Blackpool South MP Gordon Marsden has told a national conference of union learning representatives in Blackpool that they have a key part to play in the challenge to re-skill and retrain as part of a revolution in lifelong learning in Britain over the next 10-15 years.  

Mr Marsden, who chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Skills Group, was speaking to nearly 200 learning reps at a Bakers, Food and Allied Worker Conference at the Imperial Hotel. He singled out the achievements locally of the Learning Centre at Burton’s on Devonshire Road, launched by local Baker’s Union reps with the North-West TUC and management, as an example of the “dynamism and second chances taken up” which has seen over 400,000 people given access to skills and other learning courses since the Government set up the Union Learning fund in 1997.  

“People who have not been in a classroom or learning environment for years can find it intimidating to retrain in their 40’s and 50’s to meet the challenge of new technology. But the work Trade Unions have done in advising and encouraging their members to take up courses in a work environment is playing a crucial role in improving the economic outlook for Britain as well as employee’s skills and self-esteem”.  

Mr Marsden said that unions such as the Bakers would have an important part in helping meet the Government’s ambitious challenge for half a million apprenticeships – including adult apprenticeships. “Its especially important that such training gets proper support also from employers – and its flexible – particularly for older women coming back to work or looking to take on new responsibilities and who may need to juggle caring for older relatives, family and other responsibilities. In towns like Blackpool facing a big regeneration challenge it’s essential we utilise older people’s skills as well as the money that is going into traditional student groups in higher and further education”.  

Mr Marsden said these issues – as well as more money for career information, advice and guidance – would be taken forward by the new Education and Skills Bill now going through Parliament. Mr Marsden has been appointed to be one of a small group of MPs that will be scrutinising the detailed clauses of the Bill and taking evidence from outside witnesses at Westminster over the next six weeks.