Unions North - January 2012

The Magazine of the Northern TUC

Skills for Life... ...back to basics Making Maths and English for adults the top learning priority

Celebration of Learning Lots of fun and activities to celebrate Learning Week in the workplace

Health and Wellbeing The start of 2012 is the ideal time to get fitter and healthier

Quality Apprenticeships Our region is continuing to make a valuable contribution

unions north Issue : 28 January 2012

Issue 28

02

Going back to ‘basics’ in 2012 Skills for Life: English and maths for adults Despite considerable efforts over the last 10 years to improve the basic skills of adults, a new national survey shows that 24% of adults (8.1 million people) lack functional numeracy skills and 15% (5.1 million people) lack functional literacy skills.

the nation’s numeracy skills have even

by Jobcentre Plus advisers of the

shown a small decline. So, there is still

English and Maths needs of relevant

a good deal of work to do in this area.

benefit claimants, mandating them

to an initial interview with a provider

Some key actions outlined in the

where a lack of these skills is

Government’s further education and

preventing them moving into work.

skills system reform plan to tackle the

Confirm that, from the 2012/13

Maths and English challenge include:

academic year, all Apprenticeship

providers will be required to support Re-establish the terms ‘English’ and

Apprentices in progressing towards

‘Maths’ for adults.

the achievement of Level 2 English

Prioritise young adults who lack

and Maths. From October 2012 all

Since 2003 there has been a significant

English and Maths skills, and those

Apprentices starting English and

improvement in Level 2 and above

adults not in employment.

Maths courses will be taking

literacy achievement, but no

Promote a national Maths campaign.

Functional Skills or GCSE

improvement in lower level literacy and

Embed effective and timely screening

qualifications.

03

areness

Issue 28

Moving skills for life into 2012: Mobile Assessment Tablets 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

What can unions and ULRs do to support Maths in the workplace?

cross cutting motivation of all of the

a central database, collated, stored and

personal factors is encouragement from

viewed. It’s quicker than paper testing,

ULRs telling learners “You can do it!”

easier to use than a PC and the results

Unions are effective in promoting and

The role of the ULR is a key one. Ofsted

keeping and reporting much easier.

supporting English and Maths in the

judged that ‘the role of ULR is an

workplace and beyond, as it is viewed

outstanding peer role model’ which is

If you are interested in finding out more

as a rights and social justice issue,

cited by literacy and numeracy learners

please contact Beth Farhat, unionlearn

often relating to under-represented

as the single biggest factor in their

Union Development Co-ordinator,

groups and unlocked potential within

engagement with learning and persisting

Northern Region at: bfarhat@tuc.org.uk

individuals and groups in society, which

through to achieve their goals.

or on 0191 2323175.

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

04

are stored electronically making record

East Coast Trains and unions on track for an excellent Celebration of Learning To mark unionlearn’s Celebration of Learning Week, East Coast Trains, in partnership with ASLEF, TSSA and the RMT unions held an open day on Friday 28th October at their base in Central Station in Newcastle.

charge of their very own East Coast

fantastic learning opportunities through

mainline service.

our open day at Central Station as part of the Celebration of Learning Week.

There was also a topical session from technological whizz Pasha Tanriverdi

It is really important for East Coast to

who showed people exactly what their

engage with our staff and provide

mobile phones, laptops and tablets are

different activities for them to learn new

capable of and offered help and advice

skills and experiences, and what better

on how to get the most from their

way to do it than by bringing the whole

iPhone, Blackberry, Smart Phone, Laptop

family together to learn in a relaxed

or PC!

and fun environment.”

were welcome to come along and

Tony Paul, ASLEF lead Union Learning

Kevin Rowan, Northern TUC Regional

participate in a whole range of fun and

Rep and organiser of the event said:

Secretary said: “Events such as this

innovative activities all in the name of

“We feel all staff should be given the

one are a very practical and accessible

learning something new.

opportunity to achieve further education

way to engage people. East Coast Trains

through work and that an open, family

and the rail unions are another excellent

Amongst the taster sessions of Spanish,

funday is the way to encourage it, plus

example of working in partnership for

British Sign Language and Basic

giving all staff a chance to drive a train

the benefit of members, colleagues,

Computers and ‘Fun Maths and English’

at 125mph on the simulator.”

staff and the wider community and

All rail employees and their families

throughout the day, the main – and

offering a very positive experience of Geoffrey Smith, East Coast Operations

learning - which will hopefully see all

Simulator’, which gave all attendees

Manager Newcastle said: “We are really

those who took advantage of the

and any budding train drivers the

pleased to be working with the unions

learning ‘tasters’ want to go on to a

opportunity to have a go at being in

to offer rail staff and their families some

main course!”

very fitting attraction was a ‘Driver

05

Issue 28

The future matters at HMRC Lillyhall Learning At Work Day This year’s Learning At Work Day, held on 3 November at HMRC Lillyhall in Workington was possibly our best yet!

with these activities outside of work.

numerous people interested in Open

University courses.

