Learning Hub for Energy Network Praised by British Learning Association (BLA)

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Work Based and Union Learning are central to the future success of the learning sector, as more and more people seek to improve their skills in the workplace without losing employment or working time.

As such, successful Learning Hubs within organisations should be recognised for their successes in an effort to encourage the stragglers to move forward more swiftly. The British Learning Association (BLA) have sought to do just that, awarding a Quality Mark to the National Grid’s Learning Centre Operation in Warwick.

The Spark of Innovation

The National Grid is the agency responsible for the swift and efficient delivery of electricity and to proving themselves as the world’s premier network utility. With a responsibility for the high voltage transmission system in both England and Wales, they also operate the system throughout the United Kingdom. They are the agency responsible for the high pressure gas transmission system in the UK, delivering to homes and businesses alike.

The BLA Quality Mark is designed to highlight the importance of work based training, and to enhance the reputation of companies that take a serious and well balanced approach to the area. It is designed for the Learning sector and enables organisations to balance the requirements of shareholders, customers and workers for a more efficient, highly skilled company. This simplifies the recruitment and retention of staff, and has a positive impact on productivity and competitiveness.

The Quality Mark has been streamlined since its inception, to make sure that the awards categories are up to date and relevant for a rapidly changing market. The BLA membership, from where a number of Quality Mark achievers have been drawn, includes agencies in FE, HE, adult community learning, local government, the Ministry of Defence (MOD), corporate and learning services supply.

Delight at Recognition

The National Grid were understandably pleased at the award. Commenting on their achievement, Pam Mosedale, Lead Business Partner for National Grid said: “I am delighted to receive the BLA Quality Mark for our Learning Hub at Warwick. We have been working hard over the past 18 months to change the service provision from an information service to a true learning centre for all National Grid employees around the country.”

Pam Mosedale also went on to comment on the importance of this award as a business development and enhancement tool as well as for staff development and improvement, saying: “This award demonstrates our achievement of aligning everything we do to meet business needs and the improved motivation and productivity of our staff.”

Lance Spraggons, Chair of the Quality Forum for BLA, had this to say on the award: “The number of organisations that have registered for the Quality Mark continues to grow and I am delighted to welcome National Grid to the list of Quality Mark holders. The fact that the Quality Mark has been awarded for their learning centre operation, which has only been running for a short period of time, is testament to their commitment in not only providing a high quality service but also to the high standards that the BLA Quality Mark looks for.”

Jethro Marsh

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