Ballymena bus driver receives union award

LOCAL Translink Ulsterbus driver Andy Johnson has been awarded runner-up position at the Unite ULR (Union Learning Representative) of the Year 2013 awards which took place recently at Congress House, London.
By The Newsroom
Published 16th Apr 2013, 13:20 BST
L-R Andy Johnson, Translink Ulsterbus bus driver, Ballymena is pictured with Translinks Billy Gilpin, Employee Relations Manager following Andys runner up award for ULR (Union Learning Representative) of the Year 2013.L-R Andy Johnson, Translink Ulsterbus bus driver, Ballymena is pictured with Translinks Billy Gilpin, Employee Relations Manager following Andys runner up award for ULR (Union Learning Representative) of the Year 2013.
L-R Andy Johnson, Translink Ulsterbus bus driver, Ballymena is pictured with Translinks Billy Gilpin, Employee Relations Manager following Andys runner up award for ULR (Union Learning Representative) of the Year 2013.

Alongside colleague Thomas McIlhone of Metro Belfast who was also placed in runner up position, the men provide advice and support to union members on learning needs and the opportunities available.

This support has enabled colleagues to gain over 150 qualifications in the last year across Ballymena and Belfast depots.

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Areas of training that they have promoted include; Essential Skills, Coach Driving, Spanish, French and ICT with many colleagues progressing to study formally at higher education level at Northern Regional College and Belfast Metropolitan College.

This was the first time Northern Ireland was included in the Awards and it was not only an accomplishment for both Translink employees to represent their country, but to be placed runners up in the national heats the first time the country featured in the awards was an added achievement.

Translink’s Billy Gilpin, Employee Relations Manager, said: “I must congratulate Andy on this great achievement. He is a dedicated employee in developing and supporting colleagues learning and skills in the Belfast area and a perfect ambassador for not only Metro, but the Translink Group”.

Unite’s Clare Caulfield, Regional Learning Organiser NI added: “This award recognises and rewards the hard work, commitment and encouragement of the men and women who go over and beyond their working call of duty to develop colleagues knowledge and skills. Unite is deeply grateful for their dedication and professionalism and look forward to seeing their future plans for Translink employees come to fruition”.

Related topics:Andy JohnsonBallymenaUnite