Workplace Learning Case Studies

Employees whose lives have changed  through workplace learning.
Employers who have built a better business through workplace learning.

To set up interviews or for full length case studies contact Louise Dennis at ldennis@cflearning.org.uk or on 020 7766 0003.

Employees

Mick Ablett, like a lot of people, felt trepidation, uncertainty and intimidation when he needed to use a computer at work. Far from letting his fear of the unknown get the better of him however, Mick decided to solve his problems by taking a course that would help him to learn about computers and reintroduce him to English and Maths skills.

Jan Fenwick feels really passionate about returning to learning. Just a year after completing her 'Return to Learn' course, Jan helped out on the UNISON stand at Edinburgh Council's first Learning at Work Day as a role model for people who wanted to learn. Jan, a Home Help worker, had decided that she wanted to refresh her literacy skills and enjoyed her course so much that she now works to encourage others to take their learning further.

Denis Ashton, a refuse collector from Warrington felt that he and some of his fellow refuse collectors 'didn't matter' when it came to learning. So he got involved himself and is now running his own Learning at Work Day at the depot.

Stephen, a care worker from Leeds for over twenty years, knows his job inside out, but his secret dyslexia was stopping him going for promotion. Now thanks to a workplace learning project with Leeds County Council and the Campaign for Learning, Stephen is realising his full potential.

Kelly Law, 25 from Gosport in Hampshire, went from waitress to Finance Administrator in four years, thanks to a plumber's merchant willing to take a chance on her and offer her the training she needed to establish the career she really wanted.

Rachid, from Westminster, always struggled with Maths at school but realised he needed to tackle his gremlins 'to get on' in the workplace. With the help of the local Adult Education Services, Rachid is now studying part-time for his GCSE qualifications and hopes one day to become a manager or supervisor, where he can combine his new-found enjoyment of numbers with everyday contact with the public.

Geoff Gregg, from Plymouth, was in the very beginning of his broadcasting career, when he got the chance to work with a top film crew at the BBC edit suit to launch the industry's National Skills Day on Learning at Work Day last year. The contacts he made and the skills he gained as a result of this learning experience launched his current career as a researcher for Channel 4.

Trevor Hutchins, from Coventry, got to find out what life was really like at the top of the organisation when he swapped with his Chief Executive, Liz Millet, for the day. Trevor said, 'It was really interesting and nerve wracking stepping into Liz's shoes. However, this job swap has been invaluable in giving me a greater understanding of how the company operates and the great work that Liz does.'

Steve Stage, from Bristol, has found his passion for lifelong learning. The support from his company, Rencol Tolerance Rings, has helped him keep up with the fast changing technology of the machines that he and his seven strong team are responsible for maintaining. To help engage his work colleagues in learning, Steve gave a presentation on National Learning at Work Day, 26 May 2005, on 'Fun at Work'. To him, the investment in learning is clearly one of the reasons why people enjoy working at Rencol.

More to come....

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Employers

2008

Amicus Learning and Workforce Representatives organised an afternoon of activities at AXA Insurance Morcambe. The Adult College Lancaster provided information about their summer programme with Holiday Spanish attracting the most interest. Everyone that visited the stalls was entered into a World Book Week prize draw to help keep the learning enthusiasm going.

Unite Learning Representatives at Co-operative Financial Services organised a Week activities to help members try something different and fun. Stockport College offered Indian Head Massage, Yoga, Archery and Football Coaching. Alternative health practitioners ran sessions on reflexology, tai chi, diet and nutrition, juggling, plate spinning, stilt walking and unicycling. The Open University promoted OU Clubs and Stockport NextSteps provided career progression and education advice with a specialist careers coach. Kath Alexandrer, Unite ULR, said, “This has kick started us off to a very promising future.”

Amicus Learning Reps at Fijitsu Services ran activities including Skills for Life testing, Yoga, healthy living publications, Gym equipment display, internal training information and Quick Reads promotion. Employees submitted recipes in advance for a Healthy Eating Competition, which the canteen cooked on the day. Pauline Bradburn, URL at Fijitsu Services said, “Plenty of individuals expressed a keen interest in taking various learning and training courses. A further event is being planned for later in the year and an even bigger event for 2008 to keep the momentum of interest and maximise growth and productivity within Fijitsu for the future.

