麻豆社

Manager Mickey Neale noticed some of his staff had听 problems completing their rounds because they were struggling to read and write.

鈥淚 knew there were key skill issues with the workforce 鈥� operational issues 鈥� for example a crew would go out听 [but]鈥� they didn't听know from the sheet where they should be -听 they just had to memorise it鈥�

鈥淸So] when drivers were changed due to holiday, if they couldn't read and write then we'd get complaints because jobs were being missed鈥�.

The centre鈥檚 since had more than 400 students through its鈥� doors.

It鈥檚 located in Dagenham's environmental services depot, and offers recognised NVQ qualifications for staff- many of whom had left school unable to read and write at all.

When Mark Roberston started taking courses he was working as a street sweeper.听听 Now he's a manager. He says the experience has changed his life: "When I started sweeping the streets I never thought I could make my way up. But my confidence just built up and up through doing the training.鈥�

He added: 鈥淚 know people that I'm working with right now as managers that couldn't even read and write. They're sitting next to me now writing emails, they're managers鈥� It鈥檚 fantastic鈥�

Now anyone living in Barking & Dagenham can take courses at the centre by simply getting in touch with the local council.

If you're interested in finding out more about the courses you can call Mickey Neale and his team at the council on London on 020 8215 3000.