Thanks to Dave Logan from the Isle of Wight POA Learning Centre for sharing this latest news with OnTheWight readers.
The POA Learning Centre was started by the Prison Union, but is now available to the community at large and a separate organisation from the Union. They are funded through Unionlearn which is part of the TUC. Ed
A union learning forum for the Isle of Wight was relaunched last week at the Bargeman’s Rest in Newport, and it’s proving popular with local unions and members already.
Dave Logan, the POA Learning Centre Manager at HMP Isle of Wight said,
“This forum had run successfully in the past, but had sadly disappeared when the previous organiser died.
“The attendance at this initial meeting was encouraging, with 18 people in attendance representing six different Unions, as well as the Isle of Wight Council, the Pan Together community group, a health trainer from the NHS, a local Labour councillor and personal trainer for confidence and basic skills issues.”
Unionlearn
Dave had been working with Adrian Ryan from Unionlearn and they decided that it might be a good idea to try and revive the forum, as it has been a valuable tool to ensure that Union-based adult education was promoted on the Isle of Wight.
Those attending heard about the role of the POA Learning Centre in the community, in the prison and within the Unionlearn organisation and the course available locally.
Adrian Ryan then spoke about the role of Unionlearn in the area and highlighted the apprenticeship levy and the work unions can do to support young people in the workplace through skills and learning.
Issues raised in open discussion
An open discussion followed and issues raised from the group included the need for union learning to made available to all and also promoted to all – something those involved are very keen to do – and the way that social media can be used to publicise the work that was being done on the Island.
Getting out on social media and local community
A Facebook page has been set up to do this and Mitch Pressnell from USDAW also pointed out that notice boards in the community and also the shop notice boards within the local shops and supermarkets could be used as a useful and free publicity tool to promote learning.
Learning festival
Adrian also flagged up the intention to arrange another learning festival for the Island for the February half term of 2016, probably in the Sandown/Shanklin area.
The forum is keen to engage with other groups on the Island and for more information or details please contact Dave Logan on 01983 532789