This was the third time Public and Commercial Services Union reps at the Child Support Agency in Dudley had taken part. A stand by the restaurant to attract the most interest, had information on a wide range of topics to appeal to the majority of employees including; How to cope with stress, Making a business plan and Eating 5 fruit and vegetables a day. Staff could speak to URLs in confidence about their development and skills and Dudley College were on hand to offer careers advice and information on courses. First aid experts gave a presentation and leaflets to staff, the Fire Service went round offering tips on staying safe at home and representatives from the Next Generation Gym talked about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

PCS URLs ran activities for HM Revenue and Customs employees throughout the Midlands:

- In Derby, Learndirect and Derby Adult Learning ran craft and cookery demonstrations, which attracted more staff members than last year despite a reduction in workforce size.

- Burton-on-Trent held a small but effective event where staff could find out about the PCS ‘Put Your Feet Up’ leaflet, college courses, family history, Quick Reads Books and picture quizzes. Plans for 2008 are being considered to make the experience even better.

- In Nuneaton, the event had to be organised in only a few days but the URLS managed to hand out Skills for Life scratch cards and ran a quiz with small learning prizes, which proved so popular some cards were returned before they had finished handing them out!

- In Leicester external providers and staff members ran learning session on ICT, financial planning, Spanish, Fit for work – fit for now, Yoga, book swaps and touch-typing. Further sessions of Spanish and yoga have already been asked for.

- URLs in Chesterfield ran an event with the DWP offering information on TUC learning, BBC Education, the National Open College Network, Campaign for Leaning and Quick Reads, while Chesterfield College promoted future lunchtime sessions.

For the second year running, PCS Union reps at the Tribunals Services and Job Centre Plus held a joint event. Staff were able to access a wide variety of activities and over 70 employees took part. The St John’s Ambulance gave a presentation and staff members ran sessions on juggling and British Sign language. Following the success of the day a further Line Dancing session is being held in work time and St John’s Ambulance will came on site to run a 3 hour course to staff again in work time, which is looking set to be over subscribed already.

The Public and Commercial Services Union Learning Reps, with the help of a UnionLearn grant, ran a masterpiece event for Job Centre Plus in West Wales. Staff members were given a small square from a poster sized print of a famous painting and asked to copy their piece of the masterpiece onto canvas with acrylic paint. The individual canvases were put together to create a unique replication of the original masterpiece. To hep the appetite for learning continued URLs gave staff information on local courses, evening classes, the Open University and taster session as well as offering head massages for when the creativity got too much!

The Fire Brigade Union hosted an event at the Darnell Road Fire Station, Sheffield covering the day and evening shifts and invited the local community in. Over 350 people attended the event, taking part in Move On mini tests and finding out about on-site language courses, career assessments and IAG sessions. Two new learning reps were recruited on the back of the event and over 80 people registered for new learning opportunities as a direct result of taking part.

The Communication Workers Union held four events attracting around 1,240 staff:

- At the Bradford telephone exchange, the quick reads books generated a great deal of interest in learning and the learning questionnaires highlighted people's learning interest.

- At the O2 Centre, Leeds, they were receiving enquiries before the stands outside the staff restaurant were up. Partners included O2 Learning and Development, Leeds City Libraries, Open University and Stressbeaters. The OU had more than double the number of enquiries that morning than they had in a whole day at a Scarborough shopping centre.

- At the BT main offices learning questionnaires were completed and staff tried the numeracy and literacy testers on line, leading to questions on further learning possibilities.

- The new learning centre at the Pudsey telephone exchange was formally opened on the day by the CWU, Liz Smith national director of UnionLearn and BT management.

