Derby Driver Is Awarded Learner of the Year

On the 23rd March 2011 at ASLEF’s (Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers & Firemen) Union Learning Representatives Development Seminar,  General Secretary Keith Norman presented the first ever ASLEF Learner Award.

The award was presented to East Midlands Trains driver Colin Berry, in recognition of the dedication and commitment he has shown towards his own education and development.

Colin has worked on the railway for 29 years, joining ASLEF as a member of the Derby branch in 1986 and becoming a registered driver in 1989.

Colin had not taken part in any level of education since leaving school in 1981, but after speaking to his ULR Chris Nutty, enrolled on a 12 hour German taster course in 2005. 

After completing this, he decided to continue his German studies and went on to complete a one year Entry level course delivered by Stephenson College.

As the final few weeks of the course approached, Colin then found out about a Level 3 Communications course which had also been organised by his ULR and decided to enrol. The tutor was quick to spot Colin’s potential and suggested that he should consider an Open University course.

It was during this particular course that Colin started to think about weaknesses in his numeracy skills, so once again spoke to Chris to find out how he could go about making some improvements... 

Following an assessment, Colin was enrolled on a Level 1 numeracy course which he passed with flying colours and then went on to achieve his Level 2.

Over the past 4 years, Colin has funded his own learning and is currently working towards an open degree with the Open University

On receiving the award Colin said “It feels strange that I am receiving this award. This should go to my ULR, Chris Nutty, who has been so supportive and to ASLEF as a union for being so dedicated to the learning agenda and making learning enjoyable as well as accessible to rail workers.”
“Without their support, I would never have dreamt of going back into education”.