One of the many successful achievements involving the ASLEF Education team during Union Learning Fund Round 15 is the establishment of “The Education Station” at Newcastle Central Station. ASLEF played a leading role in establishing a culture of learning at Newcastle working in partnership with East Coast Trains, training providers and other Rail Unions. The drive and enthusiasm of the ULRs have seen 55 colleagues to date gain English, Maths and I.T. qualifications at Levels 1 and 2. Further courses are being planned.

Over 400 Learning needs surveys have been sent out to date and the project has established a successful Collective Learning Fund which has been used to run short courses and taster sessions on everything from first aid, guitar lessons and Spanish to 'how to get the best from your mobile phone' and photography. For the past two years the ULR team have ran an innovative competition where all staff were invited to bring in their best photos and display them. A selection of 13 pictures was then chosen by a panel and an East Coast charity calendar produced. The calendar has been sold by staff on trains and at stations throughout the network and has raised over £8,000 to date for the Railway Children Charity.

The high regard with which this successful Employer/Trade Union Project is held was demonstrated by the fact that the presentation of certificates was attended by Karen Boswell, the Chief Executive of East Coast, Mick Whelan who is ASLEF General Secretary and Kevin Rowan, Head of Organisation and Services Department (OSD) at the TUC.

Karen Boswell, Managing Director of East Coast Trains said:

It's fantastic to see so many of our staff take up these opportunities to learn new skills and have fun through this learning partnership with the unions. It's a great pleasure to award certificates to everyone who has embraced the chance to further their education, and it is inspiring to see how enthusiastic everyone is about The Education Station."

Mick Whelan General Secretary ASLEF said:

For me two things stand out, the learning partnership which has been established between the Trades Unions and East Coast and the learning opportunities which are being grasped by colleagues. Everyone ought to feel proud as to what has been achieved."

Kevin Rowan, Head of OSD at the TUC said:

Everyone here at East Coast - management, unions and staff, have clearly embraced the importance (and benefits) of investing in learning - whether that be with time, money, resources or a combination of all three. They have achieved a great deal in such a short time through innovation, commitment and the infectious enthusiasm of the ULR team. It's always very inspiring to be a part of events like this and a perfect illustration of what effective partnerships can accomplish."