The Commercial Workers Union and Royal Mail ran a successful event at the Bradford Mail Centre. Several employees who had previously been withdrawn were eager to find out more about the new Learning Centre and a number of people expressed an interest in taking English and Maths courses. A competition to name the learning centre was run for staff in all Royal Mail offices and the event was run from midday to midnight to cover all shifts, including the night shift who often feel left out. Organiser, Diane Gledhill, said, “The centre was welcomed with open arms and relished by all. Many of the older people who thought that it was too late for them to start learning, went a way with a new out look and can not wait for the courses to start.”

Success Stories ran a storytelling tele-class called ‘Making Changes using stories and metaphors’ on the Day. The 50-minute phone-in class covered areas such as why the language of metaphor is important, how to incorporate stories and metaphors into coaching to encourage change, the Circus model of personal change and the Success Journey model.

Hemsley Fraser , a training company in central London, ran three activities for delegates and staff. The Healthier Happier Lives Competition for a Champagne Prize Draw had people searching the building for the answer. Internet hotpoints were set up in the restaurant featuring interesting and unusual sites and information stands and posters featured Brain Based Eating.

For the third year in a row, Academee Learning Solutions, took part in the Day. All sixty members of staff took the opportunity to learn in small groups with activities including pottery, treasure hunting, orienteering and sailing. As well as a chance to learn new skills, the Day brought together the geographically dispersed workforce. Jane O’Hara, PR Manager, said “It's great for cross-team development, building morale, and developing a great culture. In 2007, Academee was recognised for the second year running as one of the FT's 50 Best Workplaces. Learning at Work day is one of the things that makes Academee such a great place to work!”

About a third of staff at Dorothy Stringer School, Brighton, signed up for after school tasters run by staff on Spanish for Beginners, Singing and Rhyming, Pottery, Painting, Life Drawing, Jewellery Making, Exploring the Natural World and a dance session called In the Mix. Teachers and support staff were very enthusiastic with one participant saying, “Instead of leaving work completely exhausted and a little irritable - I left in a great mood with a huge smile on my face! ” Lunch was organised on the Friday for staff to swap experiences and view pictures taken the day before. Bobbie Churchley ATL ULR, said, “It was such a success, the school is considering more such events and certainly looking forward to next year’s Learning at Work Day.”

Birkbeck College used the Day to raise environmental awareness both at work and at home. The total carbon savings made at the end came to a staggering 9435kg. The day included a film screening and debate over Al Gore’s “An inconvenient truth”, a carbon footprint consultancy and advice on how to use greener modes of transport and methods of gardening. Employees could also ask questions on how they might do something positive for the environment, what they can and can’t recycle and which products are environmentally preferable. Wendy Johnston, Staff Development Manager, said, “This shows how much can be achieved with a bit of awareness and commitment. Individuals have made further pledges to not waste water, switch off unused electrical appliances and use public transport more.”

At the National Open College Network’s head office, activities included 20 minute ‘taster sessions’ on Simple Steps to a Healthier, Happier Life, Calm at Work, How to Recover Bank Charges, Counter Workouts and Yoga at your Desk. Chief Executive, Karen Green, even took part in the stretching exercises. Regionally, in Bangor a Tai Chi expert ran a class to help staff feel refreshed, calm and stress free and in Cardiff a member of staff ran a therapeutic cord session where staff worked in teams to put individual cords together for a finished product. The Open College Network North East Region had an ex-fireman come in to the office to explain about the different types of fire extinguishers and they also had a session on Indian Head Massage, while the Open College Network East Mids Region had a session on IT safety.

Durham Constabulary has taken part for the past 5 years, with interest in the staff run sessions growing every year. Activities this year included golf tips, policing in Iraq, core stability, mountain biking, salsa dancing, fiction crime writing, Tai Chi, natural healing, financial planning, foreign language, tennis, dog training and more. Keith Ellis, IT Training said, “Everybody enjoyed the activities and management noticed that people returning to their work place had a buzz about them having completed something different.”

At Norwich Benefits Delivery Centre, the local TUC learning Centre gave information on courses and provided prizes for a survey draw. Providers did tasters in Holistic massage and digital photography while staff members with shared their own skills in German, Juggling and Counselling. About 30 staff of all grades were involved and really enjoyed the day, fully supported by management. The day got people thinking and several people, some who didn’t even take pare in the day, showed an interest in doing courses.

