of the
English and Maths needs of relevant
benefit claimants, mandating them
to an initial interview with a provider
where a lack of these skills is
preventing them moving into work.
Confirm that, from the 2012/13
academic year, all Apprenticeship
providers will be required to support
Apprentices in progressing towards
the achievement of Level 2 English
and Maths. From October 2012 all
Apprentices starting English and
Maths courses will be taking
Functional Skills or GCSE
qualifications.
Despite considerable effortsover the last 10 years toimprove the basic skills ofadults, a new national surveyshows that 24% of adults(8.1 million people) lackfunctional numeracy skillsand 15% (5.1 million people)lack functional literacy skills.
Going back to ‘basics’ in 2012Skills for Life: English and maths for adults
Issue 28
Unions are effective in promoting and
supporting English and Maths in the
workplace and beyond, as it is viewed
as a rights and social justice issue,
often relating to under-represented
groups and unlocked potential within
individuals and groups in society, which
impacts deeply on life opportunities.
The role of Union Learning Reps is
pivotal as it allows unions to turn theory
into practice, enabling them to make a
real difference in raising the level of
numeracy in the workplace. ULRs
understand the issues, as well as the
barriers, opportunities and bottom-line
benefits to the take up of English and
Maths for both workers and employers.
Case studies demonstrate that union
learners are being motivated to gain
numeracy qualifications for a range of
reasons: helping children/grandchildren,
gaining entry qualifications for a change
of career or job, managing personal
finances - and most importantly, the
cross cutting motivation of all of the
personal factors is encouragement from
ULRs telling learners “You can do it!”
The role of the ULR is a key one. Ofsted
judged that ‘the role of ULR is an
outstanding peer role model’ which is
cited by literacy and numeracy learners
as the single biggest factor in their
engagement with learning and persisting
through to achieve their goals.
From January 2012 unionlearn in the
northern region will have six handheld
mobile assessment tablets for ULRs to
use in the workplace. This tool enables
you to carry out initial assessments of
literacy and numeracy on an easy to
use touch screen computer tablet and
get an immediate result displayed on
the screen.
As long as you have mobile network
access the results can be uploaded to
a central database, collated, stored and
viewed. It’s quicker than paper testing,
easier to use than a PC and the results
are stored electronically making record
keeping and reporting much easier.
If you are interested in finding out more
please contact Beth Farhat, unionlearn
Union Development Co-ordinator,
Northern Region at: [email protected]
or on 0191 2323175.
04
areness
What can unions and ULRsdo to support Maths in theworkplace?
Moving skills for life into2012: Mobile AssessmentTablets
05
All rail employees and their families
were welcome to come along and
participate in a whole range of fun and
innovative activities all in the name of
learning something new.
Amongst the taster sessions of Spanish,
British Sign Language and Basic
Computers and ‘Fun Maths and English’
throughout the day, the main – and
very fitting attraction was a ‘Driver
Simulator’, which gave all attendees
and any budding train drivers the
opportunity to have a go at being in
charge of their very own East Coast
mainline service.
There was also a topical session from
technological whizz Pasha Tanriverdi
who showed people exactly what their
mobile phones, laptops and tablets are
capable of and offered help and advice
on how to get the most from their
iPhone, Blackberry, Smart Phone, Laptop
or PC!
Tony Paul, ASLEF lead Union Learning
Rep and organiser of the event said:
“We feel all staff should be given the
opportunity to achieve further education
through work and that an open, family
funday is the way to encourage it, plus
giving all staff a chance to drive a train
at 125mph on the simulator.”
Geoffrey Smith, East Coast Operations
Manager Newcastle said: “We are really
pleased to be working with the unions
to offer rail staff and their families some
fantastic learning opportunities through
our open day at Central Station as part
of the Celebration of Learning Week.
It is really important for East Coast to
engage with our staff and provide
different activities for them to learn new
skills and experiences, and what better
way to do it than by bringing the whole
family together to learn in a relaxed
and fun environment.”
Kevin Rowan, Northern TUC Regional
Secretary said: “Events such as this
one are a very practical and accessible
way to engage people. East Coast Trains
and the rail unions are another excellent
example of working in partnership for
the benefit of members, colleagues,
staff and the wider community and
offering a very positive experience of
learning - which will hopefully see all
those who took advantage of the
learning ‘tasters’ want to go on to a
main course!”
