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 Learning in Union, 11 December 2008, Plymouth Illuminating Learning: a celebration for unions across the North West  |
MP visits Allerdale Borough CouncilTony Cunningham, MP for Workington is visiting Allerdale Borough Council on Friday 11th April to see how their union-led workplace learning project is making a difference for all involved. The UNISON-led project, named Lakeland Learning, began at the end of 2007, and although still in its infancy, has already made an impact. 70 members of staff have completed a lifelong learning survey, over 20 took part in a Spanish taster course and many are brushing up on their literacy and numeracy skills at Level 2 in the form of the National Test, which if they pass will be mean the equivalent of 5 GCSEs. Tony will meet the union learning reps who run the project, and the Unison Branch Lifelong Learning Co-ordinator, as well as Barney McGill, unionlearn* Regional Manager and Councillor Alan Smith, Leader of the Labour Group. He will also see some of the project's learners receiving their numeracy certificates. Rod Earl, UNISON Lifelong Learning Co-ordinator said: 'The performance of this project highlights the innovative approach of the HR Team in Allerdale Borough Council, who agreed to a short term secondment opportunity. This, combined with the dedication of the UNISON ULRs, supported by unionlearn and the regional Learning and Organising Team, has been integral to our success.' Barney McGill, unionlearn Regional manager said: 'This is the first MP visit to a workplace learning project in Cumbria and I'm sure Tony will be suitably impressed with what they've accomplished in such a short space of time - I certainly am. Accessibility of learning is key to engaging people who previously thought they didn't have the time or support to fulfil their ambitions and aspirations - projects such as this provide both.' Tony Cunningham, MP said: 'It is always a pleasure and a privilege to visit projects such as Lakeland Learning at Allerdale Borough Council. Seeing what partnership working between union and employer can achieve is fantastic. I'm sure that all of the staff who are going to benefit from a learning culture within their work environment would readily agree. The opportunities for both personal and professional development are huge and I would encourage them to take full advantage of what is on offer. I look forward to hearing about the project's future success.' NOTES TO EDITORS: The visit will take place at 1.00pm on Friday 11th at Allerdale Borough Council. All unionlearn press releases can be found at www.unionlearn.org.uk Media enquiries: Press release (500 words) issued 9 Apr 2008 |
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unionlearn Telephone 020 7079 6920 |
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