Learning Works Summer 2012 by unionlearn

Learning Works www.unionlearn.org.uk/southwest

In this Adult Learners issue » Week reports >>p2 & 3

» News from unionlearn with the South West TUC Summer 2012 Issuing a call to learn >>p7

Reach for the sky >>p6

Sparks fly for Sabina in Swindon. Read the full story on pages four and five. Image: David Morrison www.dmphotographyltd.com

“Knowing is not enough, we must apply” Unionlearn discovers what the Germans can teach the UK about industrial policy

The UK has a lot to learn from the German approach to industry if it is to end its over-reliance on financial services and witness a renaissance in manufacturing, says the TUC. A TUC report, German Lessons: Developing industrial policy in the UK , was the basis for a debate at the summer’s Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival, hosted by unionlearn and attended by former TUC general secretary Lord John Monks, TUC Senior Policy Officer Tim Page and representatives from two German unions, Ver:di and IGMetall. The report looks at how government approaches to industry in Germany and the UK have differed since 1945, and comes up with a number of suggestions as to how a more strategic, intelligent and active approach to government industrial policy could reap huge dividends for British manufacturing and the UK economy. The report says in the UK there is a great deal of emphasis on large firms and on

as the global economic slowdown began to take hold.

the very smallest companies, but little thought or support is given over to mediumsized enterprises. Yet in Germany, the ‘mittelstand’ – a network of thousands of medium companies – is the backbone of the economy and a crucial part of the German supply chain. The concept of the social market is as dear a principle to the German people as the NHS is to the British public, says the report, and an economic system which brings management and workers together and has at its heart a strong positive role for unions and employers gave German firms a very definite advantage

The TUC report also says that talented graduates in the UK are less likely to choose a career in industry than they are in Germany, and this combined with a three-year vocational training programme provides a massive boost to the country’s manufacturing firms, as does the German use of apprenticeships, where 40% of school leavers are taken on by employers for three years, compared to the UK’s 6% for one year. Unionlearn South West Regional Manager Helen Cole said: “The UK has much to learn from Germany – it is the powerhouse of the European economy and its politicians have never lost sight of the value of their manufacturing sector. But it’s not too late for British manufacturing – a new approach to skills, investment and procurement could help bring the UK back to its rightful place as one of the major manufacturing nations of the world.”

Learning Works Summer 2012

Tucking into a learning lunchtime to last a lifetime

Keith Hatch joins members of the public as UNISON organises events for Learning At Work Day UNISON’s Dorset County Council Branch wanted to showcase the work of union learning reps in the community so, armed with a small pot of money from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, members booked the Dorchester Corn Exchange for a learning lunchtime full of free taster sessions, advice and activities. Staff at the county council were joined by members of the public on Learning At Work Day in trying their hand at cooking, digital photography, skills for life, first aid, safe cycling and community singing while also being able to get advice from Dorset Adult

Learning, First Dorset Credit Union, the Samaritans and West Dorset District Council recycling team. Assistant Branch Secretary Amanda Brown, who came up with idea for the event, said: “We wanted to give staff a chance to get a taste for learning, promote the idea of union learning and also showcase a lot of the services the county can offer. ‘The First Aid, Cycle Safety and Cooking workshops were all run by county staff, while Dorset Adult Learning, also run through the council, gave tasters of the courses that they run including free English, Maths and IT courses.” Dorset County Council supported the union initiative by promoting the event on the staff intranet and paying some staff time to run sessions. The council’s chief executive also came along to see what was on offer.

The day proved very popular with staff and the public, with more than 70 people looking in to check out what was on offer – most of whom Images: Geoff Moore www.dorsetmedia.com

“It’s a good idea to have events like this that are open to the public as well as workers” signed up for a taster session on the day, while a number even took the opportunity to book themselves on longer courses. Retired UNISON member Nanda White dropped by to say hello to former colleagues, and ended up signing up for a course. “I tried the digital photography session, and really enjoyed it, so much so that I feel motivated to take the full course.,” she said. “It’s a good idea to have events like this that are open to the public as well as workers.” Natalie Aldrich, an IT officer with the council was also inspired by the day and tried a few tasters: “I saw the notice on the staff intranet and came along as it would be good to take part in something through work. The First Aid session was really helpful and when I get back to work I’m going to find out if we have a first aider in my department, if not I may put myself forward.” The UNISON branch hopes the event will be a springboard for more learning in their workplaces and is already planning events for the Celebration of Learning in October.

