LEARNING AT NETWORK RAIL

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: may/june 2012 :: RMTnews 26 O ver 50 RMT members have been attending adult numeracy or literacy courses as part of a pilot scheme running with Network Rail. The scheme has been running for three months and was organised across three locations: Doncaster, Liverpool and Bristol. After putting in the work required the participants on the courses are now reaping the rewards having gained a Level 2 qualification in their chosen subject. A Level two qualification is equivalent to GCSE A*-C and for a lot of members this has meant returning to the classroom for the first time since school, and gaining the qualifications they missed out on. Bristol signaller Harvey Brant said: “It’s a long time since I’ve been in a classroom and I was very nervous about going back in there, but it is a much different atmosphere to my previous experiences of classrooms and throughout the course I have grown in confidence. I’ll definitely be recommending it.” Each member followed a learning plan tailor-made for them. They were put forward for the Level Two exam when their tutor felt they had succeeded in building on their existing skills in reading, writing or maths and were ready for the test. Bristol union learning rep Gary Abbott said that he was proud of every one of the members that has completed the courses here in Bristol. “It has been a huge achievement for each one of them and I am already seeing how it has affected their confidence for the better,” he said. The most important element of the pilot scheme is that it was union-led. The local ULRs in each area played a key role in promoting the courses and encouraging members to take part. ULRs are able confidentially to broach the sometimes sensitive issue of literacy and numeracy with their peers and promote the benefits in a way that management can’t, or are not inclined to. RMT Education Officer Andy Gilchrist said that ULRs were able to talk to people in confidence without it going any further. Another successful student Peter Rygol said: “We are all part of the union, we trust our union. “If a manager asked you to go on a course you’d do it anyway but you’ve got a lot more faith in it being organised by the union,” he said. As part of the pilot scheme, those who completed courses have been paid by Network Rail for the time they committed to gaining their qualification. Although this was undoubtedly an initial incentive to anyone signing up, for many this was quickly exceeded by the benefits of up skilling in English or maths. Adam Potts from Liverpool said: “The initial £500 payment was a great incentive but after doing the course myself I feel that the benefits and lifelong skills that I’ve learnt far outweigh the initial monetary incentive”. One key benefit for these members is they have now gained a qualification that is based on national standards so everyone can see what they have achieved and are capable of. The success of the pilot scheme has proved that there is demand for literacy and numeracy training among Network Rail employees and that they are willing to put in the work to achieve a qualification. RMT senior assistant general secretary Mick Cash said that these were only the first 50 or so members to benefit from gaining a qualification. “This has been a boost to their confidence and helped towards fulfilling their potential. “We will now look to Network Rail to roll out this highly successful scheme across the country so that any member wanting to improve their skills will be able to do so,” he said. Anyone can take a Skills for Life qualification if they are over 16, have left compulsory full-time education and do not have an up-to-date Level 2 English or maths qualification (such as a GCSE). Other learning initiatives are taking place within companies across the country and RMT union learning reps are able to give more information on what running in your workplace or area. Only people you choose to tell will know that you have discussed or taken up training. To find out who your local ULR is please contact Lindsay Rutland at RMT Learning on 020 7529 8820 or email l.rutland@rmt.org.uk LEARNING AT NETWORK RAIL In a conversation with ULR At an open day in the workplace Other colleagues Manager Posters or leaflets HOW DID THE MEMBERS FIND OUT ABOUT THE COURSE?