Harnessing the Power of Apprenticeships

unionlearn.org.uk | Spring 2017

Harnessing the power of Apprenticeships

• Training the next generation • Minding the skills gap at TfL • Liz Rees says farewell • You’re never too old to learn • Thumbs-up for online education GETTING ON THE RIGHT TRACK Dive into learning with

WELCOME TO THE FIRST LEARNING REP PEARL from the OU of 2017, and my first as Director of unionlearn. As someone who continued learning both through the union route and in my day job, later going on to university as a mature student, I fully appreciate how learning can have a transformative influence on people’s lives. Jess Hurd/reportdigital.co.uk “I have always After starting my known the working life as an apprentice structural enormous value draughtsman at the of high-quality, VSEL shipyard in decently paid Barrow-in-Furness (now part of BAE Systems), Apprenticeships I have always known Adults returning to learning, specific areas of activity, to the individuals the enormous value of whether at college, at home including: introducing concerned.” high-quality, decently or at work, now have a practical healthcare; paid Apprenticeships great way to find their route supporting children’s to the individuals into study, thanks to the development; caring for concerned, to their employers and unions and to PEARL website developed adults; planning a better the economy as a whole, which is why I’m glad by the Open University future; taking part in the to be the TUC representative on the Strategic (OU) in collaboration with voluntary sector; and Transport Apprenticeship Taskforce (STAT). partners, including UNISON starting your small business. and unionlearn. In this edition, it’s good to see further evidence PEARL, which stands • Click here to look at the of the government’s support for high-prestige for Part-time Education for courses, including outlines and Apprenticeships in the interview with Robert Adults Returning to Learn, introductory podcasts Halfon; to read about how leading providers like signposts educational WKCIC Group are delivering high-quality training; opportunities for adults, and to hear from London’s Transport Commissioner so that they can refresh or Putting learning at about the key role Apprenticeships play in the increase their skills and the heart of union development of the capital’s transport system. knowledge, with a view to campaign week progressing within their When the new Apprenticeship Levy comes into chosen career path, or to Trade union learning centres operation in April, employers are going to need take a new direction. across the country will be the support of their unions to get the most out of The website contains a running events in February the new system. We should take the chance to sophisticated diagnostic as part of heartunions week. show what we can do. ‘Advise me’ tool to pinpoint Last year’s campaign learning opportunities – was a huge success as suited to an individual’s trade union members came Kevin Rowan is Director of unionlearn time, level, preferred together to share positive learning options and stories of how unions have aspirations – so that made a difference to the learners can personalise lives of workers. their searches. It also The TUC is running includes a number of real- heartunions week 2017 from life case studies. Wednesday 8 February, The website is with activities throughout Funded by the Department for Education (DfE). Learning Rep magazine is accompanied by six free England and Wales to published four times a year by unionlearn, Congress House, Great Russell online courses for those showcase the fantastic work Street, London WC1B 3LS. looking for a new career or unions do. Editor: Yusuf Dadabhoy | Writers: Astrid Stubbs and Martin Moriarty | Design: TUC | © unionlearn, 2017 Cover photo: Jess Hurd/reportdigital.co.uk progression within some Since learning makes some of the biggest impacts two-thirds of employers said Basic Skills pioneer English skills on the lives of union unions were particularly Frances Graham dies campaign raises members, unionlearn is effective at inspiring awareness encouraging learning centres reluctant learners to engage and union learning reps in training and development. Unionlearn ran a literacy (ULRs) to hold an activity Unionlearn commissioned and English skills or event during the week to members of the Centre for campaign week in January engage with colleagues and Employment Relations, to raise awareness and show them the benefit of Innovation and Change promote literacy learning being in a union. (CERIC) to evaluate Rounds opportunities, through Activities could include: 15 and 16 of the Union reading, writing, listening or • hosting a book club Learning Fund (ULF) covering Frances Graham, Chief speaking as well as English • running initial the years 2012/13 to 2014/15 Executive of Workbase for Speakers of Other assessments with and 2015/16, and assess the Training from 1980 to 2015, Languages (ESOL). unionlearn’s Use-IT tool support role of unionlearn. has died after a long fight The week was aimed at • promoting a healthy Further results include: against cancer. Workbase engaging people to think activity • The ULF supports learning pioneered English and maths about their English language • trying one of TUC that is inclusive, engaging training in the workplace and literacy skills and how to Education’s eNotes. those less likely to have through union and develop them further. formal qualifications and management partnerships Events and digital content • Click here to email National those from minority ethnic and always worked closely encouraged people to Projects Officer Jane Warwick backgrounds. with the TUC and unions. complete a check-up on their • It helps break down Frances was the driving English skills with the free barriers to learning by force behind Workbase, Use-IT online assessment. ULF projects engage negotiating time-off, which began life as the For reps, the Language hard-to-reach learners providing learning NUPE (now UNISON) Basic Support for Workers eNote resources and building Skills Project and she was was recommended to learner confidence. its first employee. As the explore what ESOL is and • Support structures (such work expanded, other why it is a union issue. as learning agreements unions became involved and Reps were also invited to and committees) lead to Workbase opened projects consider ESOL questions better outcomes, but the in the private sector, by looking at new videos

