Barry Sheerman MP sees Centrebus Ltd sign National Learning Agreement and Skills Pledge* at Huddersfield Bus Company
The Huddersfield Bus Company will host a visit from local MP Barry Sheerman today (Friday 31st October) as its parent company Centrebus Ltd signs the Government's Skills Pledge and a National Learning Agreement. This event represents a real commitment by Centrebus Ltd to developing the skills of its employees across the country, not only just in Huddersfield. Peter Harvey, Centre Bus Managing Director and Harish Patel, Regional Industrial Organiser for Unite, will sign the National Learning Agreement, which will support the learning opportunities provided through Unite's union learning reps and unionlearn*, the TUC's learning and skills organisation.
Barry Sheerman MP will attend the signing and speak to Unite union learning reps, and drop in on an all-day learning event organised by Unite, and with local education provider Huddersfield College. Taj Singh, Operations Manager at Centre Bus and MD Peter Harvey have been working with Unite to develop several union members to become NVQ* assessors and facilitators for the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence. The company sees the support and involvement of Unite as key to achieving this.
Barry Sheerman , MP said: 'I am delighted to witness the signing of a National Learning Agreement between Unite the Union and Centre Bus. By also signing the Government's Skills Pledge, Centrebus is really demonstrating its commitment to creating a culture of learning. This will provide many people here with the opportunity to improve their skills and that is great for Huddersfield.'
Dr Alan Roe, Regional Manager, unionlearn with Yorkshire and the Humber TUC said: 'The joint work between the employer and Unite the Union has been very forward thinking. Unions have a key role in encouraging and supporting workers to achieve personal and professional qualifications.'
Peter Harvey, Centre Bus Managing Director said: 'I'm happy to work with Unite the Union on increasing the skills of our workers, especially in the current economic climate. I believe that through signing a learning agreement and giving our public commitment to the Skills Pledge, we will jointly be able to develop our skills and our business for the benefit of customers and staff.'
Ends
NOTES TO EDITORS:
The event will take place at 16.00 at Huddersfield Bus Company, Penistone Road, Waterloo, Huddersfield, HD5 8QU. Photos will be available.
Media enquiries:
Wanda Wyporska T: 020 7079 6950 M: 07795 844728 E: wwyporska@tuc.org.uk
All unionlearn press releases can be found at www.unionlearn.org.uk
Press release (500 words) issued 31 Oct 2008
