Demand for Skills is High in Wolverhampton MC

The TUC-WMCA Skills Partnership has been out and about again, this time working with the CWU ULRs to support members at Wolverhampton’s North West Midlands Mail Centre.

Matt Pointon, Skills Partnership Lead of the WMCA Skills Partnership came into the mail centre along with partners from the National Careers Service and South and City College Birmingham to talk to staff about some of the skills opportunities being funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Covering two shifts, the Partnership spoke to over fifty workers, many of whom signed up for courses, CV support or other advice. A large cohort wanted support with their digital skills so South & City College are now in discussion with Royal Mail management about setting up a course in the workplace to meet this demand.

Since many members had also approached their reps about needing support in understanding their pensions, the Partnership and CWU also invited a representative from First Actuarial to provide financial guidance and help with understanding money matters to workers.

Deborah Lissamore from the National Careers Service said, “The opportunity to speak with employees at Royal Mail was brilliant. We spoke with a number of employees to support their development and upskilling in the workplace. The help and support was positively received.”

Emily Rainey from South & City College Birmingham added, “What a fabulous day! A great opportunity to speak with Royal Mail workers. South & City College are proud to support workers in the West Midlands.”

Summing up, Gurj Singh, CWU rep, told us, “A great day and an ideal opportunity for the union to give something back to its members. We’ve had great support from Matt, Emily, Deborah and Kate with the pension. Feedback has been very positive and staff have signed up to courses.”