Stream: Learning through unions

SOUTH WIGSTON TESCO EXTRA

Staff at the South Wigston Tesco Extra store took part in a 5 week deaf awareness course. USDAW ULRs Betty Parttridge and Jerome Eatough were new to the role and were eager to ensure attendance was high. They communicated the course via letters, notice boards and to individual staff themselves.

The close working partnership with the union USDAW and the college South Nottingham College ensured that learners were encouraged to enjoy the course, and once completed they took their learning onto the shop floor, by signing and practicing with each other as well as with customers whilst working

As the mobile ULR* for USDAW, Sharon Langham went along to meet them and discuss their future learning plans and what they wanted to achieve. Having organised a very successful 5 week course the reps wanted learning to become a mainstream part of the culture at their store.

Staff have developed the taste to try more learning opportunities at the Tesco store, which is fully supported by the management team. The PM on site Paula Oldham was extremely supportive , and felt it was a great way to bring the staff together as well as being able to offer signing to the stores customers as we do have a few with hearing impediments, it was a great success and the staff that took part really got a lot out of it they said it was fun and a great way to learn , Paula commented The Usdaw reps identified that many staff are interested in improving their maths and English, which would support them in everyday life and possibly within the company.

Building on the success at Long Eaton gave us the idea to promote the next level deaf awareness course to all staff in all the stores were the short 5 week course had been delivered. The long term plan is to expand the learning across all Tesco stores around the region. What really engages staff is good tutor lead programs and when reps participate in courses too. Learners feel confident to talk to each other and bring others with them gaining confidence within themselves highlighting their own capabilities.

Quote from Jerome Eatough. 'In promoting awareness days on site the unionlearn team have been a fantastic support coming along and engaging with staff.'

Case studies and projects (400 words) issued 24 Jan 2012

unionlearn
Congress House
Great Russell Street
London WC1B 3LS

Telephone 020 7079 6920
Fax 020 7079 6921
Email ulweb@tuc.org.uk

Further contacts | About us

 

Copyright © Trades Union Congress 2012, unless otherwise stated, all rights reserved.

unionlearn
Congress House
Great Russell Street
London WC1B 3LS

Telephone 020 7079 6920
Fax 020 7079 6921
Email ulweb@tuc.org.uk

This page http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/ulr/learn-4427-f0.cfm
printed 25 May 2012 at 04:25 hrs by 38.107.179.209