Jess Hurd/reportdigital.co.uk proportion of employers winning several National designed to be used in reporting investment in Training Awards. training with migrant these capacity-building “The inspirational work workers, trade unions structures has declined that Frances and Workbase and other organisations since 2010. did was ahead of its time,” promoting good practice Union Learning Fund (ULF) • Just under half of says Liz Smith, the first in industrial relations with projects have helped engage employers agreed Director of unionlearn. “She migrant workers. a large number of learners that learning activities saw what we then called “The campaign show- across a wide variety of would not have taken Basic Skills as a collective cased new resources that learning opportunities, place without external right not an individual will increase the support according to the latest union funding. problem, which was the and number of workers evaluation of the Fund. • There are significant model for Basic Skills in able to benefit,” says new Based on interviews with benefits to the economy: unionlearn – and making unionlearn Director Kevin 2,550 learners and 385 with every £1 invested in it work so well was our Rowan. employers as well as union the ULF, there is a return to proudest achievement.” officers and non-union the economy of £12.30. Frances and her husband • Click here to find out more national stakeholders, the • Union learning also has Bing were both active in about initial assessments survey found that half of positive benefits for the South Africa freedom • Click here to watch the videos for use with migrant workers employers said that their unions, with almost half of movement and had to leave • Click here to find out about staff were more committed those learners that were the country in the apartheid eNotes as a result of unions non-members joining era, eventually moving to facilitating training and a union. Britain. She is survived by Follow the campaign on Twitter development opportunities. Bing, three daughters and and Facebook with the hashtag #ulliteracyworks In addition, more than • Click here to read the full report four grandchildren.

LEARNING REP SPRING 2017 03 © Jess Hurd/reportdigital.co.uk © Jess What a difference a year makes When Liz Rees took on the role of unionlearn director just over a year ago, she knew the next 12 months wouldn’t be easy. What she didn’t suspect was quite how much she would enjoy what has been her final year at the TUC. ✒ Martin Moriarty

ou only have to compare where reach people other agencies can’t, which is “It’s been a busy unionlearn was a year ago and where it really our USP, and he gets what we are best at – is today to measure the achievements in particular combating disadvantage, which is a year… but I’ve Y of outgoing director Liz Rees and her big priority for him.” got to say I’ve team over the last challenging 12 months. And while the past year threw up many Last year, confirmation of the government’s challenges for the organisation, there also have really enjoyed it continued financial support for the Union been many successes. For Liz, one high point – and I wouldn’t Learning Fund (ULF) seemed to take forever. was her work on the panel for the 2017–18 round This year, the Department for Education signed of the ULF. “You saw the activity unions were have thought off funding for 2017–18 a full five months engaged in right across sectors, right across the I’d be saying earlier than for the previous round, while the economy, and most of the bids were absolutely 10th anniversary conference last summer is inspirational,” she says. that this time universally agreed to have been the best yet, an Another was listening to former ceramics last year!” event that created the ideal springboard for the worker Tommy Dawkins tell the story of years ahead. overcoming a lifetime of poor literacy to the 10th “It’s been a busy year with a simultaneous anniversary conference. “I listened to Tommy focus on the current year and the year ahead, and thought, ‘This is a wonderful example of which has been a bit of a stretch, but I’ve got to what unions are doing’,” she says. say I’ve really enjoyed it – and I wouldn’t have And a third was overseeing the creation thought I’d be saying that this time last year!” of the brand new interactive Working with Liz says, sitting in unionlearn’s new home on the Figures eNote, updated for the digital era third floor of Congress House. from the old Working With Figures workbook The arrival of Prospect member Robert Halfon that former postal workers’ leader Alan as Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills has Johnson credited in his own evolution as a been a big help, Liz says. “Robert is an advocate union activist in his keynote speech for unionlearn: he understands how unions can to the annual conference. TRIBUTES TO LIZ

“Liz is a wonderful trade unionist,

© Andre Csillag/REX/Shutterstock © Andre educationalist and feminist – but more than that, a wonderful friend. She has made a huge difference to our work on trade union education, learning and skills – not just transforming trades unionism but transforming lives.” Frances O’Grady, General Secretary, TUC

