The story
Boots’ Skills for Life journey originated from a need to upskill and provide support for a rapidly changing employee demographic within their central Nottingham Supply Chain. In 2003, Boots signed a Lifelong Learning Agreement with the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (USDAW) . As a part of this agreement, the Phoenix Learning Centre was set up in Nottingham and Union Learning Representatives were elected to encourage employees to start workplace learning.
This provision soon expanded into Boots Manufacturing facilities, where Skills for Life was seen as central to their Operator of the Future programme, helping support employees as they prepare for job roles with increased skills needs.
In the last twelve months, Boots has opened a further 18 Lifelong Learning Centres, all offering Skills for Life qualifications, at Distribution Centres UK-wide, which are closing in 2009 as part of a massive Supply Chain restructure and centralisation project. In all, over 1200 logistics and manufacturing employees have either achieved one or more Skills for Life qualification, or are currently engaged in Skills for Life learning. Building on these successes, the learning centres are also offering NVQ Level 2 and 3 qualifications, using Train to Gain funding, and additional funding allocated by the Company.
Through establishing Skills for Life as a key strategic objective and underpinning that strategy by working in partnership with Usdaw Union Learning Representatives, Boots has been able to deliver a more productive and competent workforce with stronger skills, delivering safer standards and a more effective supply chain. It is also leaving a positive legacy for the communities within which it works.
