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Unionlearn centre awarded the Inspire Mark for its innovative work providing a legacy for the OlympicsA union-run learning centre which is persuading workers on the Olympic site to down their tools and learn computer skills and a range of courses has been recognised as an innovative and exceptional project inspired by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.  The Community and Trade Union Learning Centre*, at Pudding Mill Lane, east London, has been granted the Inspire Mark, the badge of the London 2010 Inspire programme. The centre 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 on supporting employees with dyslexia. A free internet cafe is open to all. A whole range of paid-for courses, such as languages, are also be available depending upon demand. Lord (Seb) Coe, chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, said: 'The Community and Trade Union Learning Centre is enabling people in the east of London and workers on the Olympic site to make positive changes. It is well deserving of an Inspire Mark award for the work it is doing now and its role as part of the Olympic legacy.' Other recepients of the Inspire Mark are Cambridge University, which won its badge for its Millennium Mathematics Project which develop problem-solving skills and subject knowledge through exploring the mathematics underlying both the sports and the project management of the 2012 Games . Barry Francis, unionlearn* regional manager of the Southern & Eastern TUC, said: 'We are very proud to have been awarded the Inspire Mark badge. Unionlearn is working with unions to promote learning and training in this exciting site in the lee of the Olympic stadium. We hope that it will provide a cultural legacy for the local community long after the games are over.' The centre host events with authors, celebrities and sports personalities promoting learning. Tessa Jowell, the Olympics minister opened the centre in January. She 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. 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.' Phil Spry, manager of the centre said: 'Being awarded the Inspire Mark is a wonderful boost to the centre as it recognises the role we are playing in providing learning for union members and employees on and surrounding the Olympic Park and its local communities.' Bob Blackman, national secretary for the construction sector for Unite, 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 signed up for computer courses. He said: 'We 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: Unionlearn is the TUC's learning and skills organisation. 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). 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. The Inspire Programme is run by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. It is an opportunity for everyone to be a part of the London 2012 Games www.london-2012.co.uk/LOCOG/ Picture caption: L-R, Lord Tony Young, Barry Camfield, John Armitt,ODA board member, Megan Dobney , Regional Secretary Southern & Eastern Region TUC, Lee Blake, Tesco Community Champion Bromley-by-Bow, Tessa Jowell , Olympics minister, Steve Fay, FBU union learning rep, Brendan Barber, general secretary TUC, Phil Spry learning centre manager, and Lola Jaye , Quick Reads* author. ©2010 Copyright Rod Leon NOTES TO EDITORS: All unionlearn press releases can be found at www.unionlearn.org.uk Media enquiries: Press release (1,000 words) issued 16 Feb 2010 |
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