Amey and Unite have signed a ‘learning agreement’ in Hampshire, strengthening their joint commitment to encourage and support employees to engage with learning opportunities.
Both organisations have always recognised the benefits of workplace learning. When employees gain new skills and qualifications, they have renewed self-confidence and are better equipped to take on new roles in the future. This not only helps progress their individual careers but also helps Amey develop as a business.
This new learning agreement reflects the great importance placed on education by Amey (who provide Highways maintenance services in partnership with Hampshire County Council) and trade union Unite. It also builds on the considerable work that has already taken place within Amey to promote educational opportunities to employees - for instance, providing paid time off work for people to improve their English and maths skills and to join ICT classes.
The agreement was formally signed by Malcolm Bonnett from Unite and John Maddy from Amey at a signing event at Highbury College (who provide workplace and apprenticeship learning for Amey in Hampshire). It was also attended by David Fawcett from Amey, Dean Briody and John Barr from Unite and John Underdown from Highbury College. They were joined by Hampshire employees who have benefitted from workplace learning.
Malcolm Bonnett said: “Unite is very pleased with the commitment shown by Amey in the past years with engaging in the Union Learning Rep Programme. Going forward, the new agreement consolidates the real benefits to both the employee and Unite members of continual development. It’s great to see the confidence of those involved with the courses grow. Thanks are extended to Highbury College for assisting with their involvement. A good news story, well done to all involved.”
Amey’s Account Director Paul Anderson said: “Both Amey and Unite are committed to making learning as accessible as possible for all employees. The provision of English and maths has had a significant impact for our employees and we wish to build on this success in the years to come.”
John Underdown said: “Highbury College is proud of our longstanding association with Amey, delivering apprenticeship training. In addition, by up-skilling the work force in numeracy and literacy, it is noteworthy how employees grow in confidence and self-esteem as their knowledge increases in these important subject areas. We congratulate all those who, by sheer hard work and perseverance, succeed in reaching their lifelong learning goals.”