A Unite learning centre in north London has been recognised in this years Adult Learners Week Regional Awards and shows that unions and employers working together can have real benefits for staff.

The centre is in partnership with Veolia Environmental Services, a company who provides street cleaning, recycling and waste services for residents in Haringey.

Unite the Union in partnership with Veolia and other external training providers to create The Veolia\Unite Learning Centre has significantly enhanced staff morale and retention. Whether operatives or drivers, they are given the chance to train to progress and develop themselves and apply for managerial and supervisory positions.

As with all unions, learning courses are tailored to individual’s workers needs and many have now passed Level 2 in Customer Service with IT and Team Leading and are more confident about applying for higher positions within the company.

The Award is the European Social Fund Project Regional Award and is linked to the ESF programme which supports EU, national and regional strategies to tackle employment and skills challenges. Amongst the priorities for this funding were improving the employability and skills of lone parents, people aged 50 and over, people from ethnic minority groups, and people with no or low qualifications - areas both Unite and Veolia were keen to prioritise. The funding enabled learners to achieve their first full Level 2 qualification.

Driver, Andrew Elliott, believes The Learning Centre has given him a better understanding of Haringey society and improved his communication skills with IT. The courses have inspired him to seek out more challenges linked to his existing IT skills, attention to detail, and love of the environment. Previously having gone straight into work from school and being out of education for 30 years, he now feels his talents would befit the position of supervisor.

Michelle Cook, Unite SD regional officer said:

The Cyril Andrews Training Room is a shining example of what can be achieved when a Trade Union and employer work together with one goal in mind “improving and supporting the employees futures. Unite’s vision of a Training room which allowed members of Veolia Staff to have the facility which would allow them the ability to continue (and in some cases begin) to gain qualifications which will help them in life, is now recognised as reality.

It goes to prove that when a Trade Union and an employer share a common goal, amazing things really can happen. Two years ago this was a derelict building with no use, now it is a centre which supports empowerment of the workers, and helps to take aspirations and turn them into reality."

Paul Travers, Unite regional officer, added:

It is extremely pleasing that an idea put forward by the union has been taken seriously by Veolia ES and that the company has not only supported it but has also shown real commitment to their workforce."