One of the most unique events of the day was sign language. This is something

We used funding from Unionlearn to

we don’t all come across in day to day

hire the infamous Smoothie Bike, which certainly proved a highlight of the day.

Over 200 members of the contact

The Smoothie Bike is a static bike which

centre’s staff attended the numerous

requires some serious pedal power to

stalls and events we had organised.

charge an electric blender filled with delicious smoothie ingredients

Most, if not all, of the day’s activities

mounted on the front. The faster

all linked in well with our theme of

you pedal, the smoother your

‘future matters’; for individuals,

smoothie! It brought some tasty

workplaces and of course, the planet.

fun to the event as well as highlighting healthier living. A few were worn out by the end of the day,

United Utilities gave out water savers

but it was great for morale and the

in the form of washers (to restrict some of the water flow but not the

life, but the feedback from 32 learners

buzz around it was causing as much

power) for electric showers, and the

was that it was a very interesting activity

electricity as the EON bus - if not more.

toilet flush packs were snapped up!

and something that can maybe be taken

Eon also put our attendees through

forward on a more in depth course.

their paces with activities which enforced how much energy (demonstrated by

We were very fortunate and appreciative

man power) it takes to simply light one

to receive some funding via the

light bulb - not many could keep a full

Celebration of Learning fund, to help

row glowing!

support the day, and promote our

campaign for digital inclusion. Becoming

The NHS stand had some fantastic

a digital champion is a very worthwhile

information to promote better health,

cause to enable people in Britain to

and their stress balls were a huge hit

have the confidence to get online and

with our staff!

take advantage of all the benefits this has on society. On Learning At Work

06

Also, linking in very nicely to better

Day an impressive 7 digital champions

health were the very active sessions

were recruited.

using Kettle Bells and Zumba, which

were a light hearted way of re-

We were also successful in signing up

Overall the day was a great success.

introducing some of us to exercise! 35

around 25 people to enrol on a skills

There was a great sense of morale,

staff got involved and there was plenty

for life course, and a further 20 people

and the undercurrent of ‘future matters’

of shimmying and heart rates pulsing.

to embark on further learning in the

was widely represented in a variety of

We hope that most staff will continue

form of an NVQ. There were also

ways.

07

Issue 28

A bit of balance to your New Year’s resolution could significantly improve your workplace

As

we head into 2012, the New Year is an ideal opportunity to look at being healthier – and this includes reducing how much alcohol we drink.

illness, injury and death, linked to more

a stroke

than 60 medical conditions. It’s the

men and women who exceed these

second biggest cause of cancer in over

limits could be up to five times more

35 year olds after smoking.

likely to develop cancers of the

mouth and throat

Drinking at or above the recommended

alcohol limits, on a daily or almost daily

It’s not only the damage to long term

basis, can have some serious long term

health that drinkers need to be

Alcohol misuse affects everyone. A third

health implications. These include mouth

concerned about. Drinking too much or

of North Easterners drink at or above

and breast cancer, heart disease and

too often can also have an immediate

the Government’s recommended limits

stroke.

impact and can lead to:

on a daily or almost daily basis and a fifth binge drink on a weekly basis.

08

anxiety Scientific evidence reveals that:

sexual difficulties such as impotence

The recommended daily limits are 2-3

men who regularly drink more than

impaired judgment leading to

units, or a large glass of wine, for a

two pints of strong lager a day could

accidents and injuries

woman and 3-4 units, or two pints of

be four times more likely to have

slowed breathing and heartbeat

regular strength beer or lager, for a

high blood pressure

loss of consciousness

man.

women who regularly drink two large

suffocation through choking on your

The impact on health

glasses of wine or more a day could

own vomit (aspiration)

Alcohol misuse is a major cause of

be three times more likely to suffer

potentially fatal poisoning

The wider impact

as an opportunity to think about how

Balance is encouraging anyone who is

There is a much bigger picture. Drinking

much they are drinking and to begin

thinking of cutting down to visit:

too much, too often has a huge impact

to reduce their alcohol consumption.

www.nhs.co.uk and click on alcohol

on every part of society - affecting

where they will be able to take an

children and young people, families,

online assessment to find out if they

the community, frontline services and

are drinking too much and take

the economy.

advantage of a unit calculator and tracker – to help them.