“When I get back to work I’m going to find out if we have a first aider in my department, if not I may put myself forward”

Q: How do you reach 1,000 workers in Four Workplaces within three days? A: With mobile exhibitions, says Carrie Mann Unionlearn, UNISON and Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust’s Learning & Development team worked together during Adult Learners Week to engage with all staff at all levels, and promote life long learning. The team of advisors and union officers, walked the hospital’s corridors with a ‘learning trolley’, talking to workers about the importance of lifelong learning. Interested individuals were signposted to a base on site, where they could go along and talk in more detail about their own learning needs or career aspirations, and gather

information about courses available to them. This included information about the internal offer from the employer, the programme of courses from UNISON, and the general offer from the local colleges, in particular Cornwall College who joined the initiative. Also on offer to individuals was unionlearns’ European Social Funded ‘Raising Aspirations’ project, which helps people without a university level education, prepare for and experience higher level learning, in the hope it will encourage more adults to consider this as an option. See page 6 for more details of Raising Aspirations. 3

Learning Works Summer 2012

Learning to the max at MINI plant as Sabina takes driving seat Tim Lezard talks to Unite learning rep Sabina Clark about her role organising courses for fellow car workers in Swindon Sabina Clark can’t stop herself grinning as she slips into the driving seat of the shiny new MINI for the Learning Works photo shoot. “I love this,” she beams, as her colleagues pose behind her. “I’m going to be in a magazine.” One of her colleagues at Swindon’s MINI plant is Trevor Fletcher, Unite’s senior Union Learning Rep (ULR). He affords himself a smile as the pictures are being taken because he’s seen a change in Sabina since she became a ULR herself almost a year ago. “She’s been excellent,” he nods, proudly. “She didn’t have a union background before, but she came into the role and has been really committed. She puts herself out because she works shifts, starting at half past five in the morning, and she’s often here until half past five in the evening, helping learners with their courses.

Images by: David Morrison www.dmphotographyltd.com

“She’s taken to the role excellently and I’ve seen her confidence grow hugely as she’s been doing it.”

There are almost 700 Unite members at the plant and the union is on the verge of signing a learning agreement with the employer that will see a learning centre being opened on site for staff. Brett Sparkes, Unite’s regional learning organiser, says co-operation with the employer has been key in laying the foundations of the new centre. “We’ve had an excellent relationship with them,” he says. “We’ve come to a very sensible arrangement, which will allow our three ULRs to fulfil their role in a professional manner.”

“I became a ULR to help others and help myself. I hope people feel they can come to me if they have a problem, or if they want to learn a specific subject” “I think it works well for the company and the individuals to facilitate the Learning Works’ programme on site. We’re really delighted with the take up from our

employees to date” said Martin Hall, HR Manager at Plant Swindon. There are currently only a handful of learners on site but, thanks to the efforts of Sabina and a little help from unionlearn during Adult Learners Week, that number is likely to increase. “I’d like to see 100% of people doing some learning,” Sabina smiles, only half in jest. “People think courses take forever, but they don’t, and they’re really interesting once you get into it. “I’m doing an English course at the moment and I enjoy it. When you use computers all the time you tend to stop writing, so it’s good to be reminded of nouns, verbs and adverbs that I forgot at school. You pick it up again, use your grey matter, and to have another qualification will help in the future, if I want to go higher in work or do something different.” “We’re currently running numeracy and literacy courses, but we might be looking at doing other courses such as holiday Spanish or digital photography.” Sabina enjoys her role as ULR, saying it revealed to her a new side of trade unions. “A lot of people think unions are only here for problems, but that isn’t the case – unions can help with learning,” she says. “A lot of people can’t read or write properly. They get left by the wayside and are too embarrassed to say anything about