To mark unionlearn’sCelebration of LearningWeek, East Coast Trains, inpartnership with ASLEF, TSSAand the RMT unions held anopen day on Friday 28thOctober at their base inCentral Station in Newcastle.
East Coast Trains and unions on trackfor an excellent Celebration of Learning
Issue 28
06
Over 200 members of the contact
centre’s staff attended the numerous
stalls and events we had organised.
Most, if not all, of the day’s activities
all linked in well with our theme of
‘future matters’; for individuals,
workplaces and of course, the planet.
United Utilities gave out water savers
in the form of washers (to restrict
some of the water flow but not the
power) for electric showers, and the
toilet flush packs were snapped up!
Eon also put our attendees through
their paces with activities which enforced
how much energy (demonstrated by
man power) it takes to simply light one
light bulb - not many could keep a full
row glowing!
The NHS stand had some fantastic
information to promote better health,
and their stress balls were a huge hit
with our staff!
Also, linking in very nicely to better
health were the very active sessions
using Kettle Bells and Zumba, which
were a light hearted way of re-
introducing some of us to exercise! 35
staff got involved and there was plenty
of shimmying and heart rates pulsing.
We hope that most staff will continue
with these activities outside of work.
One of the most unique events of the
day was sign language. This is something
we don’t all come across in day to day
life, but the feedback from 32 learners
was that it was a very interesting activity
and something that can maybe be taken
forward on a more in depth course.
We were very fortunate and appreciative
to receive some funding via the
Celebration of Learning fund, to help
support the day, and promote our
campaign for digital inclusion. Becoming
a digital champion is a very worthwhile
cause to enable people in Britain to
have the confidence to get online and
take advantage of all the benefits this
has on society. On Learning At Work
Day an impressive 7 digital champions
were recruited.
We were also successful in signing up
around 25 people to enrol on a skills
for life course, and a further 20 people
to embark on further learning in the
form of an NVQ. There were also
numerous people interested in Open
University courses.
We used funding from Unionlearn to
hire the infamous Smoothie Bike, which
certainly proved a highlight of the day.
The Smoothie Bike is a static bike which
requires some serious pedal power to
charge an electric blender filled with
delicious smoothie ingredients
mounted on the front. The faster
you pedal, the smoother your
smoothie! It brought some tasty
fun to the event as well as
highlighting healthier living. A few
were worn out by the end of the day,
but it was great for morale and the
buzz around it was causing as much
electricity as the EON bus - if not more.
Overall the day was a great success.
There was a great sense of morale,
and the undercurrent of ‘future matters’
was widely represented in a variety of
ways.
This year’s Learning At WorkDay, held on 3 November atHMRC Lillyhall in Workingtonwas possibly our best yet!
The future matters at HMRC LillyhallLearning At Work Day
Issue 28
08
Alcohol misuse affects everyone. A third
of North Easterners drink at or above
the Government’s recommended limits
on a daily or almost daily basis and a
fifth binge drink on a weekly basis.
The recommended daily limits are 2-3
units, or a large glass of wine, for a
woman and 3-4 units, or two pints of
regular strength beer or lager, for a
man.
The impact on health
Alcohol misuse is a major cause of
illness, injury and death, linked to more
than 60 medical conditions. It’s the
second biggest cause of cancer in over
35 year olds after smoking.
Drinking at or above the recommended
alcohol limits, on a daily or almost daily
basis, can have some serious long term
health implications. These include mouth
and breast cancer, heart disease and
stroke.
Scientific evidence reveals that:
men who regularly drink more than
two pints of strong lager a day could
be four times more likely to have
high blood pressure
women who regularly drink two large
glasses of wine or more a day could
be three times more likely to suffer
a stroke
men and women who exceed these
limits could be up to five times more
likely to develop cancers of the
mouth and throat
It’s not only the damage to long term
health that drinkers need to be
concerned about. Drinking too much or
too often can also have an immediate
impact and can lead to:
anxiety
sexual difficulties such as impotence
impaired judgment leading to
accidents and injuries
slowed breathing and heartbeat
loss of consciousness
suffocation through choking on your
own vomit (aspiration)
potentially fatal poisoning
A bit of balance to your New Year’s resolutioncould significantly improve your workplace
As we head into 2012, theNew Year is an idealopportunity to look at beinghealthier – and this includesreducing how much alcoholwe drink.
09
The wider impact
There is a much bigger picture. Drinking
too much, too often has a huge impact
on every part of society - affecting
children and young people, families,
the community, frontline services and
the economy.