Birkenhead Land Registry ran a Live Long and Prosper event with sessions on mortgage advice with an independent financial advisor, family first aid with the North West Ambulance Service and a positive thinking workshop with a local organisation the Land Registry had supported in the past. Management offered all staff an hour off and 65% of staff were able to take part, with many asking for follow up sessions. Following the Positive Thinking Workshop the organisation now has an in-house trainer running more sessions and the Health Initiative team are arranging more sessions on site with the ambulance service.

The event at HMRC Ty Nant, Swansea was the most successful they’ve ever had with 123 staff attending throughout the day. PCS Cymru, Swansea College, the Open University, University of Glamorgan, the Swansea Institute and the Prince’s Trust all had information stands while staff manned stalls on health issues, Quick Reads, Wales TUC and other learning providers. Feedback showed more over 35’s and staff from lower grades and with fewer qualifications attended the day. Encouragingly 44.29% of staff said they would like to learn something new.

Staff across Yorkshire Forward took part in a range of activities. In Leeds there was an Introduction to Business Language Chinese session, a lunchtime presentation and quiz on Climate Change in the region and an afternoon of cake decorating and Henna body art. In Bradford they had a poetry workshop and other activities took place at the York office. The aim was to make employees think about the range of learning opportunities available within the region and several staff members have already signed up to courses at local colleges.

At the Job Centre Plus, offices in Leeds, the Royal Air Force Reserves promoted its development and learning opportunities, thanks to a member of the staff being a Reservist himself. The training Reservists receive, in transferable skills alone, has been shown to be worth £9,000 per employee per year. The skills on display in the Restaurant so members of all departments could attend, included First Aid and Leadership among many. Jobcentre Plus is recognised for the support it gives to the Reserve forces and has even refined the leave arrangements to better enable employees to participate in Reservist training.

Government Skills, the Sector Skills Council for central government, launched a Skills for Life tool kit on the Day this year. The Kit draws on good practice ideas to help union learning reps and HR learning practitioners across government to improve literacy and numeracy. The kit includes inspiring case studies as well as leaflets and posters and signposts sources of help and information to improve and build on the skills levels that employees already have.

Bolton at Home Council carried out two successful learning workshops. One found Bolton at Home’s ultimate ‘Health & Safety at Work Millionaire’, while the other gave attendees a personal insight into their personality and heightened their self-awareness through discovering what motivates them at work as participants discussed the outcome of their Occupational Personality Questionnaire, completed on-line prior to attending the workshop.

At Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council engineers, administrators and managers enjoyed taster sessions on the European Computer Driving Licence and improving literacy and numeracy, screenings of Management Development DVDs, drop-in sessions on return to learn, demonstrations on woodwork, catering and sewing, and internal job swaps. Following the Day several staff signed up for further literacy and numeracy courses and NVQ qualifications and there was a renewed interest in resources from the learning centre. Julie Thomas, Training and Personnel Officer said, “The Day ignited a new enthusiasm for learning and created a greater awareness of the training resources and opportunities available. It helped encourage a culture of collaboration between training teams and a sharing of resources within the Council.”

North Glamorgan Trust ran a series events over two days. The Trust’s Caring for Learning in Partnership co-ordinated taster session on successful minute taking, good reception and telephone skills, successful report writing, becoming more assertive, customer care, building confidence and self esteem, becoming and staying motivated, ladies self defence and Welsh Awareness. The Trust Union Learning Representatives offered advice and information and Coleg Morgannwg, Learndirect and the University of Glamorgan had information stands. The Trusts Physiotherapy Department ran sessions on active stretch, Yoga and relaxation while the Training Department were out in force with information on a variety of training opportunities.

WHSmith held a whole week of learning activities for the Head Office teams.Throughout the week in-house experts tutored one hour Master Classes on areas of expertise such as Leadership, Assertiveness, PC Skills, Marketing, Influencing, NLP, Finance, Presentation Skills, Negotiation, Project Management and Self Awareness.The British Deaf Association ran ‘Introduction to Sign Language’ workshops.The activities gave individuals the opportunity to experience taster sessions on a whole range of subjects to benefit them and the business.