“Liz became Director of unionlearn at the end of her long and illustrious career. She did a magnificent job, working to create new The highlight of Liz Rees’s working life was when structures to support unionlearn and to make Courtney Pine played at Congress House it fit for the future. Always calm, with a strong sense of purpose and a delightful sense of humour, Liz steers the ship expertly. She will be “We’ve shown it to Alan and he’s really much missed.” delighted with it,” Liz says. Mary Bousted, Board Chair, unionlearn Liz reckons the new Apprenticeship Levy could help more people see the crucial role “Liz Rees has played a blinder year after year, unions play in learning these days. minister after minister, senior civil servant “Employers are going to need support from after senior civil servant. TUC Education and their workforce to maximise their benefits from the current programmes of affiliated unions the Levy, and because unions are very good at owe their continued existence to her and her getting things done, especially on learning and teams. Liz also has a warmth and depth that skills, there is a chance for the Levy to change complement her profoundly professional everyone’s awareness of quite how dynamic approach to her work. No matter how serious unions are in this field,” she says. the topic, Liz will find time afterwards to have a While the past year has brought many highs wee chat about a book, a play or an event that for Liz, none has exceeded the favourite night you will love or find eye-opening.” of her Congress House career, when she Jim Mowatt, Director of Education, Unite persuaded Black British jazz superstar Courtney Pine to play for the re-launch of TUC Education “Liz Rees’ contribution to TUC Education in 2001. and unionlearn has been immeasurable. As for what retirement will bring, Liz has Her dedication and commitment to the trade already been thinking about how she would union movement have provided strategic and like to fill her time – and unsurprisingly, her sound operational direction sometimes during plans include more learning: with a degree very challenging times. As a leader, Liz was in Old English already under her belt, she is respected by all her staff partly because of her now actively considering an MA in Classics personal skills in helping to develop others. at Birkbeck. While the impact of her work, especially with “I look back and consider myself the luckiest TUC Education, is felt across the whole of the person to have had a career here. This is the UK, personally I will be forever grateful to Liz for most wonderful place to work and I’m going her encouragement, guidance, support and – to miss it – I’m beginning to realise that now above all – friendship.” – but I think it’s the right time for me to do Harry Cunningham, Programme Manager, something else.” Actrav-Turin (Secretary of the Trade Union But she has one final message to union Training Committee) learning reps (ULRs) before she does move on. “Your work is absolutely inspirational not just “With her deep and demanding view of to your members but to other trade unionists, training, Liz Rees has always offered critical to employers – and look at what government is and constructive attention in her dedicated saying now about the work of ULRs,” she says. collaboration with her trade union colleagues “There are many challenges in workplaces now beyond the English Channel.” and we know it’s only going to get tougher; Ulisses Garrido, Director of the Education but stay confident that your work is really Department, European Trade Union worthwhile.” Institute (ETUI)

LEARNING REP SPRING 2017

© Rod Leon Training London’s next generation The WKCIC Group, formed by the merger of Westminster Kingsway with City and Islington College, delivers 2,000 Apprenticeships every year across a wide range of the capital’s economic sectors. Raj Kakaiya, the managing director of the organisation’s training arm, sets out the secrets of its success. ✒ Martin Moriarty

aj Kakaiya first encountered union-led route as a way to recruit new staff, but many also learning when he spent a decade use Apprenticeships to upskill and reskill their working for learndirect, where he existing staff, which is really important as people R managed the national contract to are working longer and increasingly working deliver employability skills training through in different jobs,” Raj explains. “This is where union learning centres. union learning reps (ULRs) are really important, “It is fantastic, the sheer scale of the work because they encourage the conversation unionlearn does, and the employer engagement that employers have with employees about is quite outstanding.” progression routes.” As a Londoner himself, Raj relished making The college is able to provide employers both the move to Westminster Kingsway College, with the core business offer of Apprenticeships where he took on the role of Vice-Principal any organisation might need (Business in 2014, with a portfolio that included Administration, Customer Service, IT, Team Apprenticeships, English for Speakers of Other Leading and Management, all of which can be Languages (ESOL) and employer engagement. customised to reflect an organisation’s needs “Two things really attracted me – the very and values) and specialist programmes such as meaningful work the college does in the rail services for TfL and pharmaceutical science community and its very progressive employer for Barts Health NHS Trust. engagement, particularly with Apprenticeships, It also works with employers in the whole which is something I’m particularly interested recruitment process, from selection to in,” he explains. placement to workplace support. “Once we have When the college merged with its City and a brief from the employers about what they’re Islington counterpart last year, Raj became looking for, we can match them with our bank managing director of the training division of of apprentices and potential apprentices and the merged operation, now known as The help with the interview assessment, selection WKCIC Group. and placement,” Raj explains. “And when we Through its partnerships with more than 500 place apprentices, we make sure they will employers, which range from micro-businesses have a mentor in the workplace – another area to giants like Transport for London (TfL), the where ULRs really help is in making sure that college delivers around 2,000 Apprenticeships a support is there for apprentices, as it’s crucial year across a wide range of sectors, from health not only in them succeeding and achieving their and transport to retail, IT and construction qualifications but also getting a permanent job – numbers that make it one of the larger after they complete.” Apprenticeship providers in the capital. The college is also very flexible in its delivery The apprentices themselves are a mix of new models: apprentices can travel to its numerous and existing staff, younger and older workers locations across the capital for off-site learning; (a majority of the Group’s apprentices are over tutors can deliver learning on-site if that’s a 19 years of age, many are aged over 25, while better logistical solution; and the assessment the hospitality area continues to attract 16 to service can be provided in-house when an 18-year-olds). employer (like Barts) has the specialist staff “Many employers use the Apprenticeship available to do that. “Our flexibility is why we “Our flexibility is why

