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Scottish Union Learning Everyday Skills Event 2011

The 3rd Annual Scottish Union Learning Everyday Skills Event was held on 24th February 2011. The theme of the event was “Everyday Skills for the Digital Age: There is a Better Way” and it was attended by 66 delegates from 12 different unions.

Scottish Union Learning holds an Everyday Skills Event each year to highlight issues in relation to Everyday Skills in the workplace and to update unions on current issues, policy and available resources. During this year’s event, delegates were addressed by Grahame Smith, STUC General Secretary, Dave Moxham, STUC Deputy General Secretary and Wendy Burton, Scottish Union Learning. The author Theresa Breslin also gave an extremely well received presentation on the importance of writing for readers of all levels, including those who may have dyslexia. Signed copies of Theresa’s books were available for delegates to purchase during the event.

Cathy Magee, CEO of Dyslexia Scotland, launched the Dyslexia Guide on behalf of the STUC Dyslexia Group during the event.

During the day, delegates attended four break-out sessions. During “Everyday Skills for the Digital Age,” facilitated by Ian Gillan and Brook Yu of On Track, delegates focussed on what is meant by the ‘Digital Age’ and explored social networking as well as the skills people need to use Facebook, Twitter and Skype. The session also explored what should people take into account if using these sites at work, and the value of negotiating social networking policies with employers.

“A Better Way for Everyday Skills” was facilitated by Helen Martin, STUC, and Audrey McAlindon, Adult Learning Solutions. This session linked Everyday Skills into the STUC’s ‘There is a Better Way’ campaign and demystifyed basic economics into literacy and numeracy.

Tommy Breslin, Scottish Union Learning Development Officer, delivered a session on the theme “Modern Apprenticeships and Everyday Skills.” This session focussed on the need for Everyday Skills provision among apprentices and looked at how they can be supported in their learning.

Craig Finnie, Workers’ Educational Association, and ULRs from the CWU facilitated a session on “Creative Writing”. This session showed delegates how creative writing can be a valuable way of developing literacy and IT skills in the workplace. It also showcased the work of the CWU ULRs, learners and short-story winners.

Rounding off the day, Neil Bell of PCS and Alan Gibson of UCATT both won MP3 players during the prize draw. Feedback from delegates was extremely positive.

For more information on the Scottish Union Learning Everyday Skills Event, contact:
Wendy Burton
Development Officer - Everyday Skills
Scottish Union Learning
333 Woodlands Road
Glasgow, G3 6NG
Tel: 0141 337 8121
Fax: 0141 337 8101
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