Workers at Plymouth City Council have been recognised by the cities mayor and received qualifications at meeting recently, and workplace unions at the council have been singled out for praise in the supporting the learners.

The Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Dr John Mahony, presented some of the learners their awards at a full council meeting. He said:

This has been delivered through the trade union and PCC (Plymouth City Councils) sponsored learning agreement in conjunction with our deliver partners at Plymouth City College."

The employees took part in a four month training programme to enhance their maths and English, the learning was assessed, some are now progressing their learning, whilst another cohort of 20 learners is now starting their own learning program.

Unite the Union Learning Organiser, Sam Quigley, is a former Union Learning Rep at PCC and has been supporting these learners gain their English and Maths Certificates.

Sam said:

Following a successful learning pilot at the Council's Princes Rock Depot, staff in the Streets and Grounds Maintenance department attended English and Maths assessments. 60 staff expressed an interest to attend classes to improve their literacy and numeracy skills.  

There were two classes of 12 people lasting four months in total for three hours per week. Management supported the learners by enabling the learning to take place in core hours. The learners were presented certificates of achievement by the Lord Mayor in front of full council to recognise the effort that the workers had put into completing the courses."

Sam added:

It was a very positive move by the council to recognise the hard work put in by its employees by prenting these awards at a full council meeting. It shows the benefit to learning and staff development of the council and union together to support learners in Plymouth."

A video of the workers being presented their certificates.