The consequences are hard-hitting and

far reaching. Studies show that:

Director Colin Shevills explains: “People

The North East has the highest rate

are often surprised at how much they

of alcohol-related hospital admissions

are drinking but it’s important to stick

in England

to the recommended guidelines. Drinking

50% of all violent crime is alcoholrelated 2.6 million children in the UK are

too much, too often is having an impact across the North East. It is affecting our health, communities, the economy and

Hints and tips for anyone looking to cut down on alcohol in the New Year

living with a parent who drinks at

our workplaces. It’s important to consider

Make a plan: Before you start

hazardous levels

all aspects of alcohol misuse.

drinking, set yourself a limit on

how much you’re going to drink.

Easterners associate alcohol

“It’s also important that we continue to

Set yourself a budget: Only take

consumption with anti-social behaviour,

educate and inform the workforce about

a fixed amount of money to

crime and violence and domestic abuse

the potential issues which can arise

spend on alcohol.

from drinking alcohol.

On your side: If you let your

More than nine in ten North

In the North East of England alcohol misuse is costing up to £1.29 billion a

friends and family know you’re

year – that’s over £400 for every man,

“Whether it is drinking at work, going

cutting down and that it’s

woman and child

to work with a hangover or regular

important to you, you

heavy drinking outside working hours,

may get their support

Getting the measure of alcohol

it all has an effect in some way and we

Take it a day at a time: Try and

Balance, the North East Alcohol Office,

need to reduce the impact it is having

cut back a little each day – then

is urging people to use the New Year

across the North East.”

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

Colin Shevills Director of Balance

here and there each week when you don’t have a drink.

09

Issue 28

Cumbria Union Learning Rep Julia Harrison is a real pro when it comes to skills Unite ULR at James Cropper in Kendal, Julia Harrison, wins Proskills ULR of the Year Award.

paper company James Cropper in Kendal,

organising learning events and courses.

Cumbria, Julia Harrison is the workforce’s

She has also worked closely with

voice on skills issues. Her performance

external agencies and her commitment

in the role led to her being nominated

to the role has made a real difference.

for Union Learning Representative of

“Julia’s determination and passion have

the Year – and going on to win the very

ensured that despite many challenges

The 2011 Proskills Awards (Proskills is

competitive title. “Julia has been an

and some setbacks, the impact of ULRs

the Sector Skills Council for Process

elected learning representative for seven

in the company has been extremely

and Manufacturing Sector) were held

years and in this role she has promoted

positive,” said David. “Without her, I’m

at Alton Towers on 3 November, both

lifelong learning opportunities to the

sure that many of these achievements

celebrating the achievements of people

500-strong workforce. She has

would not have happened.”

working in the process and

conducted learning and skills analysis,

manufacturing sector and also

and also identified skills needs and

This is Julia’s story in her own words:

highlighting its wider commercial

areas that impact on the business,”

Since becoming a Union Learning

importance. Proskills received hundreds

said David Nicholson, HR Manager at

Representative, I have never really had

of entries from a wide range of

James Cropper.

time to reflect on what I have actually

employers, apprentices and Union Learning Representatives.

As a Union Learning Representative at

10

achieved in my workplace, until now. It Julia has taken on responsibility, as a

fills me with a sense of pride and

Union Learning Representative, for

satisfaction knowing that others are

accessing course provision and

benefitting from the work I am doing.

I get a great buzz from encouraging

depending what’s on the agenda.

place a Learning Agreement which forms

and helping to assist individuals to

I normally set out the agenda,

the basis of our organisation’s learning

reach their goals and potential, whether

sometimes chair the meeting, and always

agenda, including rights to access

it’s updating or acquiring new skills by

take the minutes.

training and learning.

