In late February unionlearn delivered a second Festival of Learning with ASHA, a refugee and asylum seeker charity in Stoke-on-Trent, in conjunction with Unite. This event focused on apprenticeships, what they offer and ways that unions can support schemes.

The day built on an earlier event last year and was delivered by unionlearn project officers, Matt Pointon, Mark Rowe and Jane Warwick along with Mary Sayer from Unite and Robin Graham from Laughter Association UK.

The popular event was attended by 28 ASHA service users from various BME communities across the city. It was also supported by ASHA’s volunteers and paid staff. Clare White from the WEA also attended whilst Stoke-on-Trent College had a stand.

Prior to the event unionlearn met with ASHA trustee John Walsh to discuss which areas of learning would be most applicable.

Unionlearn’s Matt Pointon said:

John was eager to have an event focussing on apprenticeships as many refugees look to begin these once they get their residency status.”

Also, ASHA was concerned about unscrupulous local businesses telling their clients that they were on an official apprenticeship whereas they were just making them work for less. Thus, the theme of the day was apprenticeships and Mark Rowe took the lead.”

The day was split into a number of distinct learning events:

* What is an apprenticeship (and what isn’t)?
* One to one ESOL sessions
* Presentation & Q&A: Your Rights as an Apprentice
* Laughter Yoga
* Trade unions and your rights at work

Throughout the day unionlearn Project Officer Jane Warwick delivered one-to-one Value My Skills sessions with ASHA clients, which were well received and proved very popular in identifying areas that learners could build on.

Mark Rowe said:

The delegates asked many many questions, it was heartening to see so many individuals looking forward to take up apprenticeship opportunities.”

Matt added:

In addition to these learning sessions, some of the ASHA service users used the budget which usually would have been used to purchase a buffet to prepare different foods for lunch as an additional learning and cultural experience.”

The event was well received by those who attended, with very positive feedback from people including the following comments:

Sasangi said:

To be shown how my skills and interests could help me look for suitable employment was very helpful.”

Haroun was inspired to explore an apprenticeship: 

Thinking about what I will do when I get my visa in the future, I will certainly look for some form of apprenticeship.”

Whilst Hamada added: 

Thank you for helping me understand this new country.  It is very different from where I come from especially about looking for work.”

John Walsh said:

It was very inspiring to see unionlearn, Unite and others, playing an active and effective role in helping asylum seekers and refugees understand the world of work in this country.”

In fact ASHA were so happy with the event that discussions are being held with the charity about the possibility of a future event focussed around Refugee Week in June.