Francisco de Borja Tirador Grasa is a driver for Wincanton, Magor and works on the Wilko Contract. By undertaking several courses through URTU Learning’s Welsh Government funded project, Francisco is in line for promotion to Transport Manager.
How did you get involved with URTU?
When I lived in Spain I was a member of a union over there, so when I moved to the UK I wanted to carry on being part of the union movement. The United Road Transport Union seemed the most practical step with being a driver.
why did you get involved?
I know the great work unions do because I was part of this in my home country. I knew it was the logical step to be part of it in the UK where I have now set up home with my family. I am married and we have been blessed with the arrival of a child 16 months ago.
When I worked in Spain, I was a manager and wanted to get back to that level of work in the UK. I have found, through the support and help I have received from the URTU Learning Project, that this goal is now within reach.
What personal workplace achievements are you most proud of?
English is not my first language but with the support from the URTU Learning project, I have completed two distance learning courses. The first was in the Principals of Business Administration and the second in ITQ, both of these were at level two (GCSE A-C Grade Equivalent). I am now undertaking a NEBOSH (National Examination Board of Safety and Health) National General Certificate. My employer has seen my willingness to learn and has also put me through training courses. With completion of this current course I am hoping to be promoted to Transport Manager.
Where do you turn for support and advice?
I have found the support and advice Kevin Ashby, the URTU Learning Project Worker, provided has been invaluable. Without the support from Kevin I would never have known about the courses available to myself and my work colleagues.
With Kevin’s support, I am now a step closer to reaching the same management level I was when I was back in Spain. It shows that through the support of the Union and the Union’s Education Project we can all reach our goals.
Would you recommend others to take a more active role in the Union?
I would recommend my colleagues to become members of the union, if they are not already, and to look at the courses available to them. I am going to promote the good work the Union’s Education Project does and hope that more of my colleagues get started on their own learning journey’s.