As a first step, they identified a group of workers who often miss out on training and development in so many workplaces. This was the night shift workers in the warehouse. With the expertise of the URTU ULF project, the partnership identified an NVQ in Warehousing and found a provider willing to deliver on site.
Kristy from HR realised that the ULRs on site would be the key to engaging and supporting learners who would be taking a big step. She and URTU were pleased and proud that 24 employees came forward and feedback from the course has been excellent. Kirsty says:
“Union Learning Reps are an important link between colleagues and management. Often colleagues are more likely to approach ULRs as they would be more open about their skills gaps. We have a good relationship with our ULRs at Site. We give them time off to attend training as it enables them to gain the relevant information and the latest updates in initiatives, which in turn gives them the skills, knowledge and credibility to be able to communicate the benefits of learning to their colleagues, encouraging them to participate. By supporting colleagues we have seen many benefits to the business, we have increased skills and are seeing improved performance and a willingness to take on new challenges. The development of our colleagues also helps to support our succession and talent plan strategies. I think that learning is integral to self-esteem and personal development; having improved confidence in their ability gives them the tools to develop in their existing roles and beyond.”
Jim has been particularly passionate about English, maths and digital literacy for those who urgently need to refresh these vital employability skills. XPO are so pleased with the results of the learning on site so far and the relationship they have developed with the provider Derwentside College that discussions have resulted in the college preparing to deliver on site Functional Skills courses in English, Maths and ICT from early next year. He says:
“I have always wanted to improve the lot of my colleagues at Stone, firstly as a Rep for the Night Shift, then as a Union Learning Rep and finally as U.R.T.U. Branch Secretary.
The threat of redundancy has galvanised the whole depot and my colleagues have taken up the chance to learn with both hands. NVQ courses are running at the moment with Functional Skills Courses, in reading, writing, maths and IT skills coming up in the New Year, which I expect to be heavily subscribed from the reaction I have received so far. Personally I will be trying my hand at improving my maths skills, which I have known for a long time are, at best, a bit ropey.