Pindar Set, held activities across all its sites with a different theme each day. Monday focused on exercise and nutrition, Tuesday on alternative therapies, Wednesday had mind games and quizzes, Thursday was a “learn a new skills at work day” and Friday was left for review and reflection. The company is now already running several new initiatives including An “Improve Yourself Competition” for staff to say what they’ve done in the last six months, and an “Improve Yourself Scheme” offering individuals funding for personal development courses. Judi Jennigs, Employee Development Manager said, “During the week staff motivational levels increased, and this was seen in output. Individuals felt valued and appreciated. Employees have been given alternative ways of learning and this will continue to help them in the future.”

Sixty employees at Yell used the day to refresh their awareness on all the workplace learning resources, such as online HR and coaching courses, customer services training and various development library resources. Karen Lloyd, coaching and development manager said, "The day was very successful and highlighted Yell's commitment to workplace learning. The team updated their personal development plans, looked at ways in which to progress in their role and how to refresh essential life skills such as Maths, English and managing their time.”

The Royal National Lifeboat Institute marked the Day with a fun-filed, inspiring week. 50 RNLI people took part in job shadowing in all RNLI locations from Scotland to the Isle of Wight. In Poole 129 employees took part in “lite bite” lunchtime sessions run by internal and external experts on belly dancing, scuba diving, swimming strokes, simulated lifeboat rescue, fencing, holistic therapies, first aid, cooking and more. There were quizzes and competitions to enter and brain friendly food served in the canteen all week to compliment the activities.

At National Grid Metering a number of employees took the opportunity to showcase hobbies and interests including the American Civil War, how to play the guitar, learning Arabic and jewellery making. Some employees even took the experience further by signing up for more learning. The Day also saw the launch of the Learning Resource Centre available to all employees, with DVDs, self help books and general workbooks employees can take home.

Molson Coors started their celebrations with adverts on the intranet to raise curiosity and then e-mailed all line managers promoting the day and suggesting activities to take part in with their teams. The e-learning portal, usually restricted to managers, was opened up on the day to everyone. There was a range of activities across the business from simple reflection time on personal development plans to different workshops. Some functions were unable to take part on the day so did something on a different date, like the logistics function who had their Day in September and got people together to learn and build teamwork with a number of workshops.

2007

Going Green! - Birkbeck College held an Environmental Awareness day for Learning at Work Day 2007. Wendy Johnston, the Staff Development Manager, explained, “The event fulfilled its objective to raise ‘Environmental’ awareness both at work and at home. The total savings in carbon savings made at the end of the three sessions came to a staggering 9435kg. This shows how much can be achieved with a bit of awareness and commitment.” The day included events such as a film screening and debate over Al Gore’s controversial and thought provoking film “An inconvenient truth”, a carbon footprint consultancy on hand to give members of staff the opportunity to have their own carbon footprint identified and explained, tips and advice on how to use greener modes of transport and methods of gardening and an opportunity for employees to ask questions as to how they might be able to do something “positive” for the environment, what they can and can’t recycle and which products are environmentally preferable. Wendy Johnston concluded the event’s success. “Additionally, individuals have made further pledges. Some of which include to not waste water, to switch off unused electrical appliances and to use public transport more.”

Serving up a treat for Learning at Work Day - Live Long and Prosper was the title of this year’s Learning at Work Day organised by the Union Learning Representatives at Fujitsu Services. An exciting schedule of events was offered on the day including, Skills for Life testing, Healthy Living publications, Yoga information, a display of equipment from the Fujitsu Gym, Mancat and Fujitsu internal training courses. The ULR’s also held a Healthy Eating Recipe competition (In the raw), where employees submitted ideas for Healthy Eating recipe’s in advance of Learning at work day and the canteen cooked them on the day. The day itself proved to be very productive and successful. There were plenty of individuals who expressed a keen interest in taking various learning and training programmes and courses available.

