Workplace Report January 2005

Learning and training news

Health trusts learn about learning from Amicus

Skilled and professional union Amicus has taken its campaign to promote workplace learning into the health sector.

Earlier this month, the union held an event in Sunderland for managers of NHS trusts in the North East of England. Designed to raise learning reps' profile in the NHS, it explored the challenges and benefits of setting up a network of reps to create an environment workplace learning.

The event attracted 50 participants, representing most of the trusts in the region. They learned how engaging in the learning agenda could help them deliver initiatives such as Agenda for Change and the NHS Improvement Plan.

"One in three UK adults have not taken part in any formal training since leaving school. As well as damaging UK competitiveness and productivity levels, this directly impacts on individuals' personal development," explained Martin Wright, Amicus learning rep and the organiser of the event. "Education is the key to realising people's potential and changing lives."