Case Studies

Find out how other Union Learning Reps have inspired colleagues to learn on Learning at Work Day.

Union Learning Reps make a real difference in Blackpool on Learning at Work Day 2006

Frontline staff at Blackpool Council have achieved qualifications in Literacy and ICT thanks to the support of Union Learning Representatives (ULRs) and a strong partnership with the Unions and the Council’s Human Resources Department. The employees from the Council’s Street Scene Services, who had no previous formal qualifications or experience with computers, completed an ‘English Using Computers’ course at Blackpool and Fylde College last month. All fifty employees will be awarded certificates for their achievements at a special ceremony on 22 May to mark National Learning at Work Day, an awareness campaign co-ordinated by the Campaign for Learning. The literacy course is just one of the learning and development opportunities introduced by the team of ULRs that have made a real difference to council employees and the organisation as a whole.

Since her appointment in September 2005, Blackpool Council’s ULR co-ordinator Elizabeth Bullen and her team have been working with managers, unions, employees and the local college to offer a programme of training opportunities, particularly aimed at frontline workers, with great success. "As well as the achievements of the Street Scene Service employees, our Skills for Life awareness raising days have increased the confidence of employees working in front line services," says Elizabeth. "And all colleagues are being encouraged to get involved in the developing learning culture within the council through skills brush up sessions, language courses, book swaps and other initiatives."

Elizabeth believes ULRs have been vital in encouraging more employees than ever to take up the training opportunities on offer. "Not everyone had the confidence to identify training needs with line managers," says Elizabeth. "But as a trusted colleague ULRs are in a unique position to offer advice and guidance to encourage even the most reluctant employees into the right learning opportunity for them."

As well as year-round training schemes, Elizabeth and her colleagues are also responsible for co-ordinating the Local Authority’s programme of Learning at Work Day events. From the 23 to 25 May, the Council will be hosting a series of fun taster sessions as part of this annual celebration of learning. "There will be a Spanish quarter offering language learning, dance classes, guitar instruction and tapas tasters," explains Elizabeth. "And Greek sessions, arts and crafts, hobby sharing and ‘back to the floor’ job swaps elsewhere in the Council offices."

And like many other Learning at Work Day participants, Blackpool College is using the occasion to signpost further opportunities to ensure the learning legacy of the Day (or week) continues. "At every event ULRs will be on hand to provide information, advice and guidance," continues Elizabeth. "And Blackpool and Fylde College and Learndirect will be running taster sessions of their courses so employees can experience first hand what’s on offer locally."

More case studies soon!