The consequences are hard-hitting and
far reaching. Studies show that:
The North East has the highest rate
of alcohol-related hospital admissions
in England
50% of all violent crime is alcohol-
related
2.6 million children in the UK are
living with a parent who drinks at
hazardous levels
More than nine in ten North
Easterners associate alcohol
consumption with anti-social behaviour,
crime and violence and domestic abuse
In the North East of England alcohol
misuse is costing up to £1.29 billion a
year – that’s over £400 for every man,
woman and child
Getting the measure of alcohol
Balance, the North East Alcohol Office,
is urging people to use the New Year
as an opportunity to think about how
much they are drinking and to begin
to reduce their alcohol consumption.
Director Colin Shevills explains: “People
are often surprised at how much they
are drinking but it’s important to stick
to the recommended guidelines. Drinking
too much, too often is having an impact
across the North East. It is affecting our
health, communities, the economy and
our workplaces. It’s important to consider
all aspects of alcohol misuse.
“It’s also important that we continue to
educate and inform the workforce about
the potential issues which can arise
from drinking alcohol.
“Whether it is drinking at work, going
to work with a hangover or regular
heavy drinking outside working hours,
it all has an effect in some way and we
need to reduce the impact it is having
across the North East.”
Balance is encouraging anyone who is
thinking of cutting down to visit:
www.nhs.co.uk and click on alcohol
where they will be able to take an
online assessment to find out if they
are drinking too much and take
advantage of a unit calculator and
tracker – to help them.
Colin ShevillsDirector of Balance
Make a plan: Before you start
drinking, set yourself a limit on
how much you’re going to drink.
Set yourself a budget: Only take
a fixed amount of money to
spend on alcohol.
On your side: If you let your
friends and family know you’re
cutting down and that it’s
important to you, you
may get their support
Take it a day at a time: Try and
cut back a little each day – then
every day you do is a success.
Make it a smaller one: You can
still enjoy a drink but go for
smaller sizes. Try bottled beer
or a small glass of wine.
Have a lower-strength drink:
Cut down the alcohol by
swapping strong beers or wines
for ones with a lower strength
(%ABV)
Stay hydrated: Drink a pint of
water before you start drinking
and avoid using alcohol to
quench your thirst.
Take a break: Have the odd day
here and there each week when
you don’t have a drink.
Hints and tips for
anyone looking to
cut down on alcohol
in the New Year
Issue 28
10
The 2011 Proskills Awards (Proskills is
the Sector Skills Council for Process
and Manufacturing Sector) were held
at Alton Towers on 3 November, both
celebrating the achievements of people
working in the process and
manufacturing sector and also
highlighting its wider commercial
importance. Proskills received hundreds
of entries from a wide range of
employers, apprentices and Union
Learning Representatives.
As a Union Learning Representative at
paper company James Cropper in Kendal,
Cumbria, Julia Harrison is the workforce’s
voice on skills issues. Her performance
in the role led to her being nominated
for Union Learning Representative of
the Year – and going on to win the very
competitive title. “Julia has been an
elected learning representative for seven
years and in this role she has promoted
lifelong learning opportunities to the
500-strong workforce. She has
conducted learning and skills analysis,
and also identified skills needs and
areas that impact on the business,”
said David Nicholson, HR Manager at
James Cropper.
Julia has taken on responsibility, as a
Union Learning Representative, for
accessing course provision and
organising learning events and courses.
She has also worked closely with
external agencies and her commitment
to the role has made a real difference.
“Julia’s determination and passion have
ensured that despite many challenges
and some setbacks, the impact of ULRs
in the company has been extremely
positive,” said David. “Without her, I’m
sure that many of these achievements
would not have happened.”
This is Julia’s story in her own words:
Since becoming a Union Learning
Representative, I have never really had
time to reflect on what I have actually
achieved in my workplace, until now. It
fills me with a sense of pride and
satisfaction knowing that others are
benefitting from the work I am doing.
Unite ULR at James Cropperin Kendal, Julia Harrison,wins Proskills ULR of theYear Award.
Cumbria Union Learning Rep Julia Harrisonis a real pro when it comes to skills
11
I get a great buzz from encouraging
and helping to assist individuals to
reach their goals and potential, whether
it’s updating or acquiring new skills by
offering information, support and
facilities.
