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Filtrona Filter Products Step-Up Learning Centre based at the Newcastle Manufacturing plant in Jarrow has just received it’s latest award.  It was the winner of the prestigious South Tyneside Enterprise Partnership (STEP) award for training, learning and skills development. Previously it had been recognised by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, and Christine Weir, the centre’s full time co-ordinator, was named as Northern Region Union Learning Representative of the Year 2006-2007.

On the 13^th June 2007, the Step Up Learning centre achieved the prestigious Matrix Standard, which is an award that represents a UK National standard of excellence in delivering high quality information, advice and guidance. The Learning Centre was the first in the region and one of the first in the UK to achieve this national standard.

However, the true testament of its success is the fact that 300 out of 450 staff have used the Learning Centre. It is contributing to a learning culture among the employees which will help enable the changing requirements of a business in the 21^st century. The courses have ranged from maths and english, through numerous computer related courses to such varied classes as Spanish and equality & diversity.

Such success could not have been envisaged when the centre first opened in June 2005, as a joint venture between Filtrona Filter Products and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).  It is seen by all as a collaborative partnership and one that has literally changed lives.  A number of people have now caught the learning bug to such an extent they have now completed over 10 courses.  It is not uncommon for management, employees and union learning representatives to complete a course together.  As a result the TUC has seen this centre as a flagship and a model for all Learning Centres in the UK.