The next step was to sit down with

I try to keep in regular contact with

management and discuss the current

other ULRs and union reps in the

Working in my everyday IT environment,

layout of the learning centre, as it was

workplace and other ULRs in other

with technology constantly changing,

no longer adequate. I went away to

companies, as it makes you more aware

each day brings new challenges in itself,

plan and cost up a refurbishment

of what’s happening not just in your

but what keeps me motivated is helping

programme. The company offered £5000

own workplace but in others too. You

others. Before I became a ULR, our

towards the project.

can also bounce ideas off one another,

offering information, support and facilities.

“Learning Resource Centre” had lain

and in some cases we can actually work

virtually unused for the previous three

The centre is now fully equipped with

together to deliver training courses. I

years. I provided the kick start needed,

8 computers, a library, and a central

recently gave a presentation to Heinz

and now we go from strength to

plan area for deskwork. I also managed

in Kendal who are looking to open their

strength, with both the Company and

to secure a learning budget from the

own learning centre.

individuals alike benefitting.

company. This started out at £2000

My ULR training took place at Quorn

back in 2005, but now we have managed

I am always trying to think of new ideas

to secure £7,500, reviewed yearly.

to help the way we promote learning

near Leicester in 2005. I thoroughly

in the workplace. A big celebration here

enjoyed the whole experience, the format

Below are a few of the training courses

is Learning at Work Day with activities

and teaching style. I picked up so much,

run in the centre:

for everyone, and past years have proved

and couldn’t wait to get back into the

very successful.

workplace to put into practice what I’d

Skills for Life

learnt.

NVQ Level 1 & 2 in Literacy and

We decided we wanted to do something

Numeracy

completely different this year, and have

Back in the workplace, I decided the

ECDL (European Computer Driving

some fun at the same time, as this

best way forward was with a learner

License)

encourages people to take part. This

survey. I drafted up a learner survey

ITQ (Level 1 & 2)

year was no exception, with the

with covering letter and sent it out to

MS Access (Basic)

introduction of Zumba (which proved

every employee in the workforce. All

MS Project (Basic)

very popular with the ladies), and XBox

the data was collated into a spreadsheet,

MS Excel (Basic/Intermediate)

Kinect activities (which entertained the

which identified all sorts of learning

Health & Safety (Part 1&2)

men)!

avenues. One to one interviews were

NEBOSH (Diploma)

then followed up with those who had

Digital Photography

I could talk about this subject forever

returned their form, to discuss their

Spanish (Basic/Intermediate)

as it’s something I am very passionate

learning needs further. The information

about, but would like to state that I

gained from this exercise was then fed

Over the years I have built up very good

couldn’t have done it without the help

back to a Learning Steering Group.

working relationships with the unions,

and support from the Union, the

regional skills co-ordinators, forged

Company, and the individuals who have

The Learning Steering Group is made

partnerships with local schools and

signed up to the courses on offer - it

up of ULRs, union representatives,

colleges, and worked with other adult

just makes it all worthwhile.

regional skills co-ordinators and

education centres in the area.

Julia Harrison:

management. The group meet at least quarterly, sometimes more often,

With help from the unions we put in

Proskills ULR of the Year 2011

11

Issue 28

Participants will also be given their very

support those at risk, preparing them

own Personal Stress Monitor for use in

for all scenarios around identifying skills

the workplace to help identify and

needs for members and themselves.

manage stress levels, for themselves,

members and colleagues.

The briefing will provide information

BITE

SIZE BRIEFINGS Jan-Mar 2012

With the start of the new year comes another round of our Bitesize Briefings, covering January to March.

As always there should be something to suit everyone, so get registered for your ‘taste’ of the new menu!

and material from useful contacts and initiatives to support them in their role in providing workplace workshops to

Monday 6th February: Update on Equalities Middlesbrough

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.

As part of the briefing the money advice service will brief participants on their role and how they can provide ‘one to budgets, dealing with debt and

of the 2010 Equality Act from the

additional redundancy support.

perspective of trade unions. It will include: Practical workshop exercises using

Wednesday 29th February: Macmillan Cancer Support in the Workplace

changes subsequently made by the Coalition Government

Each year over 100,000 people of

Awareness of employers’ obligations

working age are diagnosed with cancer.

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.

From its early beginnings, founded in

More than a quarter of reps (27 per

1911 by Douglas Macmillan, Macmillan

cent) pick out stress as the hazard at

Cancer Support has grown to become

work that most concerns them. This practical workshop provides tips and advice on developing personal strategies to cope with tough times.

