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 Find related Learning & skills initiatives training courses. See all courses.  Northwest Learning Centre Strategy Unions and Employers helping to build Working Communities The learning revolution continues...  |
Birmingham MP Sion Simon launches skills boost at Midland's printerWest Midlands workers at Worcestershire printers, Polestar Varnicoat, are about to benefit from a new programme to improve their skills - funded by the Regional Development Agency, Advantage West Midlands - the scheme will be launched Today (Wednesday 27 May) by Birmingham MP and higher Education Minister, Sion Simon. More than half of Polestar's nearly 500 employees have already expressed an interest in the scheme, which is part of the 'Evolve Training Programme'. Evolve will provide training at all levels in the company from essential work based skills to higher level management. The programme will run for a year and even before it starts nearly 200 workers have shown interest in taking part. The new programme, dubbed by one worker as a 'college in the workplace' is an extension of Polestar's current training operation. It will include an improved workplace learning centre with 24 hour technology access. The training scheme is a partnership between the company, Unite the union, Leeds College of Technology and the TUC's learning and skills organisation unionlearn. Sion Simon will also present certificates to employees who have successfully completed current training courses. And he will witness the company signing the Government's Skills Pledge*, which commits them to continuing with their training programme. Mary Alys, unionlearn Midlands Regional Manager said: 'Thanks are due to Advantage West Midlands for funding this highly innovative skills project at Polestar. Our unions and the company will now work together to everyone's benefit. This is truly a win-win situation'. An important employer in the region, Polestar Varnicoat, prints magazines and newspaper supplements. The company is working closely with its union learning representatives (ULRs) to promote the scheme among the workforce. Darrin Stevens, Polestar's Group Training Director, said: 'If we are going to achieve change then we as a business, college and a union have to become that change. We all have to look at honing our skills for print in the 21st century.' Bernard Rutter, Unite official said: "Our union and Polestar have been working together for years to enhance skills within the group. In these uncertain times this project highlights the importance of companies continuing to upskill their workforce through recognised national qualifications.' Polestar's ULRs have completed a course in Information Advice and Guidance at Solihull College. The ULRs are now equipped to assist their colleagues to access the most appropriate courses. Each employee taking part in the scheme will enhance their IT abilities as they will receive a memory stick to keep course records and collect information. Kevin Gillespie, Polestar printworker and Unite ULR* said: 'The Evolve Project opens opportunities for individuals to learn new skills and achieve varied qualifications through this unique 'College in the Workplace' model. Polestar, Leeds College of Technology and Unite the Union have shown together we can deliver real change.' 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 Mike Power T: 020 7079 6942 M: 07900 914322 E: mpower@tuc.org.uk Press release (800 words) issued 27 May 2009 |
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