Workplace Report January 2005

Learning and training news

GMB delivers learning centre for pizza workers

Partnership working between the GMB general union and a pizza company in Deeside has led to the creation of a new learning centre for the firm's workers.

The on-site facility received £48,000 from the Welsh Assembly's Wales Union Learning Fund - the first GMB-led project in north Wales to have benefited from this funding.

Opened earlier this month, the centre includes 12 computers, presentation equipment and other learning resources.

Taster courses have already started, focusing on basic literacy, numeracy and computer skills. Teaching and learning support will be provided by Deeside College.

"The new centre is the culmination of more than 15 months' partnership between us and the GMB, and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the training and development of all our colleagues," said Alison Shawcross of Greencore Pizza.

GMB regional secretary Paul McCarthy added: "We are committed to providing improved training and education opportunities for our members, and are keen to develop similar projects in partnership with other companies."