Friday, 9 May 2008
For immediate release
NEW STRUCTURE FOR UNION LEARNING IN SCOTLAND
On Monday 12th May, a major development will be launched for trade union led learning initiatives in Scotland. The launch of a new structure for trade union led learning called “Scottish Union Learning” will take place at the Glasgow City Chambers.
The Scottish Government has allocated just under £4.25m to Scottish Union Learning and union-led learning initiatives for the next three years. Scottish Union Learning will bring together the work of the STUC Skills & Lifelong Learning Team and TUC Education in Scotland. It will administer the Scottish Union Learning Fund and mirrors the development of the TUC’s unionlearn in England.
Scottish Union Learning will be run by unions for unions. Scottish Union Learning will work in partnership with unions to drive forward union led learning in Scotland.
STUC General Secretary Grahame Smith said:
“Scottish Union Learning will give support to unions to help spread the lifelong learning message to union members. Its development is one of the most significant events of the modern trade union movement in Scotland.”
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning said:
“The Scottish Government’s key purpose is to drive forward sustained economic growth, creating opportunities for all to flourish within a more successful country. We are creating a smarter Scotland, through a cohesive lifelong skills system centred on the individual and responsive to employer needs. That’s why the launch of Scottish Union Learning is hugely exciting and marks an important landmark in the learning partnership between unions and government.”
ENDS
Photo Opportunity Leader of the Labour Party in the Scottish Parliament Wendy Alexander MSP will speak at 11:15 am.
Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning Fiona Hyslop MSP will speak at 12:30pm.
Members of the media wishing to attend the photo opportunity should return the attached form, either by fax or email.
Notes for editors
The launch of Scottish Union Learning will take place on 12th May 2008 at the Glasgow City Chambers from 11:00am – 1:00pm.
A new Scottish Union Learning Board has been appointed by the STUC General Council, which will govern the new structure by agreeing and monitoring its business, operational and financial plans. Anne Douglas (Prospect) has been appointed as the Chairperson of the new Scottish Union Learning Board.
Many local learning stories and case studies are available in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Lanarkshire and the Highlands and Islands; please get in touch to receive local details and contacts.
For further information please contact:
Jennifer Payne, Marketing Officer
STUC Skills & Lifelong Learning Team
Tel: 0141 337 8130
Mob: 07702 836 478