Working in my everyday IT environment,
with technology constantly changing,
each day brings new challenges in itself,
but what keeps me motivated is helping
others. Before I became a ULR, our
“Learning Resource Centre” had lain
virtually unused for the previous three
years. I provided the kick start needed,
and now we go from strength to
strength, with both the Company and
individuals alike benefitting.
My ULR training took place at Quorn
near Leicester in 2005. I thoroughly
enjoyed the whole experience, the format
and teaching style. I picked up so much,
and couldn’t wait to get back into the
workplace to put into practice what I’d
learnt.
Back in the workplace, I decided the
best way forward was with a learner
survey. I drafted up a learner survey
with covering letter and sent it out to
every employee in the workforce. All
the data was collated into a spreadsheet,
which identified all sorts of learning
avenues. One to one interviews were
then followed up with those who had
returned their form, to discuss their
learning needs further. The information
gained from this exercise was then fed
back to a Learning Steering Group.
The Learning Steering Group is made
up of ULRs, union representatives,
regional skills co-ordinators and
management. The group meet at least
quarterly, sometimes more often,
depending what’s on the agenda.
I normally set out the agenda,
sometimes chair the meeting, and always
take the minutes.
The next step was to sit down with
management and discuss the current
layout of the learning centre, as it was
no longer adequate. I went away to
plan and cost up a refurbishment
programme. The company offered £5000
towards the project.
The centre is now fully equipped with
8 computers, a library, and a central
plan area for deskwork. I also managed
to secure a learning budget from the
company. This started out at £2000
back in 2005, but now we have managed
to secure £7,500, reviewed yearly.
Below are a few of the training courses
run in the centre:
Skills for Life
NVQ Level 1 & 2 in Literacy and
Numeracy
ECDL (European Computer Driving
License)
ITQ (Level 1 & 2)
MS Access (Basic)
MS Project (Basic)
MS Excel (Basic/Intermediate)
Health & Safety (Part 1&2)
NEBOSH (Diploma)
Digital Photography
Spanish (Basic/Intermediate)
Over the years I have built up very good
working relationships with the unions,
regional skills co-ordinators, forged
partnerships with local schools and
colleges, and worked with other adult
education centres in the area.
With help from the unions we put in
place a Learning Agreement which forms
the basis of our organisation’s learning
agenda, including rights to access
training and learning.
I try to keep in regular contact with
other ULRs and union reps in the
workplace and other ULRs in other
companies, as it makes you more aware
of what’s happening not just in your
own workplace but in others too. You
can also bounce ideas off one another,
and in some cases we can actually work
together to deliver training courses. I
recently gave a presentation to Heinz
in Kendal who are looking to open their
own learning centre.
I am always trying to think of new ideas
to help the way we promote learning
in the workplace. A big celebration here
is Learning at Work Day with activities
for everyone, and past years have proved
very successful.
We decided we wanted to do something
completely different this year, and have
some fun at the same time, as this
encourages people to take part. This
year was no exception, with the
introduction of Zumba (which proved
very popular with the ladies), and XBox
Kinect activities (which entertained the
men)!
I could talk about this subject forever
as it’s something I am very passionate
about, but would like to state that I
couldn’t have done it without the help
and support from the Union, the
Company, and the individuals who have
signed up to the courses on offer - it
just makes it all worthwhile.
Julia Harrison:
Proskills ULR of the Year 2011
Issue 28
12
With the start of the newyear comes another roundof our Bitesize Briefings,covering January to March.As always there should besomething to suit everyone,so get registered for your‘taste’ of the new menu!
BITESIZEBRIEFINGSJan-Mar 2012
Wednesday 25th January:Coping with and avoidingstress
The TUC’s 2010 survey of safety reps
found stress is by far the most common
health and safety problem at work.
Nearly two thirds (62 per cent) of reps
say that stress is in the top five problems
faced by the workers they represent.
More than a quarter of reps (27 per
cent) pick out stress as the hazard at
work that most concerns them. This
practical workshop provides tips and
advice on developing personal strategies
to cope with tough times.
Learn how to successfully improve your
wellbeing and create your own action
plan to prevent stress and cope more
effectively at work and at home.
Participants will also be given their very
own Personal Stress Monitor for use in
the workplace to help identify and
manage stress levels, for themselves,
members and colleagues.
