Unite learning organiser Steve Hewitt and unionlearn National Apprenticeships Officer Mark Rowe organised and delivered a highly successful event in Chorley designed to ensure that reps and employers in Lancashire come together to share knowledge and ideas about developing Apprenticeships.

The event was held in response to a clear need within engineering sector workplaces where Unite has a presence and where more joint working around workplace learning  with employers would be beneficial, particularly around coming changes to Apprenticeship frameworks and delivery. Taking place at Chorley Town Hall, it was opened by Aistair Bradley, Chorley Council Leader.

Alistair told delegates about the planned regeneration of Chorley, which he said would be driven largely by the education and training of the young workforce in particular. 

Mark Rowe unionlearn National Apprenticeship Officer gave details on Apprenticeship developments including the Employer Levy, the Trailblazer initiative and the Apprenticeship Charter. More information about these initiatives can be found at www.unionlearn.org.uk 

The apprenticeship Framework was discussed and delegates were tasked with devising an outline framework relating to their workplace. The task created much debate and highlighted the need for more workplace input into development and delivery.

The event then heard from Adele Walsh, an electrical apprentice with Chorley Council. Adele explained the difficulties around working in a male orientated environment, from feeling involved in everyday workplace conversation to the fact that her uniform and protective equipment didn’t quite fit! 

Damian Holohan and Bob Armer from Springfield Fuels who are both senior Unite reps, they play a role in organising the mentoring of apprentices. They explained mentor selection and pairing with apprentices and led a discussion around support mechanisms for mentor and mentee including issues such as confidentiality, safeguarding and mediation. The scheme at Springfield has the clear aim of ensuring that apprentices complete, succeed and go on to permanent employment with the company, and in due time becoming possible mentors themselves. 

This led neatly to a presentation on mentoring training from Vicky Knight, Trade Union Education Department at The Manchester College. Employers proved keen to engage with the programme through the union and Unite also plans to promote it through its own union learning rep training programme. 

Steve Hewitt said:

Holding an event in Lancashire where we are trying to develop our work went very well, attracting a large number of delegates. With unionlearn’s help we can now increase employer engagement, develop mentoring training and extend and improve apprenticeship opportunities with the forward thinking employers who attended."