Unite learning is music to Darren’s ears

Unite Learning Centre strikes a chord with Essex bus drivers

Unite Learning Rep (ULR) Darren Hincks has transformed learning in his workplace, and was recognised at the 2024 TUC Congress, being named ULR of the Year.

Darren is a bus driver who runs a union learning centre at the First East of England offices in Colchester, and has supported dozens of his colleagues, and their families, to access learning opportunities. This includes music lessons, free online courses, cultural events and more.

Darren is joined by his daughter when collecting his award from Paul Novak (TUC General Secretary)

After spending hours behind the wheel dealing with traffic and the public, dropping into a learning centre and try something new can be a good way to relax and reduce stress. 

Darren was inspired to become a ULR following his desire to support his daughter, Courtney, who has a rare form of autism called “Fragile X-Syndrome”. 

Darren explained, “Courtney was diagnosed as a child, and I wanted to understand the issues so I could help her. I found out that Unite offered free Level 2 courses through “Learn with Unite” which included “Understanding Autism”.”

“I found these really helpful and went on to study for a Level 3 Mental Health qualification through the union.”

Following the courses Darren really caught the learning bug, and when the branch ULR post came up for election Darren put his name forward and attended Unite Education’s training for new ULRs. He has been developing the centre and opportunities for the drivers ever since. 

The learning centre is in a large room off the drivers canteen. Darren has set aside Tuesday’s to run sessions and be available to drivers to discuss courses, though drivers can use the centre’s four computers at other times.

Darren explained that it is a joint initiative and Unite and First Buses work together on the centre. The employer has provided the room and power, whilst the branch paid for the computers and other resources that fill the space.

When Unite Live visited the centre Darren was with a learner who was taking guitar lessons. You can see that Darren enjoys teaching and passing on his knowledge – particularly when it comes to music.

Darren and fellow bus driver Colin Birch recently formed an acoustic band “Please Rewind”, and said he has 20 – 25 members from the driving team who regularly drop in for music lessons, the learning centre is full of guitars and has a full drum kit. Some of the drivers have been in bands and others are totally new to music and find learning a new skill really enjoyable.

Today’s student was Paul Hughes, as Darren explained, “Paul is the son of a driver who has learning difficulties, but loves music and really enjoys the weekly sessions and practice.”

“Though this is a workplace learning centre the branch was very keen to ensure that it was open for family members as well as drivers.”

Guitar heroes – Darren and Paul sharing some tunes in the Union Learning Centre

Though there is a focus on music Darren and the centre offer a lot more. As well as the Learn with Unite free Level 2 courses, they have a partnership with a local education provider, ACL, who offer Maths and English courses.

Darren also organises activities for Learning at Work Week (LaWW). There are a lot of former Ghurkhas who now drive for First in the area, and this year a LaWW event focused on the music and culture of Nepal. Bus driver Keiran Gurunc even ran a session demonstrating the Madal, a traditional Nepalese drum.

The centre also has a growing library and is hoping to set up a chess club.

Branch Secretary Dave Johns is really impressed with the way the learning centre has developed, and has been involved with the fundraising.

Dave said; “This is an absolutely brilliant resource for the branch and gives drivers a chance to try something new.”

“The only downside is the music lessons can be a bit loud for the managers in the next door office!”

Despite the sound of drivers taking their stress out on the drum kit Darren said, “Managers have been very supportive of the learning centre and the work Unite has been doing around workplace learning.”

“It’s been a real partnership.”

Nadine Edwards is Regional Officer for Unite London & Eastern, Chelmsford, and is really impressed with the work that Darren has been doing with the learning centre, and feels the TUC award is well deserved.

Nadine said: “Unite’s Eastern region is so happy that Darren has been recognised for the work he has done as TULR at First Essex Bus Colchester. 

“Darren has brought dedication, kindness, enthusiasm, and a genuine will to make the working lives of his colleagues better.”

Behind the wheel – Darren is steering bus drivers towards learning opportunities.

If you are interested in becoming a ULR in your workplace, talk to your branch and regional education department to find out about future training. You can find out more about the current training programme here. 

By Keith Hatch

Photos by Mark Thomas