Monday 6th February:Update on EqualitiesMiddlesbrough
Monday 5th March:Update on EqualitiesNewcastle
This session will provide an overview
of the 2010 Equality Act from the
perspective of trade unions. It will
include:
Practical workshop exercises using
real world workplace scenarios
New updates to the law following
changes subsequently made by the
Coalition Government
Awareness of employers’ obligations
in this area
This important session will provide reps
with the latest information to inform
and represent their members and ensure
their rights under the Equality Act are
not overlooked.
Wednesday 15th February:ULRs and RedundancySupport
This briefing will look at priorities for
ULRs during any redundancy situation;
helping ULRs understand the roles of
support services and how they can
support those at risk, preparing them
for all scenarios around identifying skills
needs for members and themselves.
The briefing will provide information
and material from useful contacts and
initiatives to support them in their role
in providing workplace workshops to
look at re-skilling, jobs markets and
the challenges ULRs, members and
colleagues could potentially face during
a redundancy situation.
As part of the briefing the money advice
service will brief participants on their
role and how they can provide ‘one to
ones’ in the workplace on managing
budgets, dealing with debt and
additional redundancy support.
Wednesday 29th February:Macmillan Cancer Supportin the Workplace
Each year over 100,000 people of
working age are diagnosed with cancer.
From its early beginnings, founded in
1911 by Douglas Macmillan, Macmillan
Cancer Support has grown to become
the largest cancer care and support
charity in the UK.
This briefing will help reps gain an
understanding of the support services
Macmillan can provide for both cancer
sufferers and those around them – in
and out of the workplace.
13
Jan-Mar 2011 Timetable
Coping with andavoiding stress
Wednesday 25 January Northern TUCNewcastle
1.00pm to 4.00pm Melanie [email protected]
Briefing Date Venue Time Registration Contact
Update on theEqualities Act
Monday 6 February MIMAMiddlesbrough
1.00pm to 4.00pm Charlotte [email protected]
ULRs and RedundancySupport
Wednesday 15 February Northern TUCNewcastle
1.00pm to 4.00pm Helen [email protected]
Macmillan CancerSupport in the Workplace
Wednesday 29 February Northern TUCNewcastle
1.00pm to 4.00pm Melanie [email protected]
Update on theEqualities Act
Monday 5 March Northern TUCNewcastle
1.00pm to 4.00pm Charlotte [email protected]
Alcohol Awareness Friday 16 March Northern TUCNewcastle
1.00pm to 4.00pm Helen [email protected]
Maths MessengerTraining
Friday 30 March Northern TUCNewcastle
1.00pm to 4.00pm Anne [email protected]
BITESIZEBRIEFINGS
Please check the timetable above for details of preferred sessions. For general enquiries or to registervia telephone, please call 0191 232 3175 and ask for the designated Bitesize Briefing contact.
Friday 16th March:Alcohol Awareness
Alcohol misuse is having a devastating
impact on our region. We have the
highest rate of alcohol related hospital
admissions in England and half of all
violent crime is linked to alcohol.
Did you know?
60+ is the number of medical
conditions linked to alcohol
50% of all violent crime is alcohol
related
1.3bn is around the annual cost of
alcohol misuse in the region
1 in 5 of North East drinkers ‘binge’
drink on a regular basis
49% of men in the North East are
drinking too much
1/3 of women in the North East are
drinking too much
This session is all about educating reps
to share the dangers and implications
of excessive drinking with members and
colleagues as part of the broader health
and wellbeing framework to make
workplaces – and workers healthier.
Friday 30th March:Maths Messenger Training
This half day training session, in
conjunction with Niace and the Maths
4 Us initiative will help participants to
feel positively about maths. It will
provide you with the tools and
confidence to encourage others to take
up maths learning too.
The taster sessions will introduce a
range of engaging maths activities,
including tips and quizzes and provide
ULRs with an enjoyable, stimulating
mathematical experience as well as the
ability to take both the resources and
what you have learned back to the
workplace.
It’s a very practical and grounded half
day but fun too!
Issue 28
14
They manage, maintain and improve
homes and estates in South Tyneside
and manage over 18,000 homes and
are a not-for-profit company.
The organisation has over 700
employees who are committed to
providing an excellent service to all
their customers.
Even before its current incarnation as
South Tyneside Homes the organisation
had a strong history of investing in
Apprenticeships. Over 23 years ago
they took on Gary Kirsop as a Bricklaying
Apprentice; he is now Head of Property
Services, and a staunch supporter of
Apprenticeships and the opportunities
they offer.
