unionlearn - Local MP visits union learning project at Durham City Council



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	Union learning reps\|Negotiating learning agreements\|Supporting Learners (IAG)\|Working with providers\|Skills for Life\|Union Learning Fund\|Learning centres\|Skills for Life (learndirect)Useful information Centres Policies Unionlearn learndirect newsletter Contacts Frequently Asked Questions Audit Case studies Learning and organising\|Learning & skills initiatives\|Information Communication Technology\|Equality and diversity\| Add a comment to General Chat discussion. Add a comment to Trade Union learning centre discussion. See all discussion topics. U Net Launch, 4 July 2008, Exeter Unionlearn East of England Regional Forums/ U-Net launch Subject Search term Advanced search We can alert you by email about anything new in your chosen subjects. Register your interests now.	date: 9^th May embargo: For immediate release Local MP visits union learning project at Durham City Council MP for Durham City, Roberta Blackman Woods today (Friday 9^th May) visited the Learning Zone, one of Durham City Council's union-led learning centres, based at Deerness Leisure Centre in Ushaw Moor. The learning initiative has been in place at Durham City Council for over 6 years, originally funded through unionlearn's Learning for All Fund, and now self-sustaining. Ms Blackman Woods took the time to meet many of those involved in the GMB-led learning initiative, including Jimmy Jamieson, GMB Branch Secretary and project founder, and Sue Appleby GMB, Learning Centre Manager. She also spent time talking to the adult learners who use the centre, who are both Council staff and the general public from the surrounding community. The Learning Zone was set up in order to help and encourage as many people as possible to get back into learning, allowing them better access to facilities and support as well as opening up a wealth of opportunities. There was an example of the Centre's good work present in the form of a community learner who has been out of work for some time, but now has the confidence and skills to re-enter the labour market. Roberta Blackman Woods said: 'I am extremely fortunate that my work brings me into contact with initiatives such as this. It is amazing to see the difference the Learning Zone project has made. Lifelong learning is certainly the way forward, and the partnership approach between the union and the employer has really cemented it's place in the workforce and in the community.' Unionlearn regional manager, Barney McGill said: ' It is an absolute pleasure to have Roberta here today, to witness first-hand the difference union-led workplace projects can make. The Learning Zone is a prime example of why it is imperative that these projects exist-and do so on a long-term basis; upskilling our workforce, and our region, should be a very permanent fixture. The GMB and Durham City Council need to feel very proud of their ongoing achievements - long may it continue.' Jimmy Jamieson, GMB Branch Secretary said: 'The centre has been a really great achievement, not least because of the excellent partnership working and all of the hard work and dedication of those involved, especially the ULRs and learners.' NOTES TO EDITORS: All unionlearn press releases can be found at www.unionlearn.org.uk Media enquiries: Susanne Nichol T: 0191 227 5553 M: 07771873108 E: snichol@tuc.org.uk Press release (500 words) issued 9 May 2008 top of page Email this page to a colleague Funding of SfL through learndirect Courses 2 July 2008 WinWin at Merseylearn 20 June 2008 Staff Qualifications and Training 19 June 2008
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