12

a redundancy situation.

This session will provide an overview

Wednesday 25th January: Coping with and avoiding stress

found stress is by far the most common

colleagues could potentially face during

ones’ in the workplace on managing

New updates to the law following

The TUC’s 2010 survey of safety reps

the challenges ULRs, members and

Monday 5th March: Update on Equalities Newcastle

real world workplace scenarios

look at re-skilling, jobs markets and

the largest cancer care and support

Wednesday 15th February: ULRs and Redundancy Support

charity in the UK. This briefing will help reps gain an

understanding of the support services

Learn how to successfully improve your

This briefing will look at priorities for

Macmillan can provide for both cancer

wellbeing and create your own action

ULRs during any redundancy situation;

sufferers and those around them – in

plan to prevent stress and cope more

helping ULRs understand the roles of

and out of the workplace.

effectively at work and at home.

support services and how they can

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

1/3 of women in the North East are

confidence to encourage others to take

drinking too much

up maths learning too.

This session is all about educating reps

The taster sessions will introduce a

to share the dangers and implications

range of engaging maths activities,

of excessive drinking with members and

including tips and quizzes and provide

colleagues as part of the broader health

ULRs with an enjoyable, stimulating

and wellbeing framework to make

mathematical experience as well as the

workplaces – and workers healthier.

ability to take both the resources and

what you have learned back to the

workplace.

Friday 30th March: Maths Messenger Training

1.3bn is around the annual cost of

It’s a very practical and grounded half day but fun too!

alcohol misuse in the region

This half day training session, in

1 in 5 of North East drinkers ‘binge’

conjunction with Niace and the Maths

drink on a regular basis

4 Us initiative will help participants to

49% of men in the North East are

feel positively about maths. It will

drinking too much

provide you with the tools and

Jan-Mar 2011 Timetable

BITE

SIZE BRIEFINGS

Briefing

Date

Venue

Time

Registration Contact

Coping with and avoiding stress

Wednesday 25 January

Northern TUC Newcastle

1.00pm to 4.00pm

Melanie Lowden mlowden@tuc.org.uk

Update on the Equalities Act

Monday 6 February

MIMA Middlesbrough

1.00pm to 4.00pm

Charlotte Farrar cfarrar@tuc.org.uk

ULRs and Redundancy Support

Wednesday 15 February

Northern TUC Newcastle

1.00pm to 4.00pm

Helen Parry hparry@tuc.org.uk

Macmillan Cancer Support in the Workplace

Wednesday 29 February

Northern TUC Newcastle

1.00pm to 4.00pm

Melanie Lowden mlowden@tuc.org.uk

Update on the Equalities Act

Monday 5 March

Northern TUC Newcastle

1.00pm to 4.00pm

Charlotte Farrar cfarrar@tuc.org.uk

Alcohol Awareness

Friday 16 March

Northern TUC Newcastle

1.00pm to 4.00pm

Helen Parry hparry@tuc.org.uk

Maths Messenger Training

Friday 30 March

Northern TUC Newcastle

1.00pm to 4.00pm

Anne Cairns acairns@tuc.org.uk

Please check the timetable above for details of preferred sessions. For general enquiries or to register via telephone, please call 0191 232 3175 and ask for the designated Bitesize Briefing contact.

13

Issue 28

South Tyneside Homes: A history of investing in Apprenticeships South Tyneside Homes is the arms-length management organisation (ALMO) set up by South Tyneside Council in 2005.

14

South Tyneside Homes the organisation

Kirsop, Head of Property Services.

had a strong history of investing in

Apprenticeships. Over 23 years ago

South Tyneside Homes currently have

they took on Gary Kirsop as a Bricklaying

24 Apprentices across the whole gamut

Apprentice; he is now Head of Property

of construction trades including: joiners,

Services, and a staunch supporter of

electricians, plumbers, plasterers,

Apprenticeships and the opportunities

painters and decorators and gas fitters.

They manage, maintain and improve

they offer.

homes and estates in South Tyneside

They are also widening their

and manage over 18,000 homes and

“We have a very successful team here,

Apprenticeship scope from the more

are a not-for-profit company.

and that is down to everyone working

traditional areas and have added

together in a cohesive partnership for

Administration and Quality Surveying

The organisation has over 700

the same goals – to make South

to the fold, too.

employees who are committed to

Tyneside Homes the best employer and

providing an excellent service to all

service provider. Our investment in

All Apprentices are given three or four

their customers.

