Unite and Polestar sign learning agreement
A unique partnership between Unite, Polestar Varnicoat in Pershore and Leeds Technical College has resulted in the enhancement of a pre-existing Learning Centre and the development of a learning hub on site.
Unite gained funding from Advantage West Midlands (AWM) through Unionlearn to support the Evolve Project which gives employees an opportunity to increase their skills and gain valuable qualifications.
The Evolve Project was created by the Polestar Group and developed by Leeds College with the funding gained by Unite through a successful bid to AWM. This created a truly unique partnership that came together to drive this initiative forward.
The official launch of the Learning Centre and hub took place at Polestar Varnicoat, the gravure magazine printers, with Labour MP Sian Simon lending his support along with Unite National Officer, Vernon Robson and Unite Sector Skills Council Co-ordinator and Pro-skills Board Member, Bernard Rutter.
Unite National Officer, Vernon Robson, said: "It is important to raise awareness to what can be achieved through projects such as this. But equally important is an end result. The opening of the Learning Centre and the signing of the Learning Agreement will allow Unite members and employees, with the support of our Union Learner Reps, to help members along their learning and skills pathway.
"This is vitally important given that we believe that there will be a skills shortage when the country comes out of recession."
Unite’s Union Learning Rep at Varnicoat, Martin McNally, was presented with a certificate by Sian Simon MP for completing his first stage of an Information Advice and Guidance course, and several other Unite members were given certificates for completing the Institute of Leadership Management course through Leeds College of Technology.
The Learning Agreement was signed by Simon Jones of Polestar Group HRM and Unite’s Vernon Robson