 |
|
 |
embargo: For immediate release Sharon Hodgson MP visits QE Hospital for a healthy dose of learning Sharon Hodgson, MP for Gateshead is today (Friday 24th October) visiting the Wilson project based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital to see how nearly 1000 staff at the Trust have benefited from workplace learning. The Wilson project is a partnership project between the trade unions, Unison and Unite, and Gateshead Health NHS Trust, supported and funded by unionlearn's* Learning for All Fund, a regional pot of money to help set-up workplace learning initiatives. Union Learning Representatives (ULRs) have been in place at the Trust for over five years supporting staff and colleagues back into learning and the Wilson Internet café was launched 2 years ago to increase both access and opportunity for people to improve their skills. Earlier this year the project was awarded the matrix Standard - the quality standard for giving information, advice and guidance on learning. The Wilson project also runs a specific Dyslexia programme which is helping people to overcome their barrier to learning and one learner will give a presentation on their personal journey and experiences to Ms Hodgson, Trust management, ULRs, learners and representatives from unionlearn*, Unison and Unite. Barney McGill said: 'The Wilson project has proved its worth on many occasions with its fantastic learner engagement, the opening of the Internet café and learning centre and the achievement of the matrix accreditation, so I relish the opportunity for them to showcase these - and other - successes to their local MP, Sharon Hodgson. The trade unions and the Trust have worked together to ensure skills are a priority, and rightly so, and are reaping the benefits of such an effective partnership.' Sharon Hodgson, MP for Gateshead said: 'It is great to see so many people pulling in behind this project. The success of this project just goes to show what can be achieved by major Trade Unions and the NHS working together and I know that none of this would be possible without the unionlearn funding. I am sure that the project will go from strength to strength and continue to transform the lives of workers by giving them the skills to keep on developing.' NOTES TO EDITORS: Unionlearn is the TUC's learning and skills organisation. The Learning for All Fund is part funded by the European Union through the European Social Fund and the Learning and Skills Council. All unionlearn press releases can be found at www.unionlearn.org.uk Media enquiries: Press release (500 words) issued 24 Oct 2008  U-Net in the region launched at union learning conference in Blackpool College of North East London Centre – U-Net case study Community Union – Dextra Group Plc, Dorset (U-Net) |
|
unionlearn Telephone 020 7079 6920 |
|
