RMT ULR WINS SCOTTISH UNION LEARNING AWARD

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: may 2013 :: RMTnews 28 R MT ULR and Lincolnshire Roadcar Branch Sec Dave Grant continues his own learning journey by passing his preparing to teach in the lifelong sector (PTLS) exam. Dave has been an active ULR for over six years is leading by example by continuing his own professional development to help support his members at Lincoln bus station. After successfully completing his Skills for Life level 2 qualifications in literacy and numeracy he decided that the journey should not end there so enrolled with local training provider Skillslinc to undertake the PTLS programme. This course gives Dave valuable skills to help him in his role as an RMT ULR and to help support members back into vocational education. Dave said that it was hard work though enjoyable and the result was really worth it. Dave is endeavouring to provide quality learning programmes including computer courses, literacy and numeracy and hopes to link in with local rail workers at Lincoln station. RMT Learning has worked with Stagecoach ULRs over the years to help support bus driving members achieve their potential to help support the sustainability to the ever changing demands to their job roles. Dave would like to thank RMT Learning and Skillslinc, particularly tutor Sue Smith tutor, for the support he received in helping him achieve this professional qualification. R MT Union Learning Rep (ULR) Paul Shaw has won a Union Learning award by Scottish Union Learning for his achievements as a learner at an awards dinner in Inverness to celebrate ten years of trade union-led lifelong learning in the Highlands and Islands. Glasgow Shipping branch member Paul Shaw was keen to progress from his role as a catering rating in the retail department on board CalMac ferries. Paul attended the 2009 STUC Highlands and Islands ULR conference where he discussed his options with University of the Highlands and Islands staff. This led to a two-year post graduate distance learning course in leadership and management. Throughout the course Paul worked two weeks on-two weeks off, mainly on the ships serving Arran and Islay. Paul’s studies were supported by an RMT Learning bursary, which provided up to £250 annually towards the cost of his course. On completion of the course, Paul successfully applied for promotion to a management position in the retail operations department with CalMac, and is now the assistant to the onboard services manager on one of the newest and largest ships in the CalMac fleet. Paul is in no doubt that without the opportunity and support given to him by trade union lifelong learning and the funding from the RMT bursary he would never have had the opportunity to progress to the position he is in now. Caledonian MacBrayne also received an award in the employer category for its commitment to trade union led lifelong learning in the Highlands and Islands and supporting the RMT-led project. Both awards were nominated by RMT Learning Project Worker Dan Henderson who said that Paul’s award was an excellent achievement and proved that with hard work and determination members can progress with their careers with the help of the learning opportunities the project gives them. “This is also a great example of how RMT members can utilise the RMT bursary to help them to finance their lifelong learning,” he said. LINCOLNSHIRE LEARNING RMT ULR WINS SCOTTISH UNION LEARNING AWARD