Denis swaps his bin wagon for the classroom (From Warrington Guardian)

Denis swaps his bin wagon for the classroom

BINMAN Denis Ashton thought it was a load of rubbish how training courses were restricted to office workers.

So the 49-year-old refuse collector decided to do something about it.

This week he opened a new learning centre for all Warrington Borough Council staff.

The idea for the venture started three years ago after Denis got into an argument with a manager at work.

"I've been a refuse collector for 20 years and I noticed over a period of time that there were only courses for people in offices and I got a bit fed up by it," he said.

"It all started really about three years ago when I had an argument with a director while we were having a drink.

"He said if I wanted something done, I should do something."

Denis teamed up with Campaign for Learning, his union the GMB, the TUC and officers at the council to put together a plan to open a training centre for all staff.

"It's been three years of my life, but it's all been worthwhile," continued Denis.

"Seeing blokes who have never been on a course in here, having a laugh, learning and getting a certificate is fantastic. I never thought I would do anything like this. I didn't like school and was terrified of exams.

"A lot of men feel like that, but once they realise it's not like it is at school and you can have a laugh with your mates, they are all made up."

Staff from Warrington Collegiate deliver most of the teaching at the centre on Hawthorne Avenue, next to the neighbourhood services depot where Denis is based.

The Skills for Life Learning Centre can provide any course, as long as at least 10 people sign up for it. Warrington Borough Council has provided the building for the centre free of charge.