Learning at Work Week! - Unite ULRs and Seconded Reps at Co-operative Financial Services decided to have a Learning at Work Week this year to help members try something new, different and fun that tied in with this year’s theme  of Live Long and Prosper. Stockport College provided tasters in Indian Head Massage, Yoga, Archery and Football Coaching, while a range of alternative health practitioners helped staff to relax and de-stress. Staff were able to try reflexology, tai chi, discuss diet with a nutritionist, and even have a go at juggling, plate spinning, stilt walking and unicycling. To ensure the learning lasted longer than the week, the Open University promoted Open University Clubs and there was a lot of interest in setting up a club onsite. Stockport Next Step advised on career progression and education and a specialist careers coach offered advice on career progression and job satisfaction using motivational techniques. Kath Alexander, Unite ULR said “All the local ULRs put in a great deal of enthusiasm and effort to make the week a success. There was lots of interest for learning from our members and this has kick started us off to a very promising future!”

2006

Bite size learning for big rewards - RNIB Peterborough took part for the first time in 2006 and a quarter of the organisation’s staff engaged in the various learning events. Dawn McLean, the AIG Training Manager, explains, “We set up bitesize events such as Line Dancing and Meditation in order to get away from the normal routine and to influence the idea that learning can be fun”. Dawn also illustrates that the event provided variety for the existing training team, “It gave the team new ideas of interest that would be beneficial in their work and bring about ideas for them to incorporate within the organisation’s training as well”.

Skills sharing day - Bury Council decided to hold a day where the employees chose which activities they would like to hold and take part of. As Lesley Hunter, the main organiser of the day at Bury Council explains, “We appropriately named our Learning at Work Day ‘Skills Sharing Day’ because our events were based on the email feedback I received after sending an email to everyone asking what hobbies they have that could be turned into activities for the day”. The Council had a wide range of activities going on such as cycling to work, face painting, Asian cooking, gym classes and salsa dancing, with the latter being the most popular. Lesley continues, “Last year we did bits and pieces for LAW Day but this year our management team were very open to ideas which gave us tremendous scope to include events that specific colleagues were interested in”.

Fit for Work: Fit for Life -  LloydsTSB, took part in Learning at Work Day and decided to have a Health and Wellbeing theme which they appropriately named “Fit for Work: Fit for Life”. There was advice on physiotherapy, live demonstrations about body posture and seating positions and local Health Clubs testing employees’ Body Mass Index, blood pressure and Cholesterol levels. Paul Marshall, from the Operations Learning and Development Department in Group IT and Operations HR commented, ”We wanted to choose an area of learning that would benefit our business as a whole but also offer a personal benefit to our staff, so we decided to teach the employees how to improve their levels of fitness and Wellbeing awareness in the workplace."

The Power of Learning - 2006 was the third year that EDF Energy have taken part in the national event working closely with union learning representatives to host yet another successful Learning at Work Day event. Activities ran for a 3-day period and a number of local education providers supplied materials. Ruth Williams, a development advisor at EDF Energy, explains the focus of their participation in the National event, 'One of our key company ambitions is to be recognised as a learning business and a great place to work. One of the many ways we do this is to provide support for employees, to study either non-vocational or vocational subjects in their own time, by making available funding to cover tuition/course fees.' Ruth feels the success of their event was put down to forward planning and also making the most of working with the local organisations and learning providers.

Directing the company to success through staff development - The company responsible for publishing one of the UK's largest classified directories bases its success on a commitment to ensuring all employees are fully trained, not just for their current positions, but future careers within Thomson Directories as well. To achieve this, Thomson Directories has developed a year-round training programme for both work and life skills, which is offered to its entire 1,000 strong workforce. The company is convinced that its investment in learning and its efforts to provide a portfolio of options to suit everyone's pace, ambitions and needs, is key to the performance of the organisation. This May, Thomson Directories is once again using the Campaign for Learning's National Learning at Work Day, to showcase their training programmes, engage even more of their employees and direct the company to even greater success. With everything from street dancing to yoga, the training team hopes to show the enjoyment for employees behind the business benefits to the company of workplace learning.

