TSSA trade union to launch Union Learning programme at the Vertex contact centre in Dingwall on 19th and 20th May 2010.
Vertex, a leading international Customer Outsourcing business with clients in the private and public sectors, is supporting the TSSA in its aim to provide an opportunity for staff to gain new skills which will benefit them not just in their careers but also in their leisure-time activities.
Vertex and the TSSA have been working in partnership since 2003 and following agreement last autumn on a formal learning partnership, the TSSA was granted £45,000 by the Scottish government to fund Union Learning in Vertex’s contact centre in Dingwall. This programme was designed to complement Vertex’s own extensive job-skills training programme and commitment to the learning and development of all its employees.
The Union Learning initiative is being co-ordinated in the contact centre by the recently appointed TSSA Learning Organiser Craig Edward. Craig has organised representation from ILA Scotland and a range of education providers, including the Highlands & Islands University, Inverness College, Aberdeen University and the Workers Education Association, for the launch of Union Learning.
During the week, employees will be encouraged to explore the learning opportunities on offer, so that they can then make an informed decision on the courses they are most interested in. At the same time, Craig will be conducting a ‘learning survey’ tailored to meet individual learning needs, and will then liase with learning providers to launch courses both within the contact centre and also off-site.
The first courses will begin with ‘taster courses’, ranging from brushing up on letter-writing and numeracy skills to digital photography, foreign languages, salsa dancing and car maintenance.
“The launch is happening in Adult Learners Week and will be one of the many TSSA–employer ‘learning at work’ initiatives taking place across the UK,” explained Craig.
“We aim to cater for as many tastes as possible in learning, whether it be for career purposes or for leisure. I am delighted to see the TSSA and Vertex working together to develop workforce skills. It is a fantastic opportunity for all employees, including homeworkers, to participate in learning.”
Kathleen Lohse, Customer Service Manager at Vertex in Dingwall, said: “The Union Learning initiative is a fantastic opportunity for all of our employees to benefit from the union’s approach to life long learning. As an employer, we are pleased to have such a relationship with the TSSA that allows us to work together in partnership to deliver programmes of learning that meet the needs of all of our employees.”
“The initiative will also bring benefits to Vertex as a business as employees have the chance to gain accredited qualifications and will be able to bring that learning into their role.”
“I am also hopeful that after completing courses within their chosen areas of interest, employees will gain confidence and may look to further their careers within Vertex as a result”.
www.vertexgroup.com