LEARNING ON LONDON UNDERGROUND

RMT helpline 0800 3763706 :: february 2009 :: RMTnews 21 After attending education courses Bjorn Bradshaw Murray himself became a passionate advocate of adult education through Union Learning. Bjorn took an introduction to spoken French course and also a business course and got so much out of them personally that he believed that everybody should be able to take up the opportunities that he had. The train driver – who is currently on secondment working as a signal operator on the Metropolitan Line – found himself giving his fellow workers advice about where to find courses and became an obvious choice as Union Learning Rep (ULR). “There is a lot of courses out there,” says Bjorn. “From Line Dancing to Zoology to NVQ’s and A Levels”. When Bjorn’s colleagues come to him interested in pursuing a course he carries out research to find what options there are and where is the best place for them to attend. Sometimes the best place to learn is through the company itself. London Underground Limited (LUL) give staff two hours a week for qualification-based courses. The Learning Zone at LUL’s head office offer GCSE Maths and English to all staff. However, not everyone wants to attend company courses. “If they have a problem with literacy, and want to go on a course to improve it then they may not want LUL to know that, so then it’s more appropriate to find a course at a local college or organised by the Workers’ Educational Association,” Bjorn says. Online courses are also very popular, where people can learn at their own pace and not have to break up their working week. The most important role that Bjorn plays as a ULR is getting RMT members to attend courses run by the union. As lead rep he also co-ordinates activity with the other nine ULRs currently operating on the combine. Bjorn has been involved with organising successful beginners’ computer courses taught by professional tutors which cover real basics such as how to use a mouse up to more complicated tasks like creating a Microsoft Powerpoint presentation. Bjorn’s plans as Learning Rep for 2009 include organising more computer training sessions and some cheap language courses. If you are interested in taking up a course or even becoming a ULR you can speak to a rep or contact Andrew Brattle at Unity House. Andrew Brattle RMT Learning Administrator RMT Learning at Head Office 020 7529 8820 www.rmt.org.uk/learning Lead Union Learning Rep Bjorn Bradshaw- Murray talks to RMT News about spreading the message of adult education for RMT members working on the Tube network HOW DO YOU BECOME A ULR? Your branch should be able to find out if there any vacancies and will be asking for candidates to come forward. Check with your branch (if you are not sure which branch you are in ring head office). If there is a vacancy you will need to be appointed by your branch. Once appointed RMT will write to your company informing them of your appointment. Once appointed you will need to undertake training. For further information contact Andrew Brattle on 020 7529 8820 or a.brattle@rmt.org.uk LEARNING ON LONDON UNDERGROUND