The Union Learning Fund has announced a range of new projects to boost learning opportunities at work. Beneficiaries include construction workers, actors, teachers, print workers, prison officers, technicians, journalists, community workers and healthcare professionals.

The successful Union Learning Fund bids include:
- Knitwear, footwear and clothing workers in Yeovil will have an on-site learning centre linked to the local college.
- A project in the Ouse Valley will give graphics and paper workers access to training through a local network of learner representatives.
- In East Anglia, learning representatives will be recruited to promote basic skills and IT courses in a scheme also involving family members.
- The further development of an actor’s centre in the North East to improve employment and learning opportunities.

Giving the go-ahead for the 32 projects, worth a total of over £3 million, Minister for Adult Learning and Skills, Ivan Lewis said: "These successful bids, from the latest round of the Union Learning Fund programme, will enable members of 17 Unions across England to access new learning and training opportunities. All the bids were of a very high standard and make lifelong learning in the workplace a reality nationwide."

"Through the Union Learning Fund scheme, Trade Unions are playing a very valuable role in giving their members opportunities to improve their skills and open up the world of learning. There are now over 300 projects receiving almost £25 million worth of funding from this scheme. The projects have been successful at reaching out to people who traditionally have been left out of learning opportunities such as shift workers. Employers too are reaping the benefits of an increasingly well-trained and skilled workforce."