Union Learning

CWU Capital Branch

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Developing the Skills and Confidence of CWU Members Throughout the Communications Industry

The world at your fingertips

Union Learning Survey

Courses Currently Available

Information Technology

Basic
Intermediate
Advanced (European Computer
Driving Licence)
Web Design

Language Skills

English (Spelling and Grammar)
English for Speakers of Other
Languages (ESOL)
French (Beginners and
Intermediate)
Spanish (Beginners and
Intermediate)

Union Learning Centres
Now Open

Different Class
Edmonton Telephone Exchange

Moss Hayley Learning Project
Lewisham College

Herts Trade Union
Learning Centre
Watford Trade Union Hall

The U-Learn Centre
CWU HQ Wimbledon

Canary Wharf Learning Centre
Docklands

Clued Up
St Albans

Free IT Courses

All of our learning centres are running a range of Information Technology courses. From those who have never used a computer before to those who want to improve their existing IT skills - we have a range of courses to suit you.

Don’t let your kids have all the fun! Computers can be a useful tool, a good way of keeping in touch with your friends, a source of information and enable you to edit digital photos, burn your own CDs and DVDs. Once you’ve learnt how to use it the options are as unlimited as your imagination!

Although strictly speaking your manager does not have to let you take time off work to attend union learning, BT has committed to look favourably on allowing employees time to take up these opportunities. Some courses also run in the evening.

The courses that the union runs are all accredited, and offer you a nationally recognised certificate of achievement.

What Ever Happened to… Quality?

Those of us who've been around in BT for long enough, might just remember when the company's stated aim was to have a corporate identity synonymous with quality. Total Quality Management, Quality Improvement Plans and Quality Councils were all the rage in the late eighties and early nineties.

The business role model held up as a shining example to employees was that of Marks and Spencer. The quality approach of M&S was said to set them apart from their competitors, by not trying to compete on price, but by offering a superior quality product/service. BT, it was said, would emulate this approach in the communications industry, and for a time the company did try.

Of course, M&S has had troubles of its own recently, but I suspect that it was their abandonment of the quality strategy, rather than reverse which has led to poor financial performance.

It seems in BT these days that our role model on the high street is more like Kwik Save. Stack 'em high, sell 'em cheap. There is still some quality rhetoric about, but the reality is all about cost cutting and increasing volumes, rather than quality of work.

Unfortunately, training is the first thing to go with this type of strategy. But, we must take BT at its word when they commit to develop their workforce. In your 1 to 1's demand a development plan, with training forming a part. If your manager says that he's not got the budget, mention union learning. It's free to BT too.

Still No Decision on Baynard

Issue 1 of Gateway reported that BT had yet to agree to a central London Union Learning Centre in Baynard House. The lack of such a centre is a serious handicap to City West branch, as most members work in the central London area, and depending where you live, the outer London sites are not always convenient.

It has now got to the stage where BT’s commitment to union learning needs to be called into question, as this proposal has made no discernable progress for well over a year, despite our best efforts.

The idea is now being floated within the CWU, to give up on this joint strategy with the company, and seek to set up a centre in partnership with another trade union or perhaps the TUC.

Learn A New Language - Or Brush Up On Your English

Different Class at Edmonton, Moss Haley Learning Project at Lewisham and the U-Learn Centre at Wimbledon have already run a selection of French and Spanish courses and will be running more soon. All centres are also running English refresher courses for those who want to brush up on their English spelling and grammar. Check with your Union Learning Rep or contact your Branch Office to see what’s available.