NORTHERN RAIL TECHIES

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: september 2012 :: RMTnews 10 E ight RMT company council reps from Northern Rail have successfully completed an Information Technology Qualification (ITQ) computer course set up by RMT Learning. RMT Learning Development Worker (North) Graham Chesters put forward a business case to Northern Rail for the reps to receive some Information and Communications Technology (ICT) training to help them in their union role. Northern Rail agreed to release the reps from work to attend the learning programme. The five day course took place on Wednesdays over five weeks at Northern Rail’s Training Academy in Bolton and the reps were able to complete modules towards a Level 2 ITQ qualification. The learning programme was delivered by Alison Aldred, a tutor from Manchester College which also provided laptops. The reps found the course enjoyable and were able to improve a range of computer skills including organising files, using Word and Excel software, sending e-mails and attachments and researching on the internet. All reps agreed that their new found skills will be a great help to them at home and at work and that the course helped improve their confidence using computers. Paul Goodier said the course had helped him improve his ICT skills and the knowledge gained will be “invaluable, at work, with union duties and at home”. Penny Calcutt felt the course has helped her realise ‘how much more I can do on a computer to make life easier’. One of the reps also used his new knowledge of Excel to make improvements to the ‘Conductor Links’ at work. If you would like more information about ICT training courses, please contact your local ULR or the RMT Learning Team: on 020 7529 8820/l.rutland@rmt.org.uk ad NORTHERN RAIL TECHIES TECHIES: The eight RMT Conductors’ Company Council Reps with Manchester College course tutor, Alison Aldred.