Workplace Learning Advocates

Workbase and The Johnston Partnership have announced their workplace learning advocates scheme is set to extend its reach into non-unionised workplaces in English regions, following successful work in Lincolnshire, Rutland and the north-west.

Workplace learning advocates are employees who support and encourage formal and informal learning at work to ensure that get the most from training and development. New funding from the UK Department of Business, Skills and Innovation (BIS) allows local workplace learning advocate networks to be set up in regions with a particular focus on areas of urban regeneration, deprivation and low skills.

The scheme offers companies the opportunity to have a member of staff trained as a workforce learning advocate. Employers can also access small grants to set up informal learning groups as well as free taster courses for employees. The scheme will work closely with local business groups and local enterprise partnerships to promote and guide the initiative, ensuring delivery reflects needs in each area.

John Hayes MP, Minister for Business, Innovation and Skills said: “Workplace learning advocates play a vitally important role in helping people make full use of their knowledge and skills in the workplace and in encouraging employers to invest in developing the skills of their staff. Their vital work gets to the heart of local economies, driving the productivity ad growth that will help communities flourish.”

This exciting development is using the experiences of Unionlearn (the TUC’s learning and skills organisation) and community learning champions to help develop an offer that meets the needs of employers in non-unionised settings.

Learning advocates is already underway in the north-west. The first training took place in Wigan on 1^st December. Further training sessions are planned in 2012 in Merseyside and Cumbria. Liz Johnston from Learning Advocates said: “it’s really important to bring the initiative to areas which experience rural isolation and a decline in traditional industries. This initiative will encourage workplaces to access local and digital training which can help to support employee development and business growth.”