We've been left in lurch - Rover workers

Oct 13 2005 By Jon Griffin, Birmingham Mail

DOZENS of redundant MG Rover workers completed South Birmingham College courses - only to be told their qualifications were unacceptable.

Former car workers saw their hopes of a new life in the building sector dashed after finishing training courses run by the college's West Midlands Training Centre, in Aston.

Carl Harris and Gary Harley, with a combined total of more than 40 years' service at Longbridge, were devastated to learn that the Highways and Construction Training Association certificate was not acceptable to many employers.

South Birmingham College has now stepped in to plead for firms to accept the HCTA qualification after being inundated with complaints from the 31 redundant Longbridge workers.

Former paintshop worker Carl Harris, of Pamela Road, Northfield, said: "We have completely wasted our time. People have been sent on courses which have not been properly thought through.

"What is the point of doing courses when there are no employers out there who can recognise the card? We have been given false promises."

Gary Harley, a forklift truck driver for 22 years at Longbridge, said: "I got £6,000 in redundancy pay - you could take that and survive until you got on the course.

"But it's like having a letter from your mum saying you can't do swimming at school. Nobody is going to give you a job unless you are reskilled, but I never wanted to be in a situation where I was told I had a job for life and then find myself on the scrapheap at 46.

"I have got no savings or anything. I am completely broke."

Carl Harris, aged 40, said: "My lifestyle has changed completely. I was on good money at Rover and now my wife is having to work full-time."

A letter to Mr Harris from Paul Morris, the college's assistant principal, said: "In light of the concerns some of the ex-MG Rover learners have raised the college is willing to liaise with any prospective employer who is refusing to recognise the HCTA licence.

"I am happy for this letter to be presented to prospective employers if they refuse to recognise the licence."