RMT Learning business as usual! So, you will probably know by now, that all is not well at RMT Learning and Unionlearn. The facts are, that this government have decided to stop funding lifelong learning as of 31st March 2021. This is not due to anything we have done as we and most other unions have not only hit our outcome targets year, on year but exceeded them. We have reacted to changes under COVID-19 such as a move to online learning provision, refocusing on Covid 19 briefings and redundancy support, on top of the other outcomes. But it seems those in power are dead set on ripping out funding for lifelong learning. A tried and trusted method of delivery for reskilling and change support; at a time when they are telling people they need to retrain for different jobs in the ‘new reality’. Whilst there may be moves afoot to change their minds or look at alternatives to closing down. For the Lead Learning Organisers and ULRs it is business as usual. As well as making the case for keeping learning on the agenda. This issue contains some old favourites that are well used and trusted online provision and a few new opportunities to try out and recommend to your learners on the shop floor. As part of the campaign to keep RMT Learning central to the lifelong learning agenda. We are collecting case studies (good news stories) about the impact and benefits of individual, personal experiences from learners and ULRs who took up lifelong learning opportunities. If you have any examples or know of people who would be prepared to share theirs. Please contact us asap, by emailing i.riddell@rmt.org.uk
Newbie to Lead Learning Organiser. A learning journey with friends and comrades I rejoined the Rail industry in 2003 after a 15 year break. I was surprised how little had really changed under privatisation. The first thing I did however was to join the RMT. I have always been a trade unionist, but not really been active, coming along to the odd branch meeting and such. But in 2004 I was approached by a ULR, Caroline Manington. Who having heard I used British Sign Language (my youngest daughter is deaf), she asked if I would like to do a taster session at a learning fair they were organising. I agreed and really enjoyed the experience. At the event I met the Rail Union Learning (RUL) Project worker Mike Sargent. Who convinced me I should become a ULR. Following my election at my branch ‘Gillingham and Strood’ and training. I set about to change the world. Very quickly learning that it isn’t that easy, as a group the ULRs on Southeastern went about setting up a permanent Learning Centre. After a couple of years an opportunity to join the full time RMT Learning Project came up. Because of the experiences I had as a ULR I had the confidence to apply (which I would never have considered before). Then blow me down I got the job. From there I have worked with TOCs, Bus Companies, Maritime Companies and supported comrades across many other unions from the POA and FBU to USDAW and the TUC. I have had to go back to my original employer and picked up as a ULR though I never really stopped of I’m honest. Now I am back on the RMT Learning Team and loving every minute. Supporting Learners and ULRs making friends and building networks. I started out as a nervous Union Learning Rep, I am now 59 (nearly 60) year old man and I still have a passion and a joy in learning and a massive sense of satisfaction and pride in seeing others benefit from my work and input. The RMT is a fantastic Union and it has changed my life. Lifelong Learning has helped me grow, giving me skills, knowledge, tools and the confidence to change the world.
Andy Gilchrist Project Manager Tel: 07584 172705 Email: a.gilchrist@rmt.org.uk
Lisa Evans Learning Organiser: North and Midlands Tel: 07388 445261 Email: l.grainge@rmt.org.uk
John Holmes Petrit Mihaj Gareth Jameson Learning Organiser: Learning Organiser: Learning Organiser: Network Rail South & Southwest Maritime Tel: 07388 445261 Tel: 07877 547727 Tel: 07388 445261 Email: p.mihaj@rmt.org.uk Email: g.jameson@rmt.org.uk Email: j.holmes@rmt.org.uk
Ivor Riddell Learning Organiser: Maritime & ULR Support Tel: 07519 721667 Email: i.riddell@rmt.org.uk
Francine Enyioko-Bakers Administrator Mon & Fri Tel: 02075 298820
Donna Murray Administrator Tues—Thur Tel: 02075 298820
Email: f.enyioko-bakers@rmt.org.uk
Email: d.murray@rmt.org.uk
RMTLEARNING @RMTLEARNING1 www.rmt.org.uk/education
Secretary, Andy Gilchrist A.gilchrist@rmt.org.uk
Dave Gilby Learning Organiser: Buses (Temp Secondment) Tel: 07899 690283 Email: gilbydh@gmail.com
There are also two concurrent projects running in Scotland as well‌
Highlands & Islands Dan Henderson d.henderson@rmt.org.uk
Lowlands & Uplands Dennis Fallen d.fallen@rmt.org.uk
Check it out with... SkillCheck it’s a tool that contains five learning themes designed to help engage with learners, providing both an initial assessment and a way to encourage further learning. Check out how much you really know about the following subjects! • • •
• •
English Maths ICT Apprenticeships Everyday Finances Or copy & paste www.unionlearn.org.uk/skillcheck
Every time someone starts a course or does an assessment, they are taking part in a learning experience. If RMT have supported that in any way, through advertising the opportunity, helping them to sign up, advising and guiding them through the course or supporting them in any way, it means that RMT Learning can legitimately claim this as an outcome. This is now our key way of tracking and reporting outcomes, in compliance with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). Please help us to help you, make sure all learners complete the e-Data Consent Form (Link Below). Hard copies are also available on request. https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/XC2L85M You can also download the link to the DSCF onto your smartphone or tablet. For quick and easy access.
