RMT LEARNING

RMT helpline 0800 3763706 :: july/august 2010 :: RMTnews 30 Adult Learners' Week is the UK's largest and longest running learning campaign which encourages thousands of adults, whatever their age and back- ground, to give learning a go. From learning Pilates to gaining a PhD, Adult Learners' Week celebrates learning and learners in all their diversity, inspiring thousands of people each year to try something new. The campaign promotes the benefits of all kinds of learning, whether it is for fun or leading to a qualification. For Union Learning Reps (ULRs) it is chance to get members trying something new and getting them involved. RMT Learning supported ULRs across the country to put in bids for funding to put on events and tasters throughout the week. Events included Network Rail running a series of events in Retford and Barnetby with great success. ULR Lee Moore said that local colleges and Open University were on hand to speak to learners about Literacy, Maths and IT qualifications. “I was pleased to have three managers visit and help out and the event has helped build rapport with managers and colleagues and I look forward to building on my event next year,” Lee Moore said. Network Rail lead ULR Tony Hutton orgnaised motor cycle safety talks from the police, car maintenance tasters, engineering course information, an ITQ taster, Wii and interactive learning games, language tasters, Makaton (sign language) tasters and Grimsby Institute not only promoted cooking courses but show how to make fresh nutritious food. Members came in looking for a variety of information on a variety of courses varying from Spanish to sound engineering. The ULRs from across Merseytravel, including from Mersey Rail, as well as an RMT ULR from Northern Rail, hosted a learning event at St Georges Hall, opposite Lime Street Station. This was a major event organised in partnership with Merseylearn and the Merseytravel PTE. Local education providers were there to provide information and guidance to adults about learning and courses available locally. ULRs, Trish Morgan and Geoff Hutchinson, from East Coast Trains and Mohammed Ilyas from Northern Rail held a joint event for rail workers based at Leeds station. Tasters were offered in sign language. The ULRs set up laptops so that learners could have a go at testing their skills at literacy and numeracy with prize draws taking place. Penny Calcutt, Northern Rail ULR, and Sheffield College ADULT LEARNER’S WEEK 2010 RMT Learning Project Manager Teresa Williams looks at how Union Learning Reps get members interested in ever more different types of learning