Apprenticeships goes beyond the

year Apprenticeship contracts (depending

financial as this is where the future

on the discipline) and are paid in line

Even before its current incarnation as

potential of the business lies” says Gary

with union negotiated Red/Green Book

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. a Workplace Assessor who conducts 10-

Anyone needing support with skills for

“The vast number of Apprentice success

weekly reviews. The Head of Property

life or other issues is helped

stories demonstrates the ultimate goal

Services also operates an open door

wholeheartedly - usually through the

that apprenticeships should never be

policy and there are always union reps

union-led learning project and ULRs.

seen as cheap labour for organisations,

on-hand in all guises to offer help,

but rather integral to their long-term

support and advice. Last year they even

There is no shortage of female applicants

business plans; providing a dedicated

began a ‘Parents Evening’ to join up all

either and the number is increasing

and skilled workforce for the future.

of the support mechanisms.

every year; at the moment two of the Electrician Apprentices are female and

“We feel that in South Tyneside Homes

Due to the increasing popularity of

Elizabeth won the national APSE Award

the continued strong industrial relations

Apprenticeships, STH received over 600

for Female Technical Apprenticeship in

between the unions and employer on

applications for only eight positions in

2010.

the apprenticeship framework – and

their last intake, but Gary says this is

beyond - has been crucial to its

‘quality over quantity’ ensuring the

continued success and should be seen

Apprentices who are employed receive

as a fantastic model for other employers

the best and most comprehensive

to adapt in their organisations.”

support. Although competition is fierce,

Joint statement from Unison, GMB,

accessibility and getting the right person

UCATT, Unite at South Tyneside Homes

for the job is still priority, so as well as literacy and numeracy, the organisation

High quality training is paramount at

have recently introduced spatial

STH and all new apprentices are given

awareness testing during the recruitment

a full year’s programme of work, as well

process to allow people to demonstrate

as a comprehensive induction. Despite

different skills.

I have completely loved every minute of my Apprenticeship.

Once you have a trade the sky’s the limit!

Elizabeth Ahmed: Advanced Apprentice Electrician.

The Apprentices themselves are the best

being based in South Tyneside, the

advert for how well the programme

apprentices attend the College with the

works at South Tyneside Homes and

best results in their particular discipline,

they actively participate in Open Days,

and are given either day or block release

Careers Fairs and School visits - with a

depending on the structure of the course.

designated Young Ambassador who

For their ‘on-the-job’ training in the

goes in to talk to children as young as

workplace, every Apprentice has a

12 about the benefits of on the job

‘Buddy’ - a qualified tradesman/Team

learning - with pay, qualifications and

Leader who mentors them, as well as

prospects.

15

Issue 28

MP sees how ‘Quality’ Apprenticeships benefit young people at Redcar and Cleveland BC

Tom

Blenkinsop, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, attended a bespoke presentation of the unionlearn Quality Award in recognition of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council’s exemplary work on the delivery and co-ordination of their Apprenticeship Programme.

the opportunities and all-round support

discipline and every Apprentice has a

they offer through partnership work

bespoke contract to match their training

with providers, external agencies like

period.

Connexions and the trade unions,

earning them the Quality Award. Unions

The award was presented to Paul Healy,

and the employer are also going one

Young Peoples Employment Programme

step further and looking at an

Coordinator, in front of the borough’s

Apprenticeship Agreement which would

Mayor, the Council’s Chief Executive

cement Apprentices’ positions at Redcar

Officer, Amanda Skelton and

and Cleveland Borough Council.

Apprenticeship programme partners

including council employees, training

In the last two years Redcar & Cleveland

providers, trade unions, some of the

Borough Council have taken on 105

Apprentices themselves and local MP,

Apprentices, over 20 different areas of

Tom Blenkinsop.