“We have a very successful team here,
and that is down to everyone working
together in a cohesive partnership for
the same goals – to make South
Tyneside Homes the best employer and
service provider. Our investment in
Apprenticeships goes beyond the
financial as this is where the future
potential of the business lies” says Gary
Kirsop, Head of Property Services.
South Tyneside Homes currently have
24 Apprentices across the whole gamut
of construction trades including: joiners,
electricians, plumbers, plasterers,
painters and decorators and gas fitters.
They are also widening their
Apprenticeship scope from the more
traditional areas and have added
Administration and Quality Surveying
to the fold, too.
All Apprentices are given three or four
year Apprenticeship contracts (depending
on the discipline) and are paid in line
with union negotiated Red/Green Book
South Tyneside Homes isthe arms-lengthmanagement organisation(ALMO) set up by SouthTyneside Council in 2005.
South Tyneside Homes:A history of investing in Apprenticeships
terms and conditions, which rise
incrementally as their Apprenticeship
progresses. Retention after they have
qualified is taken on a case by case
basis, and is primarily dictated by
company workload and economics.
Many who are kept on, like Elizabeth
Ahmed 23, have already achieved an
Advanced Apprenticeship NVQ Level 3
but will be supported into Higher
Education and encouraged to work their
way up. All six of the management
team at STH and most of the Team
Leaders are graduate Apprentices.
“The vast number of Apprentice success
stories demonstrates the ultimate goal
that apprenticeships should never be
seen as cheap labour for organisations,
but rather integral to their long-term
business plans; providing a dedicated
and skilled workforce for the future.
“We feel that in South Tyneside Homes
the continued strong industrial relations
between the unions and employer on
the apprenticeship framework – and
beyond - has been crucial to its
continued success and should be seen
as a fantastic model for other employers
to adapt in their organisations.”
Joint statement from Unison, GMB,
UCATT, Unite at South Tyneside Homes
High quality training is paramount at
STH and all new apprentices are given
a full year’s programme of work, as well
as a comprehensive induction. Despite
being based in South Tyneside, the
apprentices attend the College with the
best results in their particular discipline,
and are given either day or block release
depending on the structure of the course.
For their ‘on-the-job’ training in the
workplace, every Apprentice has a
‘Buddy’ - a qualified tradesman/Team
Leader who mentors them, as well as
a Workplace Assessor who conducts 10-
weekly reviews. The Head of Property
Services also operates an open door
policy and there are always union reps
on-hand in all guises to offer help,
support and advice. Last year they even
began a ‘Parents Evening’ to join up all
of the support mechanisms.
Due to the increasing popularity of
Apprenticeships, STH received over 600
applications for only eight positions in
their last intake, but Gary says this is
‘quality over quantity’ ensuring the
Apprentices who are employed receive
the best and most comprehensive
support. Although competition is fierce,
accessibility and getting the right person
for the job is still priority, so as well as
literacy and numeracy, the organisation
have recently introduced spatial
awareness testing during the recruitment
process to allow people to demonstrate
different skills.
Anyone needing support with skills for
life or other issues is helped
wholeheartedly - usually through the
union-led learning project and ULRs.
There is no shortage of female applicants
either and the number is increasing
every year; at the moment two of the
Electrician Apprentices are female and
Elizabeth won the national APSE Award
for Female Technical Apprenticeship in
2010.
The Apprentices themselves are the best
advert for how well the programme
works at South Tyneside Homes and
they actively participate in Open Days,
Careers Fairs and School visits - with a
designated Young Ambassador who
goes in to talk to children as young as
12 about the benefits of on the job
learning - with pay, qualifications and
prospects.
15
I have completelyloved every minute ofmy Apprenticeship. Once you have a tradethe sky’s the limit!
Elizabeth Ahmed:Advanced Apprentice Electrician.
Issue 28
16
The award was presented by unionlearn
Regional Manager and Northern TUC
Regional Secretary, Kevin Rowan on
Friday 14 October at the Town Hall in
Eston.
The Local Authority passed the stringent
assessment process with flying colours;
the opportunities and all-round support
they offer through partnership work
with providers, external agencies like
Connexions and the trade unions,
earning them the Quality Award. Unions
and the employer are also going one
step further and looking at an
Apprenticeship Agreement which would
cement Apprentices’ positions at Redcar
and Cleveland Borough Council.
