Union careers service gets quality standard

A careers counselling service run by telecoms professionals union Connect was awarded the a quality standard for advice, information and guidance last month.

The careers counselling service was launched last year with help from the Union Learning Fund.

The aim of the programme is to help union members manage their careers at a time when the industry they work in is constantly changing, demanding new skills and offering new ways of working.

Deputy general secretary Leslie Manasseh said: "Traditionally trade unions have concentrated on their members' employment, increasingly we're concentrating on our members' employability."

He added: "Connect has a tremendous opportunity to provide a much-needed service in the current communications market."

Learning centre

A state-of-the-art union learning centre at a Leeds leather factory opened this month. Yorkshire and Humber Regional TUC and textile union KFAT has worked closely with managers at Pittards Shoe and Leathergoods to get the new centre working. It is now offering a wide range of courses, including basic skills and IT training, to the 370 workers at the plant.