The award was presented by unionlearn

business, including; Community

Regional Manager and Northern TUC

Development, IT, Environmental Services,

Councillor George Dunning, Leader of

Regional Secretary, Kevin Rowan on

Countryside, Childcare and Vehicle

the Council said: “We are very Apprentice

Friday 14 October at the Town Hall in

Maintenance, with the largest intake

focussed here and everyone works

Eston.

attributed to various departments within

together to create a family atmosphere

Business Administration. The

for new and existing recruits, making

The Local Authority passed the stringent

Apprenticeships range from one year

them feel nurtured and supported into

assessment process with flying colours;

to three years depending on the

achieving their potential. All Apprentices

16

are accepted as an employee and not

Cleveland Borough Council as a

skilled staff and apprenticeship schemes

just an Apprentice. Good young talent

progressive local authority, and a

such as these on display today show

is an invaluable resource for us as an

testament too, to the ability, initiative

how these skills can be nurtured.

employer and as a borough. Everyone

and talent of the council's apprentices

involved is extremely proud to be part

and to the dedicated workers who help

“This event also underlines the key role

of the process.”

to train them in their new skills.

of Trade Unions as core partners in

these programmes and their commitment

Eve Cole, Branch Secretary of UNISON

to promoting the skills agenda. Trade

and Secretary of the Joint Trades Union

Union members deliver these services,

Committee for Redcar & Cleveland said:

aware of how important they are for

“We’re extremely proud to be a part of

the wider community, as much as for

the burgeoning Apprenticeship

the apprentices themselves.”

programme at RCBC and are always looking for ways to increase our

Kevin Rowan, Northern TUC Regional

contribution to its support and

Secretary said: “It is really heartening

development and that of the Apprentices

to see continued and increasing

themselves. The unions recognise the

commitment to Apprenticeships in our

importance of giving people who do

region by employers who care about

not choose the academic route to work

the future of their business and their

the opportunity to get hands-on

“A proper apprenticeship is an essential

employees. Investing in good quality

experience whilst getting further

building block in a young person’s

Apprenticeships goes beyond financial

education and the apprentice scheme

career development and will allow for

outlay; it requires time, effort and

is an excellent way of doing this.”

the continuing transmission of skills

partnership by all involved. Redcar and

needed in a large local authority where

Cleveland Borough Council have proven

Tom Blenkinsop, MP for Middlesbrough

the delivery of proper services to the

that they are more than willing to go

South and East Cleveland said: “This

public has to be the council's keystone.

the extra mile - and reap the benefits

apprenticeship programme is a

Those services cannot be properly

in return with the cultivation of top-

testament to the work of Redcar and

delivered without properly trained,

notch home-grown talent.”

17

Issue 28

Sunderland MPs open new union-led Learning Centre at Sunderland City Council To mark the opening of the new Learning Styles Learning Centre at Sunderland City Council, two of the city’s MPs performed the official ‘ribbon-cutting’ at a ceremony on Friday 2nd September at Sunderland Civic Centre.

18

The project promotes and facilitates

delighted to be asked to open the new

opportunities in areas including literacy

Learning Centre at Sunderland City

and numeracy, IT, bespoke NVQs and

Council. This impressive partnership

HE courses, as well as more informal

between unions and the City Council

learning such as Aromatherapy, INBIZ

has been very successful in achieving

Workshops, Next Step Careers Guidance,

and promoting learning opportunities

Self Care for You/Health and Wellbeing

which will benefit individuals,

- to name but a few.

organisations and the wider community

by encouraging adults of all levels of

Howard Fawcett, Union Learning Co-

ability to consider returning to learning.

ordinator for the Learning Styles project

In today’s current climate opportunities

and ULR of the year 2010 said: “The

such as these are really important. I am

Both Bridget Phillipson, MP for Houghton

Learning Styles project has been a joy

therefore happy to give my wholehearted

and Sunderland South and Julie Elliott,

to work on from the beginning and its

endorsement to their learning agenda.”

MP for Sunderland Central attended to

continued expansion and integration

show their support for the development

into the workplace demonstrates the

Julie Elliott, MP for Sunderland Central

of the Learning Styles workplace project

need – and demand for it.

said: “I was pleased to be invited to

and its ongoing contribution to learning

the ribbon-cutting event to mark the

and skills, including playing a role in

opening of the new Learning Styles

the Council winning £10 million worth

Learning Centre. The Centre is a shining

of Microsoft vouchers for the city and

example of what can be achieved when

helping to contribute to over 4870

employers and unions work together.

