The signs are promising for a learning project which brings together a train company, trade unions, employees and education providers.

South Central's Passport To Learning project gave staff taster sessions in British Sign Language (BSL) last week.

Susanna York runs the learning project and works with the Union Learning Representatives (ULRs), whose job it is to encourage lifelong learning for union members.

She said: "The staff said they wanted to learn sign language skills and the taster sessions are an ideal way for them to see if it is for them before they make the big step.

"Some staff carry around pens and paper to write things down for deaf people and others who are hard of hearing.

"It's great customer service for them to learn some sign language skills but several also have personal reasons for wanting to learn, such as friends or relatives who are hard of hearing."

David Brindley, development co-ordinator at Sussex Downs College, which helped run the courses, said more companies were helping their staff learn new skills.

He said: "Courses like this are good because the staff want to study them and the companies see the benefit, which encourages them to release more staff for training.

"It also encourages non-traditional learners back into learning."

Alan Winder, an Eastbourne-based conductor and ULR, said: "The vast majority of deaf people have to learn to communicate using other methods such as lip-reading and those who do use sign language very much appreciate other people making an effort.

"We've had lots of very positive feedback about the courses and a number of people have approached me about running another one."

Alan is studying to become an adult basic skills instructor. Learning basic numeracy and literacy skills is a key area for South Central employees because promotion often depends on written tests.

Susanna said: "These tests can be quite intimidating for people who left school at 16 so basic skills are, along with IT skills, an important area."

Tuesday May 20 2003