“People think courses take for ever, but they don’t, and they’re really interesting once you get into it”

“A lot of people can’t read or write properly. They get left by the wayside and are to embarrassed to say anything about it, so learning gives them an opportunity to change that” it, so learning gives them an opportunity to change that. “I became a ULR to help others and help myself. I hope people feel they can come to me if they have a problem, or if they want to learn a specific subject. It shows they have other interests than just coming into work and working – they want to better themselves as well, and me and the union want to be able to help them achieve that.” Right: Sabina Clark with fellow learning reps Trevor Fletcher and Eric Stone, and Unite Regional Learning Organiser Brett Sparkes (middle)

Learning Works Summer 2012

Reach for the sky

Tim Lezard scopes out Cornwall’s Raising Aspirations project encouraging trade union members to consider returning to higher education Trade unionists in Cornwall have been taking advantage of a new project that breaks down the barriers surrounding higher education. Raising Aspirations is a four-stage European funded programme providing information about higher learning so workers can decide for themselves whether they want to go to college... without having to step foot on campus. “For lots of people the word ‘university’ can conjure up images of large imposing buildings, with halls full of ultra-intelligent people rushing off to lectures given by brainy professors who look like Doc from the movie Back to the Future,” says unionlearn union support officer Carrie Mann. “There’s often a sense of ‘them and us’; those who have a degree and those who don’t, but the Raising Aspirations Project is designed to dispel these myths and help people get a true insight into what it would be like to study at degree level.” CWU members at BT’s Goonhilly base and PCS members at HMRC in St Austell have already attended free sessions, and are pleased they did. “I enjoyed the taster session,” says PA Jan Conway. “It was well-run and was all about

studying, research and the terminology. A couple of years ago I started an Open University course about the oceans but I had to give it up because I couldn’t find the time to study.

“The Raising Aspirations Project is designed to dispel these myths and help people get a true insight into what it would be like to study at degree level” “The course certainly rekindled my interest in studying. It got me thinking again about my degree and I think, if I ever have the time, I’ll go back to it.” “The course was good,” agrees Jess Wilmott, who works in capacity management for BT in Goonhilly. “It prompted a lot of conversation and debate and, as a result, I’m seriously considering going back to education. I might be tempted to do website design, or some business courses, I haven’t decided.” Carrie Mann is delighted with the response, saying: “In the past, degree level courses took a huge commitment from the learner,

especially for those holding a full time job and studying in their spare time. Signing up to five years of part time study is too daunting for many. “This project gives people the latest information about Higher Education courses; short, stand alone modules taken from a degree, you can mix and match your subjects, you can study online or in a classroom.” Working with the ULRs in workplaces across Cornwall, this project provides people with quality advice and support, so those taking part can gain a real experience of university level study. * The project also collects information about the attitudes people have about higher level study, and records the barriers that prevent participation. This research will be fed back to the Widening Participation Group of the Combined Universities of Cornwall, and used to help plan and shape future courses and programmes delivered in Cornwall.

“Many of us are already watching every penny and may not be in a position to take out loans, even when we can see good prospects beyond the learning experience”

Unions invited to bid for new fund to help their members into learning Maggie Fellows encourages unions to apply for cash from the People are curious, inventive and love to learn – but if the age of 24 is approaching or if you have already travelled well beyond that point in life, you may be wondering how you will afford to continue to learn. The 2013 academic year will see government subsidies for courses over level 2 (that’s most learning above GCSE level) replaced by a loan system for anyone over 24. Many of us are already watching every penny and may not be in a position to take out loans, even when we can see good prospects beyond the learning experience. Unionlearn in the South West is helping unions to prepare for this scenario by supporting them to set up ‘Collective Learning Funds’ (CLF) in the region. These funds are union-led initiatives designed to stimulate and secure a shared investment in learning so it can be affordable. The ‘Call to Learn’ project will pay up to £6,000 to support a union with the cost of researching and setting up a fund. This

project

will also enable each fund to start off with a ‘float’ that can support the initial costs of future learning.