E-MEMO PAD IS BACK! The E-Memo pad is a handy way for a ULR to keep a record of contacts that they made with others about learning. It helps to track learners, remind them of next steps and provide a copy for RMT Learning Admin so that we can record the number of learning contacts each month and offer support where needed. The data is recorded in a secure central location. No need for lots of paper or wasted time sorting it out. Each month the entire capture is filtered into specific ULR’s and that information is fed back to them so they have a clear record to keep and RMT Learning can collate all the activity in one place.
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/W62NR5X You can also download the link to the DSCF onto your smartphone or tablet. For quick and easy access.
To find out more Click here
More learning opportunities… FutureLearn Requires data consent form Get access to high quality learning wherever you are, with online courses, programs and degrees created by leading universities, business schools and specialist Organisations.
www.futurelearn.com Alison.com Requires data consent form Alison offers over 1000 free online courses across nine distinct categories. The types of courses across the categories include: Certificate Courses Diploma Courses Learning Paths.
www.alison.com Citizen Maths Citizen Math’s is a free online course for adults who understand the basics of numeracy, and now want to deepen their grasp of maths, for instance by working to achieve a Level 2 maths qualification, such as GCSE Grade C or above.
www.citizenmaths.com The Open University Requires data consent form Anyone can learn for free on OpenLearn, but signing-up will give you access to your personal learning profile and record of achievements that you earn while you study. There are then more opportunities to access further and Higher education if you want to progress
www.open.edu/openlearn BBC Learning Requires data consent form
LEARNING ENGLISH INSPIRING LANGUAGE LEARNING SINCE 1943
A fantastic resource for learning materials across a wide range of subjects, with videos, quiz’s, worksheets and specific learning modules. Easy to navigate and recognised brand which helps learners to feel reassured.
www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish
More learning opportunities‌ TED Talks Requires data consent form An online forum for discussion of ideas and talks from people leading in their field. If you want to stimulate a discussion or inform your own opinions. Check out Ted Talks. You may not always agree with them but you may learn something?
https://www.ted.com Apprenticeship Essential Are you an Apprentice or a ULR working to support apprentices. This App is a one stop shop for the latest news and advice about apprenticeships. Download it on your tablet or smartphone for a quick link to the info’ you need.
www.unionlearn.org.uk/apprenticeship_essentials
The Reading Agency A fantastic resource for getting people reading as a start to their lifelong learning journey. Home of Quick Reads, and many other reading initiatives and campaigns. If you want to get reading or get ithers reading here is a great place to start.
www.readingagency.org.uk RMT Education A central resource for Union Learning Reps. With a ULR Toolbox, RMT Maritime Learning Portal, latest information on the RMT National and regional education programmes. If you are registered on the RMT website you can even book education courses online.
www.rmt.org.uk/education
Bob Crow National Education Centre
Do you have a Union earning Rep in your workplace? Have you ever thought about getting involved? ULR’s are a vital link in the chain of, what the RMT does. They are out in the workplace, engaging with members and non-members. Promoting opportunities to build confidence and skills, ensuring that people have the freedom to make Real, informed choices, about their lives and their future. You have statutory rights under the employment act 2002 to, release from your workplace to carry out training and your duties as a ULR. You are part of a wider team of RMT activists in your branch and region. They are there to support you as you are them and build organisation in your workplace. Making you and those around you better able, to change what needs to be changed and defend that which needs to be kept. If you are interested or know someone who might be; contact your branch Secretary, or contact Ivor Riddell (ULR Support) at RMT Learning‌ Tel/sms: 07519 721667 or email: i.riddell@rmt.org.uk