New skills opportunities as chancellor opens union learning centre

Introducing the Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP, Barney McGill, regional manager of unionlearn, said “We are delighted to welcome the Chancellor to the region today, it is clear by his presence that we are going from strength to strength.” The opening of the unionlearn centre is the result of years of effort and dedication from unionlearn and the Northern TUC, in partnership with Newcastle College. Speaking at the opening, Chancellor Gordon Brown said: “Nothing is more important for our country's future than the liberation of the potential of all our people. And nowhere has the trade union movement worked harder over may decades to ensure the best opportunities for working men and women. “The history of the trade union movement in Newcastle and the North is one of rich service to the community. That is why I am delighted to be in Newcastle to celebrate the opening.” The unionlearn Trade Union Education Centre moved to the new premises in order to accommodate the growing demand for new skills in the region. In the last twelve months, over 2,500 trade union members have benefited from a large range of innovative tailor-made Skills for Life courses as well as employment law and health & safety programmes for union representatives. It has recently been given the Matrix Excellence Award for the high standard of advice and guidance given by its staff to learners. Also attending the opening, Liz Smith, director of unionlearn, said “When I look round this fabulous Newcastle College facility I'm reminded of the old adage 'nothing too good for the workers'. Newcastle College is unique in this country as a unionlearn centre delivering Trade Union education, union learning, including learndirect, and supporting union learning representatives. It is also the base for the TUC's Organising Academy, offering facilities to members, reps, officers and activists - not just in this centre but in workplaces across the region.”