Kellogg and First Milk strengthen training

Kellogg and the First Milk Cheese Company have opened learning centres for Usdaw union members at their Wrexham plants and both firms have signed lifelong learning agreements with the union.

The learning centres will address communication, training, learning and development needs of individuals as identified through training and learning needs analysis conducted by union learning representatives (ULRs) and the companies.

Usdaw general secretary John Hannett opened the Kellogg centre and signed agreements allowing ULRs to work with the two manufacturers. “We are delighted to have signed these new agreements to bring life long learning to members at Kellogg and First Milk,” he said.

“Our members are always keen to take up the opportunity to access courses that will change their lives, including maths, English and vocational subjects. In 2007 over 600 members signed up for life long learning courses.”

Employees accessing basic skills, IT and English for Speakers of other Languages courses at the learning centre will be given paid time off to attend where possible or part payment in lieu of full attendance on completion of the course. Basic Skills Learndirect courses will be undertaken in the learner’s own time but paid time off will be given for enrolment.

“Our members want the chance to learn more, boost their self-confidence and, often, progress on to better careers,” said Hannett. “It’s also good for the employers, because all our evidence shows an educated workforce is a thriving workforce with less staff turnover and less absenteeism.”