The CTU last night launched its expanded Learning Representatives programme which will encourage employers to support language, literacy and numeracy education for workers.

The CTU has welcomed the announcement by institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs) of free or low-cost training for companies taking up Jobs Support Scheme subsidies (the ‘9-day fortnight’).

A new project to help more workers into training and education is the start of a major culture change involving workers, companies and state enterprises, Council of Trade Unions secretary Carol Beaumont said today.

Speech by Carol Beaumont, Secretary, NZ Council of Trade Unions at the launch of the Learning Representatives Project. Parliament, 6pm, August 9, 2005

[14]Learning Reps are elected by employees to help them get ahead with learning at work. They can advise co-workers on opportunities for learning, work with management on company training plans and, most important, promote training that will build a career for workers.