In the last two years Redcar & Cleveland
Borough Council have taken on 105
Apprentices, over 20 different areas of
business, including; Community
Development, IT, Environmental Services,
Countryside, Childcare and Vehicle
Maintenance, with the largest intake
attributed to various departments within
Business Administration. The
Apprenticeships range from one year
to three years depending on the
discipline and every Apprentice has a
bespoke contract to match their training
period.
The award was presented to Paul Healy,
Young Peoples Employment Programme
Coordinator, in front of the borough’s
Mayor, the Council’s Chief Executive
Officer, Amanda Skelton and
Apprenticeship programme partners
including council employees, training
providers, trade unions, some of the
Apprentices themselves and local MP,
Tom Blenkinsop.
Councillor George Dunning, Leader of
the Council said: “We are very Apprentice
focussed here and everyone works
together to create a family atmosphere
for new and existing recruits, making
them feel nurtured and supported into
achieving their potential. All Apprentices
Tom Blenkinsop, MP forMiddlesbrough South andEast Cleveland, attended abespoke presentation of theunionlearn Quality Award inrecognition of Redcar &Cleveland Borough Council’sexemplary work on thedelivery and co-ordinationof their ApprenticeshipProgramme.
MP sees how ‘Quality’ Apprenticeships benefityoung people at Redcar and Cleveland BC
17
are accepted as an employee and not
just an Apprentice. Good young talent
is an invaluable resource for us as an
employer and as a borough. Everyone
involved is extremely proud to be part
of the process.”
Eve Cole, Branch Secretary of UNISON
and Secretary of the Joint Trades Union
Committee for Redcar & Cleveland said:
“We’re extremely proud to be a part of
the burgeoning Apprenticeship
programme at RCBC and are always
looking for ways to increase our
contribution to its support and
development and that of the Apprentices
themselves. The unions recognise the
importance of giving people who do
not choose the academic route to work
the opportunity to get hands-on
experience whilst getting further
education and the apprentice scheme
is an excellent way of doing this.”
Tom Blenkinsop, MP for Middlesbrough
South and East Cleveland said: “This
apprenticeship programme is a
testament to the work of Redcar and
Cleveland Borough Council as a
progressive local authority, and a
testament too, to the ability, initiative
and talent of the council's apprentices
and to the dedicated workers who help
to train them in their new skills.
“A proper apprenticeship is an essential
building block in a young person’s
career development and will allow for
the continuing transmission of skills
needed in a large local authority where
the delivery of proper services to the
public has to be the council's keystone.
Those services cannot be properly
delivered without properly trained,
skilled staff and apprenticeship schemes
such as these on display today show
how these skills can be nurtured.
“This event also underlines the key role
of Trade Unions as core partners in
these programmes and their commitment
to promoting the skills agenda. Trade
Union members deliver these services,
aware of how important they are for
the wider community, as much as for
the apprentices themselves.”
Kevin Rowan, Northern TUC Regional
Secretary said: “It is really heartening
to see continued and increasing
commitment to Apprenticeships in our
region by employers who care about
the future of their business and their
employees. Investing in good quality
Apprenticeships goes beyond financial
outlay; it requires time, effort and
partnership by all involved. Redcar and
Cleveland Borough Council have proven
that they are more than willing to go
the extra mile - and reap the benefits
in return with the cultivation of top-
notch home-grown talent.”
Issue 28
18
Both Bridget Phillipson, MP for Houghton
and Sunderland South and Julie Elliott,
MP for Sunderland Central attended to
show their support for the development
of the Learning Styles workplace project
and its ongoing contribution to learning
and skills, including playing a role in
the Council winning £10 million worth
of Microsoft vouchers for the city and
helping to contribute to over 4870
Council workers and members of the
community accessing IT learning
opportunities.
Learning Styles has been running at the
Council for almost 3 years and is a joint
trade union (Unison, GMB, UCATT, Unite)
and employer partnership initiative
which aims to encourage and support
members and colleagues across the
Council’s 16000 staff to get back into
learning – whether brushing up existing
skills or acquiring new ones. The project
is led by Union Learning Co-ordinator,
Howard Fawcett and a team of 36
dedicated Union Learning Reps, with a
further 6 having recently completed
their training.
The project promotes and facilitates
opportunities in areas including literacy
and numeracy, IT, bespoke NVQs and
HE courses, as well as more informal
learning such as Aromatherapy, INBIZ
Workshops, Next Step Careers Guidance,
Self Care for You/Health and Wellbeing
- to name but a few.
