Audrey McJimpsey, a Community Union Learning Representative at RSBi Blindcraft in Springburn, Glasgow received the third annual STUC Helen Dowie Award for Lifelong Learning today from Prime Minister Gordon Brown MP at the STUC Annual Congress in Inverness.
Audrey’s whole family seems to be the epitome of lifelong learning. Audrey’s 13-year-old son is planning to showcase his mum’s achievement in his modern studies class at Carluke High School. Audrey said, “I could not have achieved this award without the support of my union Community and I am very grateful for the support my family and friends have given to me over the years. My son Andrew is particularly proud and can’t wait to share with his schoolmates how his mum met the Prime Minister.”
Audrey’s husband Billy, a Unison member, has also taken up a course through the Learning Centre at Blindcraft in French. Billy said, “I am very proud of Audrey and of what she has achieved. It is tremendous to see her positively affect so many people’s lives. Her enthusiasm is contagious…she even has me hooked on learning!”
Audrey has been very active within the trade union movement since 1986, and currently supports local initiatives to promote union activity, especially union learning. She represents 100 members in her role as a Learning Rep within RSBi. A large percentage of the workforce is disabled at RSBi Blindcraft and Audrey has encouraged more than 75% of the workers to take up learning opportunities.
Audrey said, “When someone achieves something they never thought they would try and learns something new, it gives me a deep sense of accomplishment and pride. It is an enjoyable experience to help others achieve their potential.”
Speaking after receiving the award from the Prime Minister, Audrey said, “It has been a fantastic experience to be given the 2008 STUC Helen Dowie Award for Lifelong Learning today. I am delighted the Prime Minister was invited to present this award to me, in honour of such an inspirational trade unionist who made a huge contribution to lifelong learning in Scotland.”
STUC General Secretary Grahame Smith said:
“This award recognises the leading role trade union activists have played in the promotion of lifelong learning in workplaces in all sectors throughout Scotland.
“Audrey McJimpsey leads by example and her commitment to helping others gain the confidence to learn within the workplace is an asset to her union and a credit to the trade union-led lifelong learning movement.”
Prime Minister Gordon Brown MP said:
“I’m pleased to be supporting this STUC award as it enters its third year. Skills and lifelong learning are fundamental to the future success of our economy and the work being undertaken by Scottish trade unions to promote skills and lifelong learning is making a huge difference for thousands of workers.
“Helen Dowie was someone who really believed in the power of trade union learning and someone who believed others could develop their potential through it. This award is a positive step in recognising the achievements of those who support learners in gaining confidence and developing skills through trade union-led lifelong learning.”
Community General Secretary Michael Leahy OBE said:
“Community is proud and honoured that Audrey has won the Helen Dowie Award for Lifelong Learning: it is no less than she deserves. Her work as a Union Learning Rep has enhanced the quality of life of many of her fellow union members and work colleagues and it is they that put her forward for the award. Community sees the opportunity for personal development and fulfilment through the provision of education and training opportunities as central to the purpose of our union. We hope that the news of Audrey’s well-deserved award encourages more people to take advantage of our learning services and also encourages more of our members to become Union Learning Reps.”
ENDS For further information please contact: Jennifer Payne, Marketing Support Officer STUC Skills & Lifelong Learning Team Tel: 0141 337 8100 Mob: 07702 836 478