Just the ticket

Just the ticket 

Friday 27 March 2009

AIRDRIE and Shotts MSP Karen Whitfield has praised a unique collaboration between trade unions, a college and ScotRail which encourages rail staff to continually expand their skills.

She said the Rail Learning Centres not only underpin a commitment to lifelong learning but help employees in the industry – and their families – to access learning opportunities.

Karen, who is Convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Education, Lifelong Learning and Culture Committee, added: “I was particularly impressed by the ‘can do’ attitude of the unions, ScotRail and Stow College to ensure that employees are given every opportunity to help them in their every day lives - as well as at work.

“That’s really important, as is providing learning opportunities in the workplace where people can all learn together in a friendly atmosphere.”

Karen’s comments came after a fact-finding mission to the Rail Learning Centres at Stow College and the Yoker rail depot as well as ScotRail’s purpose-built training academy, all Glasgow.

The learning centres offer free classes ranging from computer skills to maths, English, foreign languages, cookery – and even sign language.

At the award-winning training academy, Karen set a challenge for ScotRail employee Margaret Doris, who was brushing up her booking office skills.

The MSP asked for a return ticket from “Shotts to Northampton for myself, two children - and a pensioner.” The trainee delivered in style.

Karen said: “I was very impressed by how accessible the learning and training opportunities were.
It was great to see the joint working between trade unions, a college and the train operator.”

Steve Montgomery, ScotRail’s acting managing director, said: “The learning centres support our drive to encourage staff to expand their knowledge and skills. They also have a positive impact on their future careers.”

Jim Baxter, project worker with the trade union ASLEF, added: “The centres are a great example of how workers benefit through lifelong learning initiatives. They break down the barriers to learning as well as bring new opportunities for workplace learning.” 

Media enquiries:
Iain Wilson, Head of Media Relations: 0141 335 4565/iain.wilson@firstgroup.com
Carla Rinaldi, Communications Assistant: 0141 335 4565 carla.rinaldi@firstgroup.com