Speaking at Learning 4 Life, unionlearn’s annual conference in London, John Hayes, minister for further education, skills and lifelong learning paid tribute to the contribution of unions and their partners to raising skills in the workplace. Presenting the awards with Brendan Barber, TUC general secretary, he said: “These quality awards provide a clear signpost to both learners and employers of where they can find good learning. And that’s why I’m so pleased to be here and to have this chance to offer my congratulations in person to this year’s award-winners.”  

The unionlearn Quality Award is awarded to providers in the learning world who are committed to working with trade unions and are providing inclusive, innovative programmes representing good practice and providing top quality information and advice.  

Audrey Mullender, Ruskin principal, and Nigel Williams, TUC course co-ordinator, accepted the award at unionlearn’s annual conference, London, July 12.  

Ruskin College: TUC Trade Union Studies  

Professor Audrey Mullender said: “Everyone at Ruskin is absolutely delighted that the TUC Centre here has won this award and we heartily congratulate all those involved and thank them for their tremendous efforts in coming so far in such a short time. We greatly prize the quality of the experience we offer to learners at Ruskin and it is a privilege to be in partnership with the TUC in undertaking such important work. Ruskin College has probably the widest span of trade union courses in the country, ranging from short courses right up to a BA and an MA in International Labour and Trade Union Studies, as befits our origins in the labour and trade union movement. We have vacancies on courses at all levels for entry this autumn and can guarantee a quality learning environment to all those who come to study with us.”

From left to right: Ruskin Principal - Audrey Mullender, TUC programme coordinator - Nigel Williams, Skills Minister - John Hays & General Secretary of the TUC - Brendan Barber.