Usdaw Checkout Learning - 'super-store' of learning
After 3 successful years as one of the northern region's flagship Learningfor All Fund projects, Checkout Learning South has flown the nest, but iscontinuing all of the good work - and more - it has done previously, thanks to Usdaw's Union Learning Fund (ULF) project. Having engaged with over 300 learners already it is a well established project and a feather in both Usdaw and Tesco's respective caps.
Jayne Chapman, dedicated lead union learning rep (ULR) for the last few years, is continuing in her busy post which involves around 1500 workers, on a 3 day secondment every week; covering all 14 of the Tesco stores in the south of the region, which includes; Bishop Auckland, Newton Aycliffe, South Shields and Gateshead.
Not content with that, the Checkout Learning project is also working to expand its remit and identify someone like Jayne, a mobile and experienced ULR, who can use 2 days secondment to the project to offer colleagues a little further north (Tyneside and North Tyneside) the same learning opportunities as their counterparts in the south.
At the moment, the majority of courses for learners are based around maths and English, IT and Spanish, with more unusual courses like British Sign Language running alongside where there is demand. The incentivised maths and English are always a popular choice and a double-bonus for learners as through the provider, they not only gain a Level 1 or 2 qualification, but are also rewarded for their achievements with high-street vouchers. However, the most popular course of all demonstrates the learner-led nature of union learning yet is also probably the most work-related - 'Healthy Feet' - as most of the retail-based staff wear safety shoes and/or spend significant time throughout their working day standing or walking.
The Healthy Feet sessions are the result of a taster session piloted during Adult Learners Week last year and was so well received it has become a regular date throughout the stores - with a full waiting list - and currently there are 150 people signed up!
The service is provided by a local mobile chiropodist who not only treats the feet but also gives out advice and information, teaching staff about how to take care of their feet: what creams to use and how often they should be applied, how to treat corns, verrucas, hard skin or in-growing toenails.
Jayne Chapman, lead ULR for the project said: 'I think projects like ours are a real positive for members and colleagues as many people come to work and often forget about themselves. Checkout Learning gives people the chance to come out of their comfort zone and explore something different and gives them the opportunity to learn for themselves. I make sure that people know they're never too old to learn and think the project and ULRs bring people together, not only as learners, but as a community too. I am very grateful to be able to continue doing something that I love and that I feel makes such a difference.'
Martyn Warwick, Usdaw Project Worker who supports Check out Learning in the region said: 'The project was doing so well through the Learning for All Fund that Usdaw felt it very important to keep it going as that funding stream ended, especially as it ticks all of the boxes of our national learning priorities, too. The work Jayne and the other ULRs have done is fantastic and continues to be - their sustainability is extremely valuable for, and valued by, the learners, union and employer.'
