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All Shipshape at Babcock Marine learning centreGMB General Secretary Paul Kenny joined unionlearn regional manager Helen Cole to open the Babcock Marine learning centre. The state-of-the-art facility gives the 300-strong workforce at the Appledore shipyard the chance to learn new skills in their workplace. 'I think it's absolutely fabulous,' smiled Paul Kenny. 'Learning is vitally important, not just for individuals, but for the local economy and the country too. 'This centre is built with public money and for what it costs and how people will benefit, it's peanuts because what we know about literacy and numeracy is that it gives people opportunities in life, and that the country will benefit massively in the long run.'
Helen Cole agreed, saying: 'Everyone wins with this terrific new centre. The workers will learn new skills and the company will benefit from those skills, not just in boosting the morale of the workers, but in having a better-qualified and motivated workforce.' The launch in North Devon was attended by around 30 people, including representatives from Unite the Union, the South West Regional Development Agency and Devon County Council.
Learners in the newly opened Babcock Marine learning centre 'This skills centre is a magical opportunity for all future apprentices who want to learn new skills,' beamed Councillor Andrew Eastman, who earlier burst into song after Paul Kenny revealed the last learning centre he visited was opened by Dame Vera Lynn.
The party was treated to a demonstration of the high-tech whiteboard that was linked to the centre's nine monitors, followed by a film of the company's newest project: building components of the two new generation aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales. The £4bn project secured 10,000 jobs nationwide in constructing the vessels, which carry 1,500 crew, included an operating theatre, dental suite and four kitchens to serve a meal to the entire ship's compliment in 45 minutes. 'The learning centre will help the workers here become better motivated, better skilled and better able to retain their jobs,' said Paul Kenny. 'It's giving them the chance to learn in a good environment. They can perhaps admit their learning experience at school wasn't as good as it could have been. This is the place to put that right.' ends Photographer credit Clint Randall www.pixelphotography.co.uk Press release (500 words) issued 19 Mar 2010 |
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