2005

Learning at Work is simply brilliant - Simply Learning's network of learning facilitators are passionate about enabling learners to learn in a way that works best for them. 'By using different techniques, we support the Campaign for Learning's aim of inclusion in learning as our sessions appeal to the widest range of learning diversities,' says Ann Grindrod, Simply Learning's Principal Consultant. 'Learning at Work Day events typically include three sessions from our current portfolio, which features learning topics with a difference. "Memory Magic" and "Facing Fear" are firm favourites, and this year we were delighted to showcase our latest "Boost" - "Food for Fit Brains". One of the benefits of Learning at Work Day is that lots of people can be introduced to effective learning in just one day.'

Going in for learning in a big way - NFU Mutual Direct insurance in Glasgow has participated in Learning at Work Day for the past three years. In 2005, a snake and reptile enthusiast brought his pet python into the office, and the company reproduced one of television's greatest quizzes, Mastermind. 'Everyone looks forward to Learning at Work Day - it creates a great atmosphere within the centre and it's always a huge success,' says Anne-Marie McGroarty, Training and Communications Officer. NFU Mutual Direct gets involved in Learning at Work Day to promote learning within the organisation. 'We believe strongly in people development and we invest time in our people so that they'll give back to the company,' reveals Anne-Marie. 'For NFU Mutual Direct, Learning at Work Day is an excellent chance to incorporate fun and leaning with the company objectives.'

Everyone in - For Percepta UK Ltd, a leading provider of automotive CRM services, Learning at Work Day acts as a platform from which to promote learning opportunities in a fun and relaxed way. Gaynor Urquhart, Learning Co-ordinator explains, 'The great thing about the initiative is that it provides a change from the normal working day, catching employees' interests, and they can learn valuable new skills that fit in with business learning needs.' The enthusiasm of the staff undoubtedly contributed to the success of Learning at Work Day and they are now looking forward to this year's event. In fact, Percepta is so keen to encourage more companies to participate that Gaynor is working with Learn Direct Scotland, sharing her experiences to inspire other organisations.

A breath of fresh air - Learning at Work Day offers something totally different for the employees of the DWP in Porth, who don't often get a chance to develop new skills at work. 'The main experience of learning for many employees was at school, so it's good to get them involved in something informal which reminds them that they can continue to learn at work in a fun way,' explains Anton Pryczka, Union Learning Rep. 'One member of the senior management team was so enthusiastic about including a sign language course that she personally made sure it was on the programme of events. It was a great idea as the course turned out to be the most popular and we are now planning to run a sign language course throughout the rest of the year. There has been a lot of interest and it will be great to offer something so different.'

Going back to the floor of the pub to learn - Senior managers and directors at Hydes Brewery in Manchester went back-to-the-floor to man the pumps, clean the beer lines and prepare food in the kitchen. Lee Holgate, training manager at the Brewery said, 'Overall it was highly successful, so successful that we've had another event in the last year, as well the Learning at Work Day one. We are considering a double swap next year, with Brewery staff going out into the estate and those from outside the Brewery sampling what it is like to work here.'

All in a days work at HLM - HLM, provider of process outsourcing solutions and systems to the mortgage, finance and investment sector, has taken part in Learning at Work Day for many years with business oriented activities. But with a new site taking part for the first time this year, they leaped at the chance to experience and learn something completely new and different. 'It was a brilliant day,' says Barbara Schofield, Learning and Development Manager. 'We had several different sessions, including Tai Chi, flower arranging, cookery, Indian head massage and making speciality coffees. We will certainly be participating next year.'

2004

The first step to learning throughout the year - at First Direct, the internet and telephone banking provider, Learning at Work Day was held as a way to promote a learning culture all year round. The success of the event, involving staff from all levels across the organisation, has led to further learning throughout the year, benefiting the staff and the business. The benefits were even countable, as Toni Maguire, event organiser from the Training team, points out. 'We promoted our on-site learning centre through online quizzes. This has had a very good impact on the amount of people using it. The monthly figures have doubled, and we have increased the take up of ICDL (International Computer Driving Licence).'

