Employees of ASDA distribution centre in Chepstow are making learning a priority thanks to an on-site learndirect learning
centre
which has been set up with the help of Coleg Gwent. Gavin Shakesheff of ASDA studying with learndirect at work
A flexible training programme was needed for over 1000 staff working continuous shifts in the Chepstow distribution centre of supermarket ASDA, and after consulting an advisor at Coleg Gwent, the retailer was introduced to the flexible learning style of learndirect.
People Development Advisor Frank McMillan is co-ordinating the project. He said: “Our employee representative group
suggested opening a learning centre on site and introducing a training programme to enable staff to improve their skills.
“learndirect courses cover a wide range of topics and enable staff to progress with their learning in bite-size chunks, fitting learning into break times, quiet periods and even during their own time at home.
We were keen to team up with a learning provider which could meet our whole range of needs.
Some of our staff are following basic literacy and numeracy courses whilstothers are working towards the Institute of Leadership and Management qualifications.
“We have opened a dedicated learning centre on-site with PCs and internet access sostaff can access their courses at any time. More than 40 staff members have signed up to courses so far and feedback has been very positive.”
Roger Shakesheff, 60, from Newport, works in ASDA’s stock control department and has recently signed up to a learndirect IT course in the newlearning centre. He said “I want to learn more about computers. I know how to use the programmes I need for work, but beyond that, my understanding is quite basic.”
Dave Hopkin, 54, is a warehouse on-job trainer and has completed a number of basic IT
courses with learndirect. He said: “I have been arriving at work before my shift begins to progress with my course and have also used my lunch hours to study. The flexibility of the learning style is great and I will definitely be signing up to more courses.”
ASDA employees getting down to their studies at their on-site learndirect learning centre
Head of learndirect in Wales, Jeff Greenidge said: “learndirect courses are intended to make learning easier and more accessible for individuals and businesses.
There is a significant skills gap in the Welsh workforce and it is the responsibility of employersto take steps towardsremedying this situation.
“learndirect aims to provide a simple, convenient and cost-effective training solution and it is very encouraging to see employers and employees benefiting from our flexible structure.”