get a lot of repeat business from clients on a rolling basis, which is testimony to the work our teams do,” Raj says. The college is already ahead of the game when it comes to the incoming Apprenticeship Levy, helping employers get up to speed through its involvement in the beta assessment for the new Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS), which will enable employers with DAS accounts to access funding, choose Apprenticeships to run, the number of apprentices they need and the right training provider for them. “Being involved in the pilot enables us to explain to employers how the system will work,” Raj says. “When the Skills Funding Agency organised a demonstration of the DAS recently, we were able to invite some of our key employers, so they were able to get a heads-up in terms of its impact and how the new system will operate.” The college is already so focused on the needs of its employers that Raj reckons the Levy should not involve a massive overhaul of its approach to provision. “With the Levy, funding will be routed through the employer, which means the employer will be calling the shots, but that’s not a big shift for us: employer relationships are really important to us so we are quite well placed to respond to that change,” he says. “Of course, the challenges around system and processes are issues that everybody will have to get used to as a sector.” These days, Raj has less direct contact with trade unions and their learning “Many employers use the projects than he did in the learndirect years, but he keeps in close touch with old Apprenticeship route as a way to and new colleagues at unionlearn. “At my recruit new staff, but many also last meeting, we talked about the mid-life career review, which I thought was a really use Apprenticeships to upskill and interesting concept,” he says. “But on reskill their existing staff, which Apprenticeships in particular, I think it’s important to keep the dialogue going with is really important as people are unionlearn, especially when it comes to living longer and increasingly negotiating with employers on fair pay for apprentices and their rights to support as working in different jobs.” well as promoting Apprenticeships within organisations,” he explains.

LEARNING REP SPRING 2017 07 Raising the prestige of Apprenticeships Robert Halfon is probably the first Skills Minister to be driving the Apprenticeships agenda who has been able to bring his own experience of employing several apprentices to his government job. ✒ Martin Moriarty

ive years before he was appointed more common in Westminster, which means “So many to his current job as Skills Minister, that several other parliamentary colleagues Harlow MP and Prospect member claim the mantle of first apprentice employer – MPs say they F Robert Halfon made his maiden speech not that it bothers him that his ground-breaking employed in the House of Commons on the subject of move doesn’t always get the recognition apprentices – and then put his money where his it deserves. the first-ever mouth is by hiring one to work for him in his new “So many MPs say they employed the first- apprentice and Westminster office. ever apprentice and I’m absolutely delighted by By breaking with the tradition of using interns that because it shows there has been a culture I’m absolutely to help with the parliamentary workload, Robert change in Parliament,” he says. “Even the delighted by was not only paying a decent wage but also House of Commons authorities themselves also drawing from a wider field of candidates than now have a brilliant Apprenticeship scheme, that because it those who could afford to work full-time for where they have apprentices who work in every shows there has expenses only. different part of the Civil Service.” “It was a genuine eureka moment,” he recalls, His own experience as an employer of been a culture sitting in his ministerial office at the Department apprentices profoundly informs his belief in change in for Education. “When we were starting my the power of the programme. “You can see how parliamentary office back in 2010, I remember transformative Apprenticeships are – one of my Parliament.” asking my former researcher, ‘Why on earth am I own apprentices – who is brilliant – has gone on thinking of hiring an intern when I’ve just made to work in facilities management in the House of my maiden speech on Apprenticeships?’.” Lords,” he explains. “He didn’t even tell me he Because of the limited budget that is available was applying: he just turned up in my office one for casework, he spoke to his local council, day and told me. He was a guy who wouldn’t say Harlow College and some local businesses to boo to a goose when he started in my office and raise the necessary funds, which allowed him to now he’s working in the House of Lords – and hire the first full-time parliamentary apprentice. that’s what an Apprenticeship can do.” His pioneering move has since become much As a self-confessed political nerd, Robert © Jess Hurd/reportdigital.co.uk