Learning 4 all at Channel 4 - Everyone from senior managers, editors and reporters to support staff members took part in a range of media and creative skills workshops including editing techniques, voice projection, jewellery making, acting techniques, confidence building and innovative thinking sessions. They tried out new skills and enhanced existing ones. Alec McPhedran, who co-ordinated the day found it a great success and explained, 'We received plenty of enthusiastic letters, e-mails and phone calls from staff. It was a very fulfilling experience and we are planning to make National Skills Day an annual event and might even have some elements of it once a quarter.'

Banking on business success - Central Support Department, Account Management Operations part of the Royal Bank of Scotland, held a Learning at Work Day for the first time, in 2004. Approximately 80 staff from the Bolton office took part, and the event was such a success that the department will be holding it again this year on 26th May. Emphasis was placed upon business orientated activities that could improve performance but also entertain staff and make the experience different from other training courses. Jacqui Wright, one of the co-ordinators, mentioned the staff were able to, 'mix with people they wouldn't usually work with and this enabled them to get to know their colleagues.' One activity that took place was the "Customer Experience" event, in which the staff were asked to think of good and bad experiences they'd had as a customer and describe that situation. They were also encouraged to think about actually being in the customers shoes, in order to help them better understand the need for customer service focus.

Discovering the talents at the heart of your organisation - Learning at Work Day is all about making the most of your workforce skills as well as developing new ones as staff at Heartlands Hospital discovered. 'Our theme was "make the most of your talents" and we wanted to celebrate the skills people already have and look to see how they can be used to develop themselves in the workplace,' explains Kirsten Holder. A whole range of different sessions from how to play the dulcimer to learning to count to twenty in Japanese helped staff show off or discover hidden talents in themselves and their colleagues. 'One of the most successful tasters was the basic car maintenance course, set up following suggestions from staff. Employees of a local garage came in and taught classes such as "Changing a tyre" and "Checking the oil",' said Kirsten Holder. 'It was something some members of staff had never had the opportunity to learn before, yet found incredibly useful. Staff feedback showed they really appreciated the work we put into arranging the workshop.'

For a customer-friendly training - Coventry Central Library used last year's Learning at Work Day to improve their all round service to the public and develop staff skills in all of the resources on offer to readers, something the staff as well as management felt was a priority. The flexible nature of Learning at Work Day, meant the library was able to involve all staff, whilst ensuring the level of service offered did not suffer at all. David Lloyd, Learning Partnership Manager explains, ' We have taken part in Learning at Work Day for several years but rather than having just one day, we spread activities out over the whole of Adult Learner's Week, so the Library can stay open to the public. For 2004, we consulted staff on what training they'd find most beneficial. The replies mainly focused on the public, aimed at helping the public to make the most of the library.'  Workshops and taster sessions were devised to encourage staff to take a more proactive approach to customer services.

Learning is the life blood for any organisation - The National Blood Service put away their needles and smelling salts and embraced a wide ranging selection of learning opportunities for last year's Learning at Work Day. Lifelong Learning Coordinator Abina Bastin put on a series of learning taster sessions including how to wear a sari, a talk about Nepal, how to line dance, origami and how to dress a Hindu woman in traditional bridal jewellery staff. Abina called on staff at the National Blood Service's 15 centres to come forward if they had a skill or talent that they would like to share with colleagues. Abina said, 'Learning at Work Day is not just about discovering what other people do in their spare time, it is also about understanding how different departments work. However, the most important thing is that employees do learn and to encourage people to get involved.'

Enhancing the abilities of all in the workplace - In 2004, a group of civil servants in Bristol were encouraged to participate in their first Learning at Work Day, organised by HR Officer Ruth Stiby. The focus was 'Ability not Disability' and featured key speakers from the RNID, RNIB and Diabetes UK explaining how some disabilities were not easily recognised in the workplace. These included hearing and sight impairments as well as dyslexia, heart conditions and diabetes. The aim of the day was to raise awareness and encourage employees to discover more about these conditions and what it is like living and working with them. Ruth said, 'Learning at Work Day is all about offering an opportunity to employees to learn something different that will benefit not only the job they do, but also themselves as well.'

More to come...

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