Retail union Usdaw has launched an in-store learning partnership with supermarket chain Sainsbury’s, offering training in areas such as IT, literacy and numeracy.
The union has teamed up with local colleges to run a series of Lifelong Learning workshops at Sainsbury’s stores in Newton Abbot, Paignton, Torquay, Plymouth, Bristol, Taunton and Exeter.
Informal learning roadshows in stores have proved the best way of reaching some workplaces as they offer employees a chance to sample learning opportunities at a time and place that suits them, Usdaw said.
Usdaw’s Lifelong Learning project worker, Christine Green, said: “We are delighted with the response we are getting from staff we have already spoken to. We are offering basic IT skills to help staff deal with computers in work and at home with their families.
“We are delighted Sainsbury’s has been so supportive of this scheme and it recognises the value of a well educated, motivated workforce in increasing staff retention and boosting productivity.”
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Usdaw members have elected learning reps to work closely with store management to make sure the learning roadshows reach the maximum number of staff.
Sainsbury’s senior duty manager, Mark Coker, said: “I am so pleased that my colleagues have taken advantage of this great opportunity to learn and develop themselves, and that this partnership has given them the chance to develop their self confidence.”
