Employees at R B Organic in Yaxley (Produce World) celebrated success in English lessons with a presentation last week, on gaining their City & Guilds 3792 Adult Literacy Entry level award.

Esther Penney,UniversityofLincoln, had taught a class every week at the factory in Yaxley.  Employees attended a two hour class for 20 weeks.  Esther used materials from the factory, helped the students to complete sample paperwork, as well as practising the English they need for living in the community.

Margaret Hall, the HR Manager at RBO said that it was an excellent achievement: “Given that employees are attending classes in their own time is a testament to their personal commitment.  The company takes its social responsibility to integrate all staff extremely seriously.  Communication is key and in partnership with theUniversityofLincoln, Holbeach Campus, we are making great inroads into breaching the language gap.  Working together and using real work-based materials validates the training and enables non-English speaking employees to progress within R B Organic.”

Rachel Bowser, the Skills for Life Co-ordinator said: “The award is a nationally recognised certificate and the students have worked really hard to improve their English – never an easy task!”