Jonathan Shaw MP sees that union learning isn't run of the mill
Chatham and Aylesford MP and South East Regional Minister Jonathan Shaw today saw how trade union-led learning is making a difference at Kimberly Clark, Aylesford Newsprint and SCA paper mills, which employ over 750 people in the area (Friday 3rd October). The Local MP met union learning reps from Unite the Union, who were discussing how best to engage staff in taking up opportunities to learn at work. His constituents were keen to tell him about the many successes that union-led learning has created and to discuss with him how best to take learning in the workplace forward.
Unionlearn regional manager Barry Francis accompanied the MP on the visit and highlighted the achievements of union-led learning in workplaces across the region.
Jonathan Shaw MP said: 'Union learning reps here in Aylesford are helping to boost the areas skills, by encouraging people to take up courses and often return to learning. This is benefiting the individuals, their companies and Aylesford. Speaking to ULRs from Unite the Union working at Kimberly Clark and SCA has given me a real insight into how people can really change their lives through learning. Thanks to support from unionlearn, the TUC's learning and skills organisation, this project is really flourishing.'
Barry Francis, unionlearn Regional Manager, said: 'Partnership and forward-thinking are essential if you want to create a culture of workplace learning. The Unite union learning reps are working together to get the best possible learning opportunities across the three paper mills, for staff. By joining in the discussions, Jonathan Shaw is gaining a valuable insight into how union-led workplace learning is revolutionising the drive to increase people's skills. By offering learning opportunities together with the employers, unions are really changing people's lives.'
NOTES TO EDITORS:
All unionlearn press releases can be found at www.unionlearn.org.uk
Media enquiries:
Wanda Wyporska T: 020 7079 6950 M: 07795 844728 E: wwyporska@tuc.org.uk
Press release (400 words) issued 3 Oct 2008