Howard Fawcett, Union Learning Co-
ordinator for the Learning Styles project
and ULR of the year 2010 said: “The
Learning Styles project has been a joy
to work on from the beginning and its
continued expansion and integration
into the workplace demonstrates the
need – and demand for it.
“The addition of a further learning centre
was the next logical step. The ability
to deliver more learning to more people
is the ideal scenario. I hope everyone
who can take advantage does. The
partnership between the unions and
the Council is second to none and the
mutual hard work has paid dividends,
as can be evidenced with the authority’s
Sunderland Way of Working strategy.”
Bridget Phillipson, MP for Houghton
and Sunderland South said: “I was
delighted to be asked to open the new
Learning Centre at Sunderland City
Council. This impressive partnership
between unions and the City Council
has been very successful in achieving
and promoting learning opportunities
which will benefit individuals,
organisations and the wider community
by encouraging adults of all levels of
ability to consider returning to learning.
In today’s current climate opportunities
such as these are really important. I am
therefore happy to give my wholehearted
endorsement to their learning agenda.”
Julie Elliott, MP for Sunderland Central
said: “I was pleased to be invited to
the ribbon-cutting event to mark the
opening of the new Learning Styles
Learning Centre. The Centre is a shining
example of what can be achieved when
employers and unions work together.
Employees enrolling on the range of
courses on offer have an opportunity
to increase their confidence and enhance
their skills. Everyone benefits from
employees who have access to lifelong
learning and training.”
Councillor Paul Watson, Leader of
Sunderland Council said: “It is essential
as part of the Sunderland Way of
Working that staff have the opportunity
to learn new skills, so that we can
continue to deliver the best possible
service to the people of Sunderland.
“I am sure that the new centre will be
a fantastic tool to help us achieve this.”
To mark the opening of thenew Learning Styles LearningCentre at Sunderland CityCouncil, two of the city’s MPsperformed the official‘ribbon-cutting’ at aceremony on Friday 2ndSeptember at SunderlandCivic Centre.
Sunderland MPs open new union-ledLearning Centre at Sunderland City Council
19
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Copyright in this publication is held by the TUC unless otherwise stated. For further copies of this item contact Northern TUC on 0191 232 3175 or via [email protected]. This text may also be made available, on request, in accessible formats such as braille, audio tape and large print, at no extra cost.
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Telephone 0191 232 3175or email [email protected]
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Issue 28
Kevin RowanNorthern TUC Regional [email protected]
Beth Farhat Union [email protected]
Ian WestRegional Education [email protected]
Linda HughesSenior Union Support [email protected]
Dave StorrieSenior Union Support [email protected]
Ken GylesUnion Support [email protected]
Joe McGuiganUnion Support [email protected]
Graeme RushtonUnion Support Officer [email protected]
Susanne NicholMarketing and [email protected]
Mike TanseyHigher Level Skills Project [email protected]
Julie RobinsonHigher Level Skills Project [email protected]
Tom RossHealth and Wellbeing Project [email protected]
Alex RodgersUSO non-union [email protected]
Melanie LowdenSecretary/Office [email protected] Anne CairnsUnionlearn Project [email protected]
For information on events or issuesplease contact the Northern TUC
21 Social Media Training DayCentre for Life, Newcastle
January 2012 Calendar
25 Bitesize Briefing - Coping with StressNorthern TUC Office Newcastle
25 ELSF - Greening the WorkplaceCastle Inn, Bassenthwaite
06 Bitesize Briefing - Equalities UpdateMIMA, Middlesbrough
February 2012 Calendar
15 Bitesize Briefing - Redundancy SupportNorthern TUC Office Newcastle
06 Apprenticeship Week6-12 February
16 Cumbria ForumCastle Inn, Bassenthwaite
29 Bitesize Briefing - Macmillan SupportNorthern TUC Office Newcastle
March 2012 Calendar
05 Bitesize Briefing - Equalities UpdateNorthern TUC Office Newcastle
14 ELSF - Higher Level SkillsStadium of Light, Sunderland
12 Health and Safety ForumCentre for Life, Newcsatle
16 Bitesize Briefing - Alcohol AwarenessNorthern TUC Office Newcastle
30 Bitesize Briefing - Maths MessengerNorthern TUC Office Newcastle
February 2012 Calendar
Best wishes for a happy andsuccessful year to all of our readers