28th 2012 can view full details and download an application form via:

There are different models of CLF and no doubt some models not yet tried – unions can come up with ideas for the type of collective fund they want to establish. This could be for the whole region, for a sector, workplace or group of workers. It could include a range of membership; for example staff, retired staff and other members of a local community. It could be in a new site or it may be an opportunity to formalise arrangements already tentatively in place that share the cost of learning

or contact;

Trade unionists know that by joining together we are stronger, so it’s time to sharpen up those negotiating skills to ensure individuals can be supported with the costs of learning – by employers, learning providers and other organisations with an interest in developing the skills of local communities. Any union interested in taking up this offer which is only available until September

www.unionlearn.org.uk/southwest Maggie Fellows Project Manager mfellows@tuc.org.uk Sam Mignano-Fricker Project Assistant smignano@tuc.org.uk Telephone: 0117 947 0521 or unionlearnsouthwest@tuc.org.uk

TU Ed course booklet coming soon The TU Education course booklet detailing courses from September 2012 to July 2013 will be published shortly. To order your copy, please email tucedsw@tuc.org.uk

Unionlearn publications available 7797.1_L

Every year unionlearn produces a variety of useful publications. If you would like copies of the following literature, please email unionlearnsouthwest@tuc.org.uk: ❚❚ Literacy, language and numeracy ❚❚ Supporting learners (2011 revised version) ❚❚ Union Professional Development programme ❚❚ Lessons for the Future ❚❚ Making a difference – the impact on trade unions in the workplace

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Learning Works Summer 2012

“ The work of reps is never more important than now” – Barber TUC general secretary launches City of Bristol College’s Trade Union Studies Centre. By Tim Lezard TUC general secretary Brendan Barber visited Bristol on May Day to take part in a celebration of trade union learning.

students go through the programme each year, with people taking on the difficult job of representing their colleagues at work.

because he’s a key figure in the trade union movement and to have recognition by him as made all our hard work worthwhile.

Speaking at the re-launch of the Trade Union Studies Centre at City of Bristol College, he praised the dedication of workplace reps, saying: “These are the people who give up their own time and their own energy and commitment to make a difference for their fellow workers.

“Sometimes people take on specialist responsibilities such as equality reps, learning reps or health and safety reps. Whatever role they take on, they give their own time freely to help others.

“Workplace reps do a terrific job, not only in saving the economy money, but also in providing working people with support and advice, meaning they don’t have to go to law or feel they’ve been turned over by their employer.”

“When the economy’s in such deep trouble, as it is now, that work could never be more important.”

“Being a rep in these difficult times throws up huge challenges because they’re faced with a potential squeeze on their own pay, on pensions, on the things that are important to them.”

Around 40 trade unionists from Bristol and Somerset attended the event, at which Brendan Barber also presented the unionlearn Quality Award to the TUC programme in recognition of the courses staff provide to union reps.

The college is the largest trade union education provider in the South West, supporting reps in the region’s major employers including the Bristol Mail Centre, Rolls Royce, Augusta Westland and BAe Systems.

He said: “The tutors here do a fantastic job. In this particular college more than 1,000

Centre manager Shan Maidment said: “It’s been wonderful having Brendan here

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Contact unionlearn

L to R: Helen Cole (unionlearn SW Regional Manager), Nigel Costley (SWTUC Regional Secretary), Marie Hughes (Regional Education Officer), Keith Elliott (Principal of City of Bristol College) and Brendan Barber. Image by Andy Moss

unionlearn South West Church House, Church Road, Filton Bristol BS34 7BD t: 0117 947 0521 f: 0117 947 0523 e: unionlearnsouthwest@tuc.org.uk twitter: @swtuc @tucedsw

All TUC publications may be made available for dyslexic or visually impaired readers, on request, in an agreed electronic format or in accessible formats such as Braille, audio tape and large print, at no extra cost. Contact the South West TUC on 0117 947 0521. Learning Works was edited by Tim Lezard lezard@elmtreecottages.co.uk Designed by Rumba www.rumbadesign.co.uk