LONDON, March 13 /PRNewswire/ -- A joint initiative by Unite the Union and Nampak Cartons, one of the longest established employers in Leeds, has seen the opening of a learning centre for workers at Nampak's Leeds factory.

The initiative comes as a result of Unite asking major employers to provide support and facilities to establish continuous learning centres inside workplaces. The learning centre, officially opened by local councillor Angela Gabriel, will be the venue and focus for a range of vocational, health and safety and individual development courses.

The centre will run work-related courses as well as being used by the union to run courses for its members with the long-term aim that the facilities will be made available to staff who want to further their skills by taking self-study courses in IT and, perhaps, other subjects such as languages.

Glenn Jackson, Unite's FOC and union learner representative at the plant, one of the main champions of the project said: "Many people have put a lot of time and effort into making this achievement possible. This learning and training agenda, in conjunction with a working partnership between Nampak and Unite, bodes well for the company. All employees will be able to enhance existing skills and develop new ones that will influence, shape and strengthen the future of our industry."

Steve Campbell, site director at Nampak Cartons, said: "We take training very seriously. First of all, it is the key factor in making sure we have a safe workplace. Secondly, it means that our people are developed to their full potential, whatever their current job. This partnership with Unite is a really positive one and will enable more people to access more training."

For further information please contact Peter Ellis Unite National Officer on +44(0)7774-663499 or Ashraf Choudhury in the Unite Press Office on +44(0)20-7420-8914 or +44(0)7980-224761.