Union Learning Takes Off

The sky is the limit for Blackpool Council staff wanting to learn new skills, thanks to the partnership between Corporate Human Resources and the Unions.

Following the recent success in Street Scene, a comprehensive learning programme is now taking off across the whole Council. The initiative gives staff the opportunity to access a diversity of training and gain a number of qualifications.

Such qualifications can help to progress a career or help staff change direction. From brushing up on Maths and English to completing a degree there are a wide range of courses available to help everybody.

There are now a total of 15 Union Learning Representatives (ULRs) promoting the learning programme - known as the Skills for Life Strategy - in their departments.

Union Learning Reps are trusted colleagues who can discuss the benefits of a Skills for Life qualification. The reps have a strong Partnership with Blackpool and the Fylde College, which works closely with the Unions and the Council to ensure employees have the very best tuition and support for their learning.

Representative Co-ordinator Elizabeth Bullen and ULR Debbie Garner recently spent time with the world famous Red Arrows to promote The Skills for Life Strategy at Blackpool Council.

She said it was a real privilege to have spent time with the Red Arrows. As a world famous team that know only too well the value of high quality training, the team is very supportive of the Skills for Life initiative Blackpool Council is delivering through the partnership with the Unions.

Elizabeth said that the initiative targets all employees, included those that may not have accessed training for quite some time - for all sorts of reasons.

Debbie is a Team Leader and NVQ assessor working in Social Services who has mentored her team through a Literacy programme delivered by Partners Blackpool & the Fylde College. All 16 employees are about to take the National Test in Literacy at Level 2. She said the training is a fantastic opportunity for team building, raising morale, as well as giving staff a chance to gain an up-to-date national qualification.