admits he would have bitten someone’s © Photographer’s name hand off if there had been a parliamentary Apprenticeship on offer when he was leaving school in the late 1980s: instead, he became an undergraduate at the University of Exeter, where he completed his BA in politics and then progressed to an MA in Russian and East European Politics. As the minister with responsibility for Apprenticeships, one of his key goals will be helping deliver the new Apprenticeship Levy, which comes into operation in April. “The Levy The Get In Go Far campaign aims to encourage is about changing behaviours and raising funds more young people into Apprenticeships from those who can afford it – big business – in order to help fund apprentices throughout the “The Levy is about nation: it’s incredibly important,” he says. Robert is adamant that the expansion of changing behaviours and the Apprenticeship programme, with the raising funds from those government committed to reaching three million new Apprenticeship starts by 2020, will not who can afford it – big sacrifice quality for quantity. “We’ve made it business – in order to a requirement that people have to do their Apprenticeship in the workplace, which wasn’t help fund apprentices always the case in the past. We’ve tightened throughout the nation: it’s the definition of the word Apprenticeship. We’re changing the current system of Frameworks incredibly important.” to employer-led Standards, to make sure it’s what employers need, what the country needs, what industry needs. And we’re creating the we need to do: we want to increase the number new, independent Institute for Apprenticeships of BAME apprentices by 20 per cent by 2020. and Technical Education, which is again all And of more than 19,400 people in 2014/15 about quality.” who started a Traineeship, which is a bridge to Raising the prestige in which Apprenticeships an Apprenticeship or other job, 19.7 per cent are held will be vital, he says. “You can have the of them declared a learning difficulty and/ best policy in the world, but until we transform or disability. We have accepted the Maynard the prestige of Apprenticeships, we won’t get review’s recommendations on disability and the numbers that we need,” he warns. “One Apprenticeships, but there are a whole host of the ways you do that is introducing degree of issues. It’s not an easy one you can solve Apprenticeships, which we are investing overnight with a simple policy.” millions of pounds in: I think if you boost the It’s all about what Robert calls ‘the ladder prestige at the top level, it translates all the way of opportunity’ (the graphic setting out how it through the system.” should work dominates the whiteboard behind One of his key goals is to widen access to his desk). “We have to help people get on the under-represented groups. “While it’s important ladder and we have to hold the ladder, not just that everybody has access to Apprenticeships, to leave them there on the ladder by themselves their most transformative effect can be on – that’s what governments have to do,” he says. people from disadvantaged backgrounds,” he The minister is glad that he has the support says. “I’ve seen it myself in Eltham in south of unionlearn in promoting not only high- London, at a genuine grassroots project run quality Apprenticeships but also the wider by the Prince’s Trust, where they’ve had young adult skills agenda. “As a backbench MP, I saw people from tough backgrounds for 12 weeks how unionlearn works transforming people’s and then get them onto Apprenticeships and lives: I think it’s incredibly important because these guys stay on and get jobs, so their it focuses on people from disadvantaged Apprenticeship is a way out of poverty.” backgrounds and low incomes. There will He is also keen to extend the always be disagreements over policy, but opportunity to disabled and Black, Asian where we can agree on is turning Britain into an and Minority Ethnic (BAME) young Apprenticeships and skills nation – I think there people, both being groups that are both is a lot we can do together.” under-represented among apprentices at the moment. “There is a lot more

LEARNING REP SPRING 2017 Bringing new talent

All photos © Jess Hurd/reportdigital.co.uk © Jess photos All into transport Tackling the skills gap in the transport sector will involve creating thousands of Apprenticeships over the next few years, says Mike Brown, who has recently taken over as Commissioner of Transport for London. ✒Astrid Stubbs

