Polestar Unite to Evolve
A partnership between Unite, Polestar/Varnicoat in Worcester and
Leeds Technical College has resulted in the enhancement of a
pre-existing Learning Centre and the development of a hub with a Wi
Fi internet facility on site.
Unite the Unions Regional Learning Organiser Ian Bayford
accessed the funding from Advantage West Midlands 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 Polestar Group Training Manage
Darrin Stevens and developed by Chris Stott from Leeds College with
the funding gained by Unite the Union through a successful bid to
AWM. This created a truly unique partnership that came together to
drive this iniative forward.
On the 27th May the official launch of the Learning Centre and
hub took place at the Polestar Varnicoat building. Labour MP Sian
Simon came along to support this venture and present certificates
to those members that had taken the opportunity to increase their
skills. He also stayed to witness the signing of the Polestar
Varnicoat Learning Agreement, which also included the Proskills SSC
Skills Pledge. Simon Jones (Polestar Group HRM) and Vernon Robson
(Unite National Officer) signed the Learning Agreement.
Mary Alys (Unionlearn) and Bernard Rutter (Unite) gave a short
speech each on the benefits of these learning opportunities and the
benefits of company and the employees working together.
Martin McNally the Unite ULR was presented with a certificate by
Sian Simon for completing his first stage of an Information Advice
and Guidance course, and several other employees were given
certificates for completing the Institute of Leadership Management
units through Leeds College of Technology.
As always with these events it is important to raise awareness
to what can be achieved, but equally important is an end result.
The opening of the Learning Centre and the signing of the Learning
Agreement will allow employees, with the support of ULR Martin
McNally to help people along their learning and skills pathway.
