Secretary of State presents prestigious TUC unionlearn Quality Award to Lewisham College TUC Education Unit
Today (Wednesday 18 June) Nick Edwards, Director of Vocational Education and Rossina Harris MBE, Head of Trade Union Studies at Lewisham College received the prestigious unionlearn* Quality Award* from John Denham MP, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills. The award was made to Lewisham College TUC Education Unit for its courses in Trade Union Studies at the unionlearn conference, where Lenny Henry and popular crime writer Val McDermid were also taking to the stage.
Lewisham College TUC Education Unit is one of 45 education providers which have received the unionlearn Quality Award since it was launched in June last year. The College works closely with union learning reps (ULRs) in London, who are part of a network of over 20,000 ULRs across the country.
The unionlearn Quality Award is awarded to providers in the learning world who are committed to working with trade unions. Awards are made to providers who demonstrate that unions and union learners are considered in the design, development and delivery of courses and programmes. Those providers achieving the unionlearn Quality Award will be included on the unionlearn website which receives over one and a half million hits per month.
John Denham MP, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills said: 'I am delighted to present the unionlearn Quality Award to Lewisham College in recognition of its work providing learning opportunities for trade unions and their members. Lewisham College is playing an important role in raising skills levels in London and through that is helping individuals to develop their full potential, which can also benefit their families, their communities and their employers.'
Rossina Harris, MBE, Head of Trade Union Studies said: ' The unionlearn Quality Award is a fantastic addition to the high standard provision of Trade Union Education already acknowledged by OFSTED. We will continue to ensure that trade union learners get the best learning provision in a rapidly changing environment.'
Barry Francis, Regional Manager, unionlearn with the Southern and Eastern Region TUC said: 'I am delighted to see Lewisham College win the unionlearn Quality Award. It reflects all the hard work by staff and learners and the great partnership between Lewisham College and trade unions.'
NOTES TO EDITORS:
All unionlearn press releases can be found at www.unionlearn.org.uk
Media enquiries:
Wanda Wyporska T: 020 7079 6950 M: 07795 844728 E: wwyporska@tuc.org.uk
Press release (500 words) issued 18 Jun 2008
