A good grasp of English and IT with USDAW and the WEA

In October last year the WEA was approached by a Lifelong Learning Project worker from Shop, Distributive and Allied workers union USDAW with a challenge to deliver English courses (ESOL) to East European migrant workers in Doncaster, who form a large part of the workforce at a re-cycling plant run by multi-national logistics company Christian Salvesen.

After a preliminary visit and strong support from the Site Manager the WEA put on hard hats and got stuck in. Time was spent on site to build up a picture of the working environment and the language skills which were important for the workforce, including signage and health and safety documentation.

Satisfied learners show off their certificates with WEA tutor Barbara Jacques.

The first course launched in December 2004, and ran through to the following summer.

Following the success of this course, the WEA is currently delivering a second ESOL course to new workers and now also delivers IT courses on site. A lively Learning Committee has been established; it meets termly to discuss and review courses - allowing learner representatives and the employer to have a say in the planning of provision.

Further information on the work of the WEA in Yorkshire and Humber can be obtained from:

Workers' Educational Association
Yorkshire and Humber Region
6 Woodhouse Square
Leeds
LS3 1AD
Tel: 0113 245 3304
Fax: 0113 245 0883
Email: yorkshumber@wea.org.uk