MIND THE LEARNING GAP

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: july/august 2021 :: RMTnews 20 The Lowlands and Uplands Learning Project secured funding and developed a learning programme called Mind the Gap, Creating pathways for Professional Development in Rail Operations. The course equipped learners with the confidence, skills and familiarity of studying and learning in a university setting. As a result of this course they can enrol into one of the Higher Education streams of the Institute of Rail Operatives programme. The course will ensure that all students are supported in the development of the academic skills required for study at university preparing for University Study and Entry into the Railway Operations Management. This will introduce them to work-based students to a range of academic skills required to demystify university and to support them to become a successful graduate. In this pre-induction module the team, using an interactive teaching and learning style, will introduce learners to the fundamentals of developing a clear writing style for university as well as referencing and sourcing. There was online activities and a Community of Practice for students undertaking the learning. This allowed the students to engage in networking and peer support in the six weeks between the dedicated teaching days. In the six-week period learners undertook a small research task to develop their study and research skills using the academic library and other research functions. They were also asked to complete a small essay for a second block of learning. Each learner was provided with a dedicated tutor to support them with an estimated three hours of study per week. The RMT Lowlands and Uplands Project ran three courses called Mind the Gap. Through SUL Funding we had 58 workers participate with 36 workers mainly RMT members complete the course and gain a University Certificate. Out of the 36 who passed the Mind the Gap course 12 decided to take a further step into academic study and the rail workers enrolled on to the IRO (The Institution of Railway Operators) Certificate course. Through negotiating with the Glasgow Caledonia n University, we secured a unique course for 12 rail workers. This course cost £3,840 per student at the time (The course cost has now increased dramatically). The course continued through COVID-19 Lockdowns and RMT Lowlands and Uplands project organised Sunday evening Zoom session so as the group could have visual contact and give support and solidarity for each other. There were also continuous WhatsApp meetings organised by the group to support each other. The students came from various grades within Scotrail, NetworkRail, Caledonian Sleeper and LNER Quotes from tutors at Caledonian University: “I’m glad to write that all 12 students have completed the programme, and all were awarded the Certificate at the Assessment Board on Thursday 23rd June– one with merit and two with distinction! “As you can imagine It has not been easy for them as, due to covid, delivery had to go online, which was not what they had originally signed up for. So their tenacity should be commended. “We were particularly impressed with the work they produced for their Project module. Most of the class received marks 70+”. “Unfortunately, Graduation Ceremonies are not taking place at this time, but hopefully they will find a way to celebrate”. MIND THE LEARNING GAP