Workplace learning returns to Southampton

Postal, Education September 17 2018

On-site courses in ICT, Maths and English are now available to Royal Mail workers within the the Wessex South Central Branch area, now that their new learning centre is up and running.

As he performed the official ribbon-cutting ceremony at the classroom in Southampton Mail Centre today, deputy general secretary postal Terry Pullinger praised Wessex South Central Branch learning reps Barry Adams and Phillip George for their determined efforts to re-establish union learning on the site.

“I’m really honoured to come here and do this and it’s a massive day for Barry and Phillip and many thanks for all you do,” said Terry, adding: “Education is about creating open minds and everyone should have an equal opportunity – that’s what this centre provides to everyone.”

Referring to the new Four Pillars national agreement, Terry made the point that the joint commitment to improve workplace culture would be helped by facilities such as this one.

Barry explained how there had been a learning centre in the past, but that it had fallen into disuse and had been used for storage, but that at a branch meeting earlier this year, a decision was taken to push for the re-establishment of the unit.

A new agreement was reached with management for the full restoration of the centre and, with the support of the branch, the CWU education department, and a lot of hard work an persistence from volunteers, it has now been re-opened.

Around 450 people work in the mail centre, but the branch as a whole serves nearly 2,000 members and all of them are now able to access the learning opportunities provided.

The maths, English and ICT courses are fully certified, while VRQ (vocationally recognised qualifications) course are available in mental health awareness, counselling skills, team leading, common health conditions, understanding learning difficulties and retail operations.

“We’re hoping to be able to offer foreign language learning in the near future as well,” says Phillip George, who adds that Spanish is a popular choice.

And distance learning is also an option, with over 30 people having signed up for one of these type of courses during a recent learning open day.

Barry thanked the branch, the education department, the regional education committee and Terry for performing the opening.

“I’m really looking forward now to getting this really up and running,” he said.

Lee Wakeman, from the CWU education & training department, praised the branch for its collective efforts.

“This is just a room, but it’s the people in this room who have made and are going to make a big positive difference.”

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