ondon’s Transport and shaping quality training the population that are under- Commissioner, for new entrants and the represented: I’m very keen Mike Brown, is so existing workforce. this group is wide reaching,” L passionate about “It sounds a bit obvious he stresses. Apprenticeships that he plans but there is a board there Mike, who has just taken to appoint two apprentices talking about the strategic over as chair of STAT, is to the Strategic Transport need for apprentices and I well aware of the task it Apprenticeship Taskforce think, ‘Wouldn’t it be great to faces, with an anticipated (STAT), an employer-led group have apprentices on it?’. And shortage of 55,000 skilled that includes the TUC on we will have apprentices on it transport workers predicted its board. who represent those parts of by 2020. Tackling this will The Department for Transport set up STAT last “I’m hugely excited about the year to enable employers to address the skills gap in the opportunity to look across the transport sector and create transport industry to address the 30,000 new Apprenticeships by 2020, increasing diversity common challenges we have.” require changing perceptions of “An Apprenticeship working in transport and engineering, broadening the diversity of the is a great stepping workforce and upskilling existing stone to a fantastic workers to equip them to deal with the new technological challenges they career. Let’s once and face, particularly as work on huge for all put to bed the infrastructure projects such as Crossrail and High Speed Two (HS2) progresses. erroneous myth that “I’m hugely excited about the being an apprentice opportunity to look across the transport industry to address the is a second-rate entry common challenges we have with the position to work.” shortfall in the stream of talent coming into the industry,” says Mike, pointing out that the average industry age is 55, the right thing to do from a business potential,” argues Mike, who says unions have a great opportunity to influence their communities and companies in ensuring they play of the Apprenticeship Levy, unions a role in helping generate hunger should continue to engage in and an initial approach from under- discussions with both STAT and the represented groups. National Skills Academy for Rail, which Capturing potential at all stages is he also chairs. also vital, Mike insists. “Funding now Work so far on appointing more applies to all ages. Apprentice does apprentices includes a stipulation that not just apply to new, inexperienced for any contract with Crossrail and TfL, people at entry level but to anyone suppliers must have an apprentice in an organisation who wants to in the organisation for every £3.5m set out on a different path. So we spend. “It’s an amazing tool and all have responsibility, whether a weapon that is zero cost to us, to the large company like us or one of the supplier and to the public sector: it’s companies we contract with or they just the right thing to do to harness a contract with,” he says. pool of talent and make sure people Mike believes unions have a role are taking this agenda seriously,” in helping cajole employers. “Union he argues. members have a fantastic opportunity made up of mostly white men, which Ensuring Apprenticeships are of to be lobbying their employer to keep is a challenge now and will be even quality not just quantity is another on their toes and do the right thing. more so as big infrastructure projects key goal. Mike points out that the The trade union movement has a very get underway. number of members now collaborating impressive history of doing that and I The plan is to continue to build on Trailblazer standards is a real don’t see any reason why we can’t be intelligence about where the skills demonstration of where the industry calling on their expertise now more gaps exist at all levels of the supply is heading and the real opportunity for than ever,” he says. chain – not just Highways England, Level 5, 6 and 7 railway engineering “An Apprenticeship is a great Network Rail or HS2 for example, Apprenticeships adds a quality stepping stone to a fantastic career. but smaller contractors and their threshold as apprentices emerge. Let’s once and for all put to bed sub-contractors to ensure STAT is able STAT also aims to address the the erroneous myth that being an to focus its efforts, he explains. serious under-representation of apprentice is a second-rate entry He sees unions as key players in this women, Black, Asian and minority position to work. These are real people – after all, apprentices are potential ethnic (BAME) groups and disabled with fantastic skills and talents. There union members, he says. “The trade workers across the transport sector. can be no reason at all why unions, union movement does a lot in the area “It’s not just apprentices: generally employers, the workforce and society of skills and skills development and in transport there is an under- can’t work together to mobilise as the economy changes, and types representation. We have to re-double to ensure Apprenticeships are a of skills change, it’s absolutely right our efforts to ensure we deal properly successful way of people succeeding and proper that trade unions are at at school level and access schools at work and adding significant value the very centre of this. Unionlearn is which don’t always give best career to the success of themselves and the very important to me and I’d like to see advice to get into Apprenticeships,” people they work for,” says Mike. that relationship develop still further,” he underlines. he adds. “We need to change – and quickly. • Click here to read the Transport Mike believes that as supporters It’s not only the right thing to do, it’s Infrastructure Skills Strategy

LEARNING REP SPRING 2017 11 All photos © Mark Pinder © Mark photos All

Never too old to learn is Hazel’s mantra UNISON learning rep Hazel Kjebekk used to tell herself that approaching the age of 60 made her too old to start something new – until she undertook a mid-life career review. ✒Astrid Stubbs

