Drawing Office and Training Manager for the Wales Union Learning Fund at the Sumitomo Electrical Wiring Systems - Europe (SEWS-E) plant at Ystradgynlais

Finalist :
Businesses with less than 250 Employees
Learning Leader

Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems Europe Ltd (SEWS- Europe) is part of a worldwide group, headquartered in Staffordshire UK, and is a major supplier of automotive wiring harnesses and components to the European automotive industry.

The "never too old to learn" attitude of former National Coal Board apprentice Brian Westall has inspired, and continues to inspire, dozens of workers in South Wales to undertake learning and training activities.

Although he is now a project manager for the Wales Union Learning Fund at the SEWS-E plant at Ystradgynlais, Brian didn't set out on his own learning journey until he was in his late 40s. He leads by example, encouraging and supporting others to further their own personal development as he has done.

In 1999, the plant was downsized and more than 2,000 employees lost their jobs. Brian, who was the drawing office manager, decided he needed to develop his skills to make himself more employable and set out to gain an NVQ Level 4 in Management and become a member of a professional body to indicate his abilities.

Between January 2001 and December 2004, whilst working very long hours, he still managed to study and gain a range of qualifications, including an NVQ Level 5 Operational Mgt and a City & Guilds Graduateship. He became a Union Learning Representative (ULR) and was appointed project manager for the Wales Union Learning Fund (WULF) which is now recognised as the centre for excellence and flagship project for training by Amicus, Wales TUC, Welsh Assembly Government and SEWS-Europe.

Since the WULF project began 84 per cent of SEWS-E personnel have attended at least one learning activity, and over 42 per cent have attended a second and third. Activities range from Tai Chi, cake decoration, basic skills awareness and computer programming.

A total of eighteen shop floor personnel have gained NVQ Level 2 Performing Manufacturing Operations qualifications and every person involved has signed and in the process of completing a Modern Apprenticeship (two of these being 57 – 61 years of age).

Brian's contribution to the project has been immeasurable, driving the project forward by his own personal determination to complete the tasks at hand whilst helping others. He is an excellent role model and his supportive attitude to learners has been instrumental in encouraging some employees back to learning for the first time since leaving school.