UCATT and Unite the Union invited Jamie Hepburn MSP, minister for employability and training, to celebrate the achievements of workplace learners at Aberdeen City Council, and present them with certificates.

The unions organised learning and support to 297 Aberdeen City Council workers over the last two years. Learning was delivered free to workers through financial support from the Learning Fund, which is administered by Scottish Union Learning and supported by the Scottish Government.

UCATT organised onsite assessment for 23 Aberdeen City Council tradespeople, including joiners, painters, plasterers, slaters and masons. The programme provided workers who had no formal qualifications with an opportunity to demonstrate their considerable skills and experience. Candidates were assessed at work, and also completed portfolios to obtain NVQ Level 2 qualifications. The council funded 10 places and ensured the workloads of candidates were suitable to evidence their wide-ranging skills; the other 13 places were funded through the Learning Fund.

The minister also toured disused council properties to view examples of the work completed by the learners, including partitioned walls, plastering, and brickwork.

Wendy Burton, director of Scottish Union Learning, said: “Scottish Union Learning congratulates workers in Aberdeen City Council on obtaining their qualifications. This is an excellent example of trade union and employer partnerships, demonstrating how working together can overcome logistical workplace challenges and develop vital learning opportunities for workers.”

Minister for employability and training, Jamie Hepburn, said: “Scottish Union Learning helps workers to improve their skills and qualifications as well as their prospects and prosperity. Today’s visit highlights what can be achieved when trade unions and employers work together to support Scotland’s workers.

“Trade Unions play a vital role in up-skilling our workforce and delivering Scottish Union Learning so it is great to hear first-hand from those who have benefitted from the programme and to celebrate in their success. Having the right people with the right skills is essential to our economy, and that is why the Scottish Government is pleased to continue supporting this programme with almost £2.3 million this financial year.”

Steve Dillon, UCATT regional secretary, added: “This workforce development programme has been a huge logistical and organisational undertaking. The union has worked extremely close with Scottish Union Learning, Aberdeen City Council and Sibbald Training to ensure assessment and learning was meaningful and of a high quality. Without this close relationship, highly skilled experienced workers would not have had the opportunity to evidence their workplace skills. Through the hard work and determination of both UCATT Learning Organiser, Michael Conroy, and Aberdeen City Council Business Development Officer, John Noble, this workforce development opportunity has been a major success.”