hen UNISON She had too many reservations “I left school before learning rep Hazel about her age and her skills to Kjebekk sat down change direction before then. I was 15 with no W with unionlearn How things can shift when you qualifications, so National Projects Officer Jane start learning. Now, Hazel has not Warwick for her mid-life career only completed leadership and it was hard work.” review three years ago, she didn’t teaching qualifications, but she think the interview would make is also in the late stages of a yoga conducted as part of unionlearn’s much difference. With her sixtieth course that will give her the skills, Supporting Mid-life Development birthday on the horizon, she strength and stamina to teach her agenda, which aims to help people was pretty firmly convinced that colleagues at work, fulfilling a long- take stock of where they are now she would still be working as a held dream she used to believe and plan for what they want to phlebotomist at South Tyneside NHS would never become reality. achieve in their working and Foundation Trust until she retired. Hazel’s career review was personal lives. Reviews are designed to support people who want to stay at “Standing in front and work longer or change career and are tailored to an individual’s life, goals, teaching is different and aspirations. from doing a class… As a result of examining all her options with Jane, Hazel decided I have learned a lot: to enrol on a Level 5 Diploma in I would never have Leadership and Management, which she completed in 18 months. dreamed I would “I left school before I was 15 with have done so much no qualifications, so it was hard work, particularly referencing and critical – I am so proud.” writing,” says Hazel. “But I stuck with it through blood, sweat and tears – HOW ANGE HAS it was a big achievement and I am originally told Jane that her yoga- really pleased.” teaching dream was not achievable TURNED ON at the age she was. THE CHARM She is now close to completing a blended learning course in Hatha GMB member Angela Houston, or yoga, which includes units in physical Ange as she prefers to be known, exercise as well as health and safety opted to learn through her union and safeguarding clients – all of which because she wanted to gain will set her up to start teaching her computing and technology skills to colleagues at work. set up her own business. Although she is one of the older students on the course, Hazel has And GMB’s Union Learning Fund drawn nothing but admiration from the (ULF) project ReachOut in the North younger trainees, including dancers West and Irish Region was more than and fitness teachers, who have been happy to help. inspired to meet a grandmother of six Ange enrolled on an ICT training who still has a passion for learning. programme at the GMB Preston When she has finished the course, Learning Centre, gaining her City & Hazel plans to extend her practice with Guilds ICT Diplomas at Levels 1, 2 advances in other forms of yoga and and 3. will teach a basic yoga class for people to drop into after work. She has now set up her own jewellery “I have learned a lot: I would never business, The Houston Charm, have dreamed I would have done so which makes bespoke charms and much – I am so proud,” she says. pendants. Ange donates a fixed Hazel also says the course will help amount from each item sold to The her stay active and continue to earn Pink Ribbon Foundation, which works once she retires from the NHS. to support breast cancer charities. The diploma has proved most useful She couldn’t have progressed to In recognition for her work with the to Hazel on the three days a week she where she is today without that mid-life Foundation, Ange was recently invited spends on secondment to the Bridges review session, she says. “Talking to to a gala dinner in London. Her story to Learning project, the partnership Jane helped put it all together: older also featured in the Christmas issue between UNISON, the Open University people have something to offer – of Cosmopolitan magazine. (OU) and Workers’ Educational loyalty and life experience – the value Association (WEA) that helps low-paid of older people is immense.” “Everyone at GMB is so proud of public sector workers progress at work. Hazel’s story is a perfect example of Ange’s achievements,” says GMB Having caught the learning bug, how it’s never too late to try something ReachOut Senior Project Worker Dave Hazel decided to take on further study new, says Jane Warwick. “Mid-life Flanagan. “This goes to show that and went on to complete the Preparing Development Reviews give individuals from small acorns big things can be to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector the opportunity to talk about what’s realised and with the right support (PTLLS) qualification – another boost important to them as well as plan for and a huge amount of grit and to her work with colleagues. the future. Like Hazel, if you can learn determination, anything is possible.” Then, on the back of both those about a hobby or area of interest, it successes, Hazel realised that she makes the learning journey that bit • Click here to see the jewellery Ange might have been wrong when she more enjoyable.” is making

LEARNING REP SPRING 2017 13 Moving forward with online training Union reps have given the thumbs-up to the new format of TUC Education’s Union reps Stage One course after road-testing the material late last year. ✒ Astrid Stubbs

ifty union reps from TUC Education is using the a broad spectrum of funding to develop tailored, self- industries across the UK directed learning modules for F joined focus groups in union reps. London and Manchester to test The modules use the latest

TUC Education’s new online Union Hurd/reportdigital.co.uk © Jess learning and multi-media Representatives Stage One course technologies to deliver content towards the end of 2016. that supports self-directed learning After working through some of and use of discussion forums to the course, participants completed encourage collaborative learning. a detailed questionnaire about the Online learning will play a greater material and their overall experience role in the TUC Education offer using it, and feedback from reps “I have never tried in future as a result of increased who road-tested the course was demand for flexible provision overwhelmingly positive. union online courses and the emergence of innovative “I have gained more confidence before and now I’m a learning technologies. with online training today and feel Some branches have already more reassured moving forward: convert.” started to use the course as a I realise online training is the way refresher tool for more experienced forward,” commented one rep. it’s available for any rep who is reps as well as their newly “This has opened many doors for interested in working through all or appointed counterparts and future reference and support: I have any of the topics covered. all participants are supported never experienced union online TUC Education has secured during the course by the TUC courses before now and now I’m a £905,000 from the UFI charitable Education team. convert,” said another. trust to enhance and extend The development team is now its online learning offer to • Click here to find out more about working to simplify navigation union representatives through what’s on offer and start one of the four of the course as a result of unionlearn’s Transforming Open new self-study online courses suggestions from participants but Online Learning (TOOL) project.

NEW EDITION OF THE WORKPLACE MANUAL

Following the success and employee rights. represents, advises or General Secretary of the first edition The third edition is supports members. Frances O’Grady. TUC Workplace available to order now. THE TUC “Trade union reps are WORKPLACE Manual back in 2012, The manual is the unsung heroes of • Click here to order MANUAL A PRACTICAL HANDBOOK FOR the TUC has revised UNION REPRESENTATIVES your copy THIRD EDITION | essential not only for Britain’s workplaces: 2016 this highly popular stewards and equality, organised workplaces manual to include learning, green and are safer, fairer and recent legal changes health and safety reps, better because of what in employment law but for anyone who they do,” says TUC Time to start planning for World Book Night World Book Night on 23 April will be working hard to match books with new readers through closer work with care homes, youth centres, colleges, prisons, public libraries, mental health groups and other charities. The campaign is priorisitising: • adults with low literacy levels or who don’t read for pleasure • isolated and vulnerable older people • LGBT groups • men and women of all ages in UK prisons • parents and vulnerable pregnant women • people with mental health issues • young people who don’t read for pleasure.

