Hull University Union
Julie Watson, human resources manager for Hull University Union, contacted the College because members of a new cleaning team taken on under a TUPE agreement were missing basic literacy skills and she wanted to help them improve in a relaxed and familiar environment.
Tutor Shirley Hebden promptly went to chat to Julie and the house manager, and the now famous Wednesday morning classes were born. Each week during term time, Shirley teaches from 8am until 9.30am in a corner of the bar area.
Julie said: "At first the team were a bit wary and had to be really encouraged to attend but now everyone looks forward to Wednesday mornings and the team of learners has increased as a result.
"All the staff involved have now achieved an award (or two or three) and as well as literacy there is now a popular section of the class devoted to numeracy. We now have porters, catering staff and security staff in the group too."
Julie added: "We believe the success of the class has been down to the right tutor being assigned - Shirley seems like one of the team here now - and also because they have been supported by their line manager, Graham Worrall.
"The class has given these staff confidence and many have now gone on to do other courses with East Riding College that they wouldn't have undertaken before, such as level three food safety and NVQs.
"Some of the team were involved with a restructure this year and they had the confidence to apply for more senior roles and were successful, and we feel this was also a direct result of our Wednesday morning classes.
"We are still spreading the word around the union and what started as a discreet class for staff lacking in basic skills has become somewhere that staff are happy to join up to improve their skills in many areas.
"We put regular updates and photos of the group in our staff newsletter and staff feel proud to belong to the class."
