Police learn to relax

West Yorkshire police were treated to some expert aromatherapy last week as part of Adult Learners' Week. Wakefield College Skills for Life Lecturer and qualified Aromatherapist, Sue Hemingway, demonstrated hand-massaging techniques and introduced the use of essential oils in promoting a healthier lifestyle amongst staff, all in the name of raising the profile of learning in the workplace.

Top from left Kath Hartley, Kathy Simon, front Sue Hemmingway and West Yorkshire Police trainer Simon Carbutt.

Hard-working police personnel learnt how to use aromatherapy to relax and take away all those aches and pain after a long day on the beat. The session was all part of Learning at Work Day, a national awareness campaign to encourage employers to offer learning opportunities to staff.

Wakefield College’s Skills for Life Workplace Practitioners, Heather Beckham and Kath Hartley teamed up with West Yorkshire Police’s Learning Resource Centre Manager, Kathy Simon, and planned the day’s event. Kath Hartley said “We are delighted with the response from West Yorkshire Police personnel to our taster session, this is one of several courses we have developed which are designed to engage local businesses.”

The Government has pledged over £3 billion between 2001 and 2007 to ensure that Skills for Life training is available free of charge. Heather Beckham commented, "Our main focus is setting up courses in businesses with an emphasis on upskilling the workforce in line with the government Skills for Life Agenda."

The Skills for Life team at Wakefield College hope to further encourage learning in the workplace. If you are interested in offering your employees free courses please contact Kath or Heather at Wakefield College on 01924 789225.

ENDS