Everyday Skills Event: Developing the Workforce

The eighth Scottish Union Learning Everyday Skills Event for Union Learning Reps took place on 25 February at the prestigious City Chambers venue in Edinburgh. This Event is an opportunity to explore current Everyday Skills initiatives in workplace learning and skills development, and to demonstrate and celebrate the valuable work that trade unions, particularly Union Learning Reps, do to promote and support learning in the workplace.

Around 50 delegates from trade unions and workplaces across Scotland came together to explore the theme: ‘Everyday Skills: Developing the Workforce’. This Event, sponsored by Skills Development Scotland, was addressed by Grahame Smith, STUC General Secretary, Fiona Craig, Training Advisor, Zero Waste Scotland, and Wendy Burton, Director, Scottish Union Learning. Exhibitors included Skills Development Scotland, Scottish Book Trust and Dyslexia Scotland.

Delegates learned about the ‘Circular Economy’, and the beneficial impacts that resource re-use, re-manufacturing and recycling can have on the environment and in the workplace. There were also interactive breakout sessions using tools that support workers in the waste management industry, developments in Everyday Skills and digital skills using resources that support numeracy, and digital applications for people with sensory loss.

Developments in Everyday Skills, particularly environmental and digital skills, are bringing great challenges to the workplace, and highlight the need to ensure that people are suitably equipped with the skills required for new jobs being created, and existing jobs that will change.

For further information, contact Catherine Garvie, Development Officer, Scottish Union Learning: cgarvie@stuc.org.uk