Home > Resources > Lifelong learning home page > Learning & Skills Case studies > Case Studies - 2009 > Port Vale LC Aug 09

On the 6^th August 2009 there was a successful learning centre launch at Port Vale football club.  From Unite was our Head of Lifelong Learning - Tom Beattie.  A presentation was also given by Arthur Emanuel - Unite regional Officer – at the new centre.

Present at the event, as well, were a number of other unions, learning providers and government bodies; along with representatives from the  Professional Footballers Association (PFA) and Port Vale football club in the shape of chairman Bill Blatt. Local MP Joan Walley and the General Secretary of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) Bill Hayes were also in attendance.

The new centre came about after a successful bid was put in to Advantage West Midlands through Unite West Midlands Region for funding to develop and refurbish a learning suite at the club. The purpose was to support the community and our members to develop and enhance their learning and skills.

None of this could have happened without the partnership work between many unions.  Dave Condliffe, a learning project worker from the CWU, came on board to lead this partnership approach. An enabling agreement and skills pledge was signed between Port Vale FC, CWU and Unite.

 

This initiative was set up by Joan Walley MP and led by Unites Arthur Emanuel. Without the tireless help and support he gave me this project may never have taken off. The importance of working with officers of the union, who see learning and skills as important, was underlined at every step of this project.

In the future we are looking to work with a range of partners to give people an opportunity to refresh their skills and gain relevant qualifications. They will be able to do this through the use of the new centre. It will be the first step for many on the ladder of learning and skills. Right in the middle of this will be the union Learning Reps (ULRs). They are the ones that people will be approaching to get started.

Currently in the region we also have partnership agreements with Haywood Engineering High School. We are looking put in a joint bid for funding a Project Manager and 2 Support workers in a similar model to that at Port Vale FC. We look forward to the benefits this will bring if we can get it in place.

 

 

Here’s to everyone playing ball and the future of learning at Port Vale FC

Ian Bayford – Unite Regional Learning Organiser.