Keith Springate became a Union Learning Rep (ULR) in 2017 to help to drive forward the learning agenda at Tesco Distribution Centre Goole in Yorkshires East Riding. Working with a team of other new ULRs, Keith has helped to successfully launch a programme of functional skills learning at the site around English and Maths.

Usdaw Project Worker Martyn Warwick said:

As a trainer on site Keith was already a passionate advocate for learning and training.”

He wanted to better help and support members in the workplace and to encourage them to gain recognised qualifications, so he became a ULR. There is no doubt that the two roles complement each other very well”.

The new ULR team opened their account with an English course that successfully engaged staff and demonstrated proof of concept to site management. They have now been able to open the offer further and successfully answer demand from staff by negotiating with the company to offer maths learning as well. In its first year over 60 learners have been engaged with many taking multiple classes, courses and qualifications

Martyn said:

There is no doubt that Keith’s work has helped site management recognise that good English and maths skills are crucial to the workplace, in terms of integration, health and safety and productivity.”

It’s no coincidence that the company has agreed to offer matched time release for the courses.”

Courses and numbers are co-ordinated by the joint Learning Committee. All the learners gain certificates and as they do the ULRs organise a celebration event to hand out certificates to the staff.

Martyn added:  

It highlights the initiative and promotes the courses at the same time.”