Skillstories

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Business Drivers

Through early discussions with Learning and Skills Council Greater Merseyside, we became aware of the importance of Skills for Life linked to the achievement of a level 2 qualification such as an NVQ level 2. It is the level of qualification that can make a real difference to people’s lives, long term employability and the UK economy. It is for this reason we placed at the centre of our new approach to learning in 2004 the achievement of a level 2 qualifications with linked skills for life provision

Implementation

This commitment led to the creation of the Merseylearn project. With three learning centres spread out across the organisation, linked to Learndirect, with four specialist staff including a Skills for Life Tutor they provide maximum flexibility in meeting our learners’ needs.

Partners

In delivering our strategy we’ve also worked with unionlearn and our local Union Learning Representatives, local colleges, the LSC and our sector skill council GoSkills over the last four years, who have all provided lots of advice, support, encouragement and enthusiasm all with the aim of ensuring that the staff of Merseytravel get a high quality experience when they return to learning.

Impact

The impact has been huge, staff describe how they feel more confident in the workplace and more valued at work because of the investment Merseytravel are making in them. The benefits which Merseytravel has already identified, although early in the change process, are significant. Over 95% of our staff have now achieved level 2 or above, forming a solid skills base for the business. In addition there have been benefits to the corporate culture, as evidenced by the 50% reduction in customer complaints, and sickness levels and staff turnover are amongst the best in the sector.

Raising the skills barrier has also brought us recognition in the form of IiP “Champion” status, Matrix accreditation, and our journey has been recognised in requests for us to share our success as an exemplar organisation at conferences and learning events.

Understanding and enhancing our skills base also promotes the best use of the skills available through succession planning and talent management, matching and developing skills to meet future needs.