Council workers and members of the

Employees enrolling on the range of

community accessing IT learning

courses on offer have an opportunity

opportunities.

to increase their confidence and enhance

their skills. Everyone benefits from

Learning Styles has been running at the

employees who have access to lifelong

Council for almost 3 years and is a joint

“The addition of a further learning centre

learning and training.”

trade union (Unison, GMB, UCATT, Unite)

was the next logical step. The ability

and employer partnership initiative

to deliver more learning to more people

Councillor Paul Watson, Leader of

which aims to encourage and support

is the ideal scenario. I hope everyone

Sunderland Council said: “It is essential

members and colleagues across the

who can take advantage does. The

as part of the Sunderland Way of

Council’s 16000 staff to get back into

partnership between the unions and

Working that staff have the opportunity

learning – whether brushing up existing

the Council is second to none and the

to learn new skills, so that we can

skills or acquiring new ones. The project

mutual hard work has paid dividends,

continue to deliver the best possible

is led by Union Learning Co-ordinator,

as can be evidenced with the authority’s

service to the people of Sunderland.

Howard Fawcett and a team of 36

Sunderland Way of Working strategy.”

dedicated Union Learning Reps, with a

“I am sure that the new centre will be

further 6 having recently completed

Bridget Phillipson, MP for Houghton

a fantastic tool to help us achieve this.”

their training.

and Sunderland South said: “I was

click!

ULRs

in 2012 with a fabulous refurbished PC from under

ÂŁ100 To assist members in overcoming the cost barrier to getting on-line, Microsoft Partners have agreed that Union Learning Representatives are eligible to order up to a maximum of six refurbished computers starting at under 100.00 each!

ULRs are just a click away from this great offer to get their members connected

For more on the latest computer and internet connection offers...

Microsoft backed GetOnline@Home

www.getonlineathome.org Remploy: Refurbished PCs with open source software

Telephone: 0845 026 8293 PCXUK: Refurbished PCs with Win7

Telephone: 08456 44 68 66

19

Issue 28 Kevin Rowan Northern TUC Regional Secretary krowan@tuc.org.uk Beth Farhat Union Development Co-ordinator bfarhat@tuc.org.uk Ian West Regional Education Officer iwest@tuc.org.uk Linda Hughes Senior Union Support Officer lhughes@tuc.org.uk Dave Storrie Senior Union Support Officer dstorrie@tuc.org.uk

Best wishes for a happy and successful year to all of our readers

Ken Gyles Union Support Officer kgyles@tuc.org.uk

For information on events or issues please contact the Northern TUC

Joe McGuigan Union Support Officer jmcguigan@tuc.org.uk Graeme Rushton Union Support Officer Cumbria grushton@tuc.org.uk Susanne Nichol Marketing and Communications snichol@tuc.org.uk Mike Tansey Higher Level Skills Project Worker mtansey@tuc.org.uk Julie Robinson Higher Level Skills Project Worker jrobinson@tuc.org.uk Tom Ross Health and Wellbeing Project Worker tross@tuc.org.uk Alex Rodgers USO non-union workplaces arodgers@tuc.org.uk Melanie Lowden Secretary/Office Manager mlowden@tuc.org.uk  Anne Cairns Unionlearn Project Assistant acairns@tuc.org.uk

February 2012 Calendar

January 2012 Calendar 25

Bitesize Briefing - Coping with Stress Northern TUC Office Newcastle

25

ELSF - Greening the Workplace Castle Inn, Bassenthwaite

February 2012 Calendar

29

Bitesize Briefing - Macmillan Support Northern TUC Office Newcastle

March 2012 Calendar 05

Bitesize Briefing - Equalities Update Northern TUC Office Newcastle

06

Bitesize Briefing - Equalities Update MIMA, Middlesbrough

12

Health and Safety Forum Centre for Life, Newcsatle

06

Apprenticeship Week 6-12 February

14

ELSF - Higher Level Skills Stadium of Light, Sunderland

15

Bitesize Briefing - Redundancy Support Northern TUC Office Newcastle

16

Bitesize Briefing - Alcohol Awareness Northern TUC Office Newcastle

16

Cumbria Forum Castle Inn, Bassenthwaite

30

Bitesize Briefing - Maths Messenger Northern TUC Office Newcastle

21

Social Media Training Day Centre for Life, Newcastle

Northern TUC, 5th Floor, Commercial Union House 39 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6QE Telephone 0191 232 3175 or email northern@tuc.org.uk 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 northern@tuc.org.uk. This text may also be made available, on request, in accessible formats such as braille, audio tape and large print, at no extra cost.

20