KENT RED STAR LEARNING CENTRE OPEN FOR BUSINESS

The Red Star Learning Centre issued an open invitation recently to potential students from the rail industry, their families and friends, and other workers in the Medway area, to drop in for a taste of the many courses on offer. The centre, which will offer free classes in a range of subjects including information technology and modern languages, was officially opened by RMT general secretary Bob Crow. Supported by the TUC’s Education Services and UnionLearn, the Red Star Rail Learning Centre is the first of its kind to open in Kent. A similar centre has been thriving in Brighton for two years. Bob said that he was delighted to open a learning centre which would give opportunities for workers in the Medway area to get back into education. “Whether it is sign language, French or Spanish, or computers for beginners or more advanced IT, there are courses available here for everyone,” he said. Rail Union Learning project worker Mike Sargent said that the open day was aimed at giving potential students a taste of the courses already available to them. “But if there is sufficient demand for other courses we will do our best to provide them,” he said. A LEARNING RESOURCE The centre was first identified as a potential resource by Mike back in 2004 when it was being used for dumping unwanted items. After negotiating with local managers and obtaining a lease on the venue, local reps moved in and set about renovating the centre. With a budget of just over £10,000, the group transformed the centre into a custom- designed learning centre fit to deliver further education to workers who have difficulty accessing courses because of shift patterns or other problems. The centre was gutted by the volunteers and several skips were quickly filled. Remedial and electrical works were carried out by approved contractors, followed up by the volunteers who came in to redecorate and make the place habitable. Further money was spent on kitting out the centre, including laptop computers, printers, web- cams and other learning aids. Ivor Riddell, a conductor and learning rep who runs a sign language course, reported that the centre has been visited by Southeastern representatives, rail unions and learning providers. “All of them praised the scheme and want to be part of its success and here seems to be a positive change in people’s attitude to personal development and getting involved,” he said. Rail Union Learning Reps plan to increase the number and scope of courses in 2007 starting with conversational French and Spanish. The introduction of basic information technology courses have been followed by an introductory course in British Sign Language and Deaf Awareness around the rail industry. There are also plans promote and facilitate online learning through the Open University and other providers as well as encourage use of the centre as a resource for family oriented clubs such as parent and child craft clubs, camera club, signing club and many other ideas. Mike Sargent said that the strength of this particular project was that it is volunteer- led and run which gives the local users a sense of ownership. “We are also grateful for the support of local branches, and the unflagging encouragement of the RMT education office,” he said. For further information please contact project worker Mike Sargent on 07715 323 793 or the Programme Support Team 020 7317 8612. For more details about the Rail Union learning Project, the Union Learning Fund and the role of the Union Learning Representative, visit www.learninginunion.org.uk. For further information regarding RUL Conference 2007, please contact Jen on 020 7529 8820 or email jenyork@rul.org.uk RMTnews :: march 2007 :: www.rmt.org.uk 18 A learning centre for transport workers in the Medway area of Kent opened its doors for business at Chatham station recently KENT RED STAR LEARNING CENTRE OPEN FOR BUSINESS