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Golden OpportunityWorkers on the Olympic Park were invited to down their tools and improve their computer skills and take part in a range of free courses at the launch of the Community and Trade Union Learning Centre*, today ( January 21). Tessa Jowell , the Olympics minister, Lord Young, minister at the Department for Business, Inovations and Skills, Brendan Barber, General Secretary of the TUC, Quick Reads* author Lola Jaye and John Armitt , chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority, were there to celebrate the opening of the centre.
The Centre, at Pudding Mill Lane, is open for workers on the site and members of the local community. There are free courses in literacy, numeracy and computer skills and the centre provides free lessons in how to write reports and job applications and one supporting employees with dyslexia. A free internet cafe is open to all. A whole range of paid-for courses, such as languages, will also be available depending upon demand. The centre will host events with authors, celebrities and sports personalities promoting learning. Tessa Jowell , who met a group of learners and trade union officials at the launch, said: 'The Community and Trade Union Learning Centre is an extremely valuable community resource giving local people the chance to improve their numeracy, literacy and IT skills free, as well as the chance to learn from the experiences of some key inspirational figures. 'The centre adds to the range of training and development services made available to workers on the Olympic site and local communities surrounding it since construction started. Together they are helping to create a legacy of skilled employees who are able to take on a variety of roles and support the economy. 'The partnership between the ODA and the TUC has been fundamental to the desire to provide excellent learning and training to the nine thousand workers on the site so that they can go on to highly-skilled jobs and have the opportunity for some private learning for themselves. Union Learning Reps are also playing a vital role in making sure that all the workforce can have access to this learning.' Brendan Barber, General Secretary of the TUC said: 'We are all hoping that London Olympics in 2012 will be a great success for the UK. But the project is not just about athletes breaking world records and going for gold; it is also a showcase for UK industry and the workers on this immense site at the heart of east London. The Community and Trade Union Learning Centre will play a part in this project by offering great learning opportunities for employees and providing a valuable community resource for Londoners.' John Armitt , chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority Chairman, said: 'The Community and Union Learning Centre is part of our partnership with trade unions and another contribution towards the jobs and skills legacy that London 2012 is already creating in east London. Lola Jaye said: 'There's so many positive things about learning! As well as knowledge, it also gives you the confidence to break through barriers and begin a fulfilling journey that will include more skills, better prospects and a 'Go for it!' attitude. 'It takes a great deal of guts to go back to learning later in life. In my book I have a shopping list of the obstacles that people put in the way, such as 'I don't have the time' or 'I have no experience' or 'I am too old' or 'I am too young' or 'It's too hard'. But taking that first step can be enough to gain the confidence to learn something new...and enjoy it. I have to salute the union learning reps I have met who are encouraging their colleagues and workmates to make this first step.' The young author was signing copies of 'Reaching for the Stars: How You Can Make Your Dreams Come True', her Quick Reads book. Quick Reads are a series of short, sharp entertaining books by bestselling authors and celebrities and are part of a campaign to get people reading in the UK and Ireland. The books are used by unionlearn* in work place learning centres across the country. Lola was born in London and has a degree from the University of East London. Phil Spry, manager of the centre said: 'We would like to welcome workers and local people to visit us and find out the range of courses that we can provide for them. It is an exciting time to join us as the Olympic Park site is growing around the centre and we hope to offer a golden opportunity for all learners.' Bob Blackman, national secretary for the construction sector for Unite, said he expected the centre to be used by many of his members. He said: 'Lots of construction workers do not have a chance to use a computer when they spend most of the day with a shovel or trovel in their hands. We are very enthusiastic about persuading our members to make full use of the courses on offer here.' The centre will also be working with the National Union of Teachers to bring laptops to local schools so that parents can improve their literacy, numeracy and computer skills after they have dropped off their children. It has made links with organisations such as the local Tesco superstore to promote the centre to the community. The local fire services will be using the centre for their training. Steve Fay, a Union Learning Rep for the Fire Brigades Union, said his members at the nearby Stratford fire station have already sign up for computer courses. He said: 'We have already paid a visit to the centre in our fire engine. The facilities are very good and we are looking forward to training here.' NOTES TO EDITORS: Details of the courses can be found on the website www.ctulearning.org.uk The Olympic Delivery Authority has supplied the premises and computers and the project is run by unionlearn SERTUC (Southern & Eastern Region TUC). Unionlearn is the TUC's learning and training organisation. The centre will remain on the site at Pudding Lane E15 2PH until March 2011 and, subject to available funding, will move to a new site in the area to continue helping local people improve their skills, education and learning in a friendly environment. Lola Jaye was born in west London, grew up in south London and has also lived in Nigeria. She has a degree in psychology and psychotherapy and currently works for the NHS as a counsellor. Her passion for writing began around the age of ten, when she would craft her own weekly series of stories from her bedroom. Lola has now written two novels, By the Time You Read This (2008) and While You Were Dreaming (2009), as well as her Quick Reads self-help book Reaching For The Stars - How To Make Your Dreams Come True. Ten new Quick Reads titles will be published on World Book day, 4 March 2010. www.quickreads.org.uk Photos: ©2010 Copyright Rod Leon Press release (1,300 words) issued 21 Jan 2010  Unionlearn centre awarded the Inspire Mark for its innovative work providing a legacy for the Olympics Unilever has learning licked U-Net Newsletter - issue 8 |
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