This month’ news in brief
Learning reps clash?
Government proposals on union learning representatives are not detailed
enough and will cause confusion, according to the Employers Forum on Statute
and Practice. The proposals on workplace learning initiatives, which are due to
be brought in this year under the Employment Act, could lead to clashes with
employers’ training departments, warned chief executive of the ESP Robbie
Gilbert in an interview with Personnel Today magazine.
Motor trainers expand
The training arm of the Retail Motor Industry Federation, ReMIT, is
expanding its offering. Chairman Mike Allmond has announced the opening of
ReMIT’s first wholly-owned training centre in Croydon, the creation of a new
position of quality director and a distance-learning package. www.rmif.co.uk
Schemes endorsed
Employers and Local Education Authorities (LEAs) have been praised for
working together to identify and meet the learning needs of their communities.
The Adult Learning Inspectorate noted that community schemes encourage new
learners, who, in turn, find their sense of wellbeing improved. www.ali.gov.uk/inspection/reports
Learning at work day
Training should once again get the national thumbs up as preparations for
this year’s Learning at Work Day are underway. The 15 May has been earmarked
for this year’s event and organiser Campaign for Learning is hoping to build on
the 4,000 organisations and 750,000 people who were involved last year.
www.campaign-for-learning.org.uk
Can’t get a plumber
Skilled labour in the construction trade is in even shorter supply than
ever, according to evidence from chartered surveyors body the RICS. More than
half of those questioned for the RICS Construction Market Survey reported a
sharp rise in construction skills shortages in the fourth quarter. www.ricsfirms.com
Scheme wins award
Pera Integrated Training has won a National Training Award for a programme
delivered for flat glass manufacturer, Solaglas. The programme was based around
Pera’s output-driven approach, which identifies what people need to learn and
which areas of training best suit that need. www.pera.com
