Hello, I'm Keith Williams newly appointed CWU Learning Rep (ULR) for the North East Anglia branch, I work in Anzani House in Felixstowe.

The Reason for CWU Learning Representatives 

The Moser report - Improving Literacy And Numeracy: A Fresh Start, made clear that over seven million people have difficulties with either literacy or numeracy. Currently, 250,000 are in study programmes. The Labour Government's task is to double this figure by 2002. At the time of writing only 0.2% of learners improving their basic skills are learning through work.

Trade Unions have always been committed to training and up-skilling the workforce. New Government strategies have ensured that unions play a leading role in opening up and promoting learning opportunities for members and their families. The CWU has already obtained funding for Learning Centres based all around the country. Branches have indicated their intention to become involved with workplace based learning centres. CWU bids for funding are co-ordinated by the Union's Head of Education & Training, Trish Lavelle.

 The nearest established Learning Centre to the North East Anglia branch is the Genesis Centre at Milton Keynes.

The second and perhaps most important strand of the Government/TUC policy is the creation of Union Learning Reps. Making sure that our members who, for whatever reason missed out previously, have the chance to make a fresh start is a priority for the CWU.

Trade Union Learning Reps can play a key role in bringing learning to the workplace. CWU members trust our reps and will be prepared to confide in them. Learning Reps will deal sensitively with individuals who are embarrassed about wanting to improve their basic skills. Only the unions can work effectively with employers and education providers on the Basic Skills Agenda.

What is Basic Skills?

In short Basic Skills is the ability to read, write and speak in English and use mathematics at a level necessary to function and progress at work and in society. The union has found that combining 'basic skills' learning with computer applications is the best methodology. Learners can also be offered more advanced computing skills, life skills and communication skills through the learning centres.

Personal Background Information

I volunteered to become a ULR, because I am a firm believer in Life Long Learning, when we leave school most people think that this is the end of our education in fact as we start work it is only the beginning of our life long learning program as you can see below I am committed to ongoing Education. Since joining BT in 1987 I have undertaken and completed a GSE English course at night school , 3 NVQ's, 1 in customer service and 1 in Planning and Providing a Telecomms Service (both at level 3) and third was to qualify as an NVQ Assessor. As part of my continual learning program, in August 2003, I passed an on-line course in (Supporting Employee Development Through Mentoring). This was done via the Suffolk Collage Televersity WebCT Virtual Learning Environment.

I am currently assessing two Modern Apprentices (MA's) one based in Felixstowe Planning at one in Norwich Planning.

Contact details

Telephone Contact Details....Work Office 01394 693253 or CWU Office: 01473 830999 or E-Mail: unionlearning@cwunea.org

Please feel free to contact me on the above, for more information, support and to arrange a one to one interview if required or fill in the CWU-Adult Learning Preference Questionnaire which can be access by clicking on the button below.