RMT LEARNING BURSARY

RMT helpline 0800 3763706 :: may 2009 :: RMTnews 25 T he RMT Learning Bursary was set up just under a year ago in response to the fact that the cost of courses can be a major barrier to learning. Since its foundation the bursary has made a huge difference to the members who have received it. Applications have come from all sorts of members wanting to learn a variety of subjects from beginner’s level all the way up to university level. One of the key aims of the bursary is to help people to improve their English and maths. This is because without these subjects it can be difficult to take up other forms of learning. Although English and maths courses up to level 2 are free the bursary can help with some of the associated costs if needed. For some though, the next step of a GCSE is where help is needed – Bill Martin, branch secretary and conductor on SouthEastern Railways, said: “After taking numeracy and literacy courses up to level 2, which are free, I wanted to get myself a proper GCSE – however, GCSE’s aren’t cheap and I’m so glad I was able to get some help from the RMT Learning Bursary”. Bill has since passed his English GCSE, grade A, no less, and is now looking for a GCSE maths course. Due to government cutbacks in funding, ESOL (English for Speakers of other Languages) can now be quite expensive. Having English as your second language can make it difficult for you to get on at work and make friends. Improving listening, speaking and reading skills in English can make all the difference. Sebastian Sciog, a bus driver for Stagecoach, said: “My ULR, Gary Lord, has been a great help and I feel so much more confident now that my English is improving”. A number of members are now undertaking Open University courses thanks to the RMT Learning Bursary. The subjects being studied vary from psychology to mathematics, and from business studies to law. Other applications include those for languages: Spanish is popular and one person is taking British Sign Language. If you would like to learn something, but the cost is putting you off, talk to your local Union Learning Rep (ULR). Your local ULR can help you find the help you need for the right course and get any discounts due. They can also help you put in an application to the bursary fund. For more information call Andrew Brattle, RMT Learning Administrator, 020 7529 8820. The stunning Cheltenham Chase Hotel, ideally situated between Regency Cheltenham and Gloucester, provides the perfect location for exploring the Cotswolds and now you can save 25% on an indulgent break there with our special offer. You and a partner will pay just £40.00* per person per night for a contemporary double room, full English breakfast and a complimentary three-course dinner on the first evening, plus use of the hotel’s state-of-the-art leisure and spa facilities, with a 10% discount for pre-booked spa treatments. The 4-star Cheltenham Chase Hotel, part of the prestigious QHotels collection, awarded AA Hotel Group of the Year 2008-2009, is set in 15 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens against the backdrop of the rolling Cotswolds hills, yet within easy reach of the M5. Guests enjoy complimentary use of some of the finest health and leisure facilities in the area, including a 13-metre pool, beauty treatment and rest and relaxation areas, sauna, steam room, solarium, techno gymnasium and dance/aerobics studio. You can look forward to dining in Hardy's Restaurant, where fine cuisine, complemented by an extensive wine list, is served in an idyllic light and contemporary setting – perfect for an intimate dinner with a loved one or a get-together with friends. For more details or to book, call 0845-074-0050, quoting RMT News. For further details about the Cheltenham Chase Hotel and the remaining properties in the QHotels collection visit: www.QHotels.co.uk *Offer (based on two adults sharing a twin/double room for a minimum two-night stay) valid until 6th September 2009, and subject to the availability of allocated rooms. A single supplement of £25.00 per room per night applies. ENJOY A LUXURY BREAK IN THE COTSWOLDS RMT LEARNING BURSARY Giving practical support for learners Bill Martin, RMT Learning bursary recipient