Titles available for distribution include Cathy Rentzenbrink’s best-selling memoir The Last Act of Love, John Steinbeck’s modern classic Of Mice and Men, Marjane Satrapi’s graphic novel Persepolis, Paul McVeigh’s The Good Son (Polari Prize winner), Millie Marotta’s best-selling colouring book Animal Kingdom plus novels by Lucy Diamond and Ann Cleeves, whose Quick Reads titles were included in last year’s giveaway. TRESSELL TOPS • Click here to find out how you can take part THE POLL Robert Tressell’s classic novel of class politics, The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, has topped © Justin Grainge © Justin unionlearn’s poll to find the best titles for workplace reading clubs. Published after its author’s death in 1914, the long-standing labour movement favourite follows the fortunes of a group of house painters struggling to survive against almost impossible odds. The remaining top ten books are: 2 Animal Farm, George Orwell Andy is the New Quick 3 The Grapes of Wrath, John Steinbeck 4 Billy Liar, Keith Waterhouse champion Reads for 2017 5 Harry’s Last Stand, Harry Leslie Smith Reading Agency Ambassador Andy This year’s six new Quick Reads McNab has won the inaugural Ruth include a special edition of one of the 6 The Help, Kathryn Stockett Rendell Award from the National best-selling self-help books of all time: 7 Bridget Jones’ Diary, Helen Fielding Literacy Trust, which celebrates the Susan Jeffers’ landmark publication author who has done the most to Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway. 8 Love On The Dole, Walter Greenwood champion literacy in the UK. The other five are a gritty new novel 9 Catch 22, Joseph Heller and Andy has visited many workplaces by Dreda Say Mitchell; a romantic Please Mr Postman, Alan Johnson running Union Learning Fund (ULF) novel following the fortunes of a Syrian projects in recent years, as well as refugee on a remote Scottish island The two winners of the book tokens other factories, prisons, schools, by Jenny Colgan; Amanda Craig’s prize draw that all voters were entered colleges and libraries, to encourage re-imagining of the Beauty and the into are: reluctant readers to pick up books and Beast fable; best-selling dyslexic writer Mark Adcock and Carol Mcgrath magazines. He has also written four Rowan Coleman’s Poldark-themed Quick Reads titles. tale; and a collection of short stories • Click here for full details of the top ten from top-drawer crime writers. • Click here to download UNISON’s Reading Ahead toolkit • Click here to find out more

LEARNING REP SPRING 2017 “As a BFAWU project worker, I’m so proud we were a part of this amazing achievement.”

Friday mornings as staff didn’t work Fridays during January, February and March,” explains BFAWU Project Worker Janet Goodwin. “We had negotiated the start times and dates though our steering group committee and all courses ran throughout the company’s quiet period.” Gaining her English Level 1 and Level 2 did wonders for Sima’s confidence, which prompted her to enrol on a full-time business studies course at Leicester College, where she gained Level 1 and Level 2 again – despite the pressures of continuing to work the 5–10pm shift at Jacob’s. From there, Sima decided to move on to a university degree in business management, again without giving up her job at the factory. It was three years of very long days – starting at 8am in lectures or the library and finishing at 10:30pm at the factory – but it all paid off when she graduated with a 2:1, with first class honours for her dissertation on Leadership Impact on Employees Performance. “Sometimes, I used to feel I cannot make this extra effort to go to college and university, but I pushed myself a lot and carried on,” Sima says. Sima’s sweet “We all not the same: some people just need a starting point, which I received from the union learning taste of success course, and some people need support from the starting point to When Sima Jethwa first arrived in the UK from India, her the end.” English skills were just enough to secure her part-time Sima is very grateful to the BFAWU work at Jacob’s Biscuits. But now, thanks to the support for starting Jacob’s English courses, of her union BFAWU, she has recently completed a and has thanked branch secretaries Paul McGarry and Paul Mahon and the business management degree. ULRs who have helped and supported her on her learning journey. She is also very grateful to management for ima Jethwa was just 16 years courses organised by the Bakers Food giving time off for revision and exams old when she moved to the and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU). and allowing her to use the company’s UK from India, and she hadn’t After attending one of the union’s business model in her studies. S learned much English in many learning services open days, Sima is now shadowing the factory her native Gujarat, in the west of the where she completed a learning needs manager with a view to gaining country. So when she started a part- analysis, she started her learning experience in management and she time job on the biscuit line at Jacob’s journey with an English course in the is also saving hard for the Masters Leicester factory, she jumped at the on-site learning centre. degree she hopes to take this year. chance of improving her skills through “The English courses were held on

LEARNING REP SPRING 2017 16