WORKERS at a Gwent factory are rapidly developing the learning habit - and it could help them to better their prospects.

They are doing it on a relatively grand scale that is unique to the area, because an initial source of funding has been supplemented with cash from Europe.

It all began at Burton's Gold Medal Biscuits factory in Llantarnam, when the Workers Educational Association joined the bakers' union BFAWU to apply for money from the Wales Union Learning Fund for classes to be held on the premises.

This application yielded £10,000, which was used to start the scheme.

But thanks to WEA tutor organiser Jeff Amor and Torfaen council, a further application was made for Objective One funding, the money set aside by Europe to pay for regenerative schemes in the Welsh valleys. This yielded a massive £85,000 and was match-funded by the local Objective One Partnership Board.

What resulted is now known as Project 2000, the name given to the Burton's scheme which the National Assembly regards as a perfect model of what can be achieved in the area of lifelong learning.

Among the first subjects offered in classes were lap-top computer use and book-keeping.

Also being studied is photography. Last week, a computer suite was opened in a demountable building in the factory grounds.

Organisers have seen an excellent response from employees to the scheme, which is intended to appeal to those who may have left school before further education and never bothered to attend classes to develop innate skills and abilities.

In the 18 months or so since classes began, around 150 employees have taken part in courses, with the company offering time for study in working hours at the start or the end of shifts as long as people put in the time afterwards.

Mr Amor says the reaction has been mostly positive. "We want to change the culture of learning," he said.

"Some of the courses offered may not be strictly vocational but we hope that people will be encouraged by them to learn things that might help them vocationally."

The computer suite will enable employees to access keyboard skills as well as offer them the chance to use 'learndirect' the national online learning system which enables people to study directly on the computer screen.

Torfaen's Objective One Partnership Board, says it is impressed with developments at Burton's.

Chairman Councillor Bob Wellington said: "I have worked on the shop-floor myself and seen at first hand the huge variety of skills and abilities there. This kind of workplace can be full of people who have missed out on education for a number of reasons.

"I think the project is one of the most exciting we have come across and I am proud that Objective One funding can support this kind of initiative. The company benefits from a keener, better-developed workforce and the employees are equipped to make the most of the opportunities that present themselves."

* In the picture: Stephen Last of the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Association, helps packer Sandra Owen improve her computer skills.