BUS WORKERS LEARNING CENTRE

24 RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: february 2012 :: RMTnews RMT Learning has opened a new learning centre at the Mansfield bus maintenance depot with a fully functional IT suite registered as a UK-Online centre with provision for classroom- based learning sessions and all members of staff can access formal and informal learning opportunities. Bus Driver and RMT lead Union Learning Representative (ULR) Sarah Gill worked tirelessly with her members and management to achieve this remarkable feat. A disused stores room at the depot was identified as a potential facility and the process of getting a learning agreement in place began. Detailing the commitment from RMT Learning to support the centre at progressive steering group meetings with senior management, she also identified and negotiated with preferred education provider, West Nott’s College, to provide support. The working partnership of RMT and Stagecoach Eastmidlands has shown that by forward thinking from both parties this impressive facility has become a reality. Abi Smith of West Notts Vision said that getting that centre up and running has been a fantastic achievement. “We are looking forward to working in partnership with Stagecoach/RMT to support their members with their learning and development needs. The opening was well attended by Stagecoach Eastmidlands employees, as well as Managing Director Gary Nolan, and representatives from RMT, Unionlearn and the team from West Nott’s Vision. All attendees sat a Skills for Life quiz to highlight that learning is for all and to raise the profile of literacy and numeracy skills. Studies have shown that a company employing over 1,000 staff can lose up to £500,000 per year in lost productivity due to basic skills errors. Stagecoach East Midlands managing director Gary Nolan said that it was a valuable project for both employees and for the company. “Not only will it give our staff the opportunity to enhance their basic skills to a nationally recognised level, it will also allow them to develop skills in different areas should they wish to. “The first time I saw Union Learning in action, I was pleasantly surprised by the interest shown and this is why I had no reservations in supporting this initiative. “We are pleased to be working together with RMT towards the development of this centre and look forward to it being used to its full potential,” he said. More than 10 per cent of staff have already accessed the centre, demonstrating the enthusiasm of members for learning, with some already thinking about Open University courses, accessible on-line at the centre. With support from Sarah and RMT Learning, these aspirations can be achieved. Sarah Gill said that working to get the centre up and running had been a long process but it showed what can be achieved. “I am looking forward to all the different courses we are looking to set up in New Year, everything from languages, literacy and numeracy classes, digital photography and anything else our members have an interest in,” she said. BUS WORKERS’ LEARNING CENTRE After a lot of hard work a new learning centre opens in Mansfield in conjunction with Stagecoach East Midlands