unionlearn


Supporting Learners through trade unions in the workplace and beyond


Photograph © Della Batchelor


W


hat is unionlearn? Unionlearn works to support learning and


skills through all trade unions affi liated to the TUC (almost all unions in the UK) both for union members and for the workforce more generally. Our aim is to ensure that people are provided with opportunities to gain skills and qualifi cations, both for work-related and wider learning. We work in partnership with employers wherever possible, but we support union learning without employer support if this cannot be obtained.


Unionlearn’s work is largely delivered


through an extensive network of Union Learning Representatives (ULR’s) across a wide variety of work sectors and unions. We also work with Community Learning Champions supporting learners who are not in paid employment. What do ULRs do? There are over 20,000 ULRs trained throughout the workforce and appointed or elected by their unions. ULRs are trained (by the TUC or by their own union) in carrying out assessments of the learning needs in their workplace, supporting learners, and working with employers and providers. ULRs often work to support the HR / Learning and Development staff in their workplaces, to ensure learning opportunities are provided for ALL employees – including those who are least well-paid and least well- qualifi ed, and who are often over-looked in corporate workforce development programmes.


8 ULRs will promote take-up of basic


literacy, numeracy and IT skills where necessary, as these provide a gateway to other learning, as well as higher levels of learning and apprenticeships if appropriate. They have had statutory recognition in the workplace since 2002 and are entitled to time-off to carry out their role in workplaces where there is union recognition. They are supported by their own unions and by unionlearn to keep their training up-to-date. What can ULRs achieve? At Aintree Hospital on Merseyside ULRs have worked closely with the employer to ensure staff without level 2 qualifi cations in the portering and catering sections have been able to access accredited qualifi cations via the apprenticeship route (see on-line video clip at www.unionlearn.org. uk/initiatives/learn-3705- f0.cfm?regional=5) ULRs have helped


many local authorities throughout the region obtain the Skills Award from their Employers’ Organisation (NWEO) including many in the Manchester area, for example, Bolton and Salford councils. Councils have to show that they


are working in partnership with their workforce and promoting learning in the community beyond to achieve this award. CONTACT unionlearn: for info on


recruiting and supporting ULRs – Laura on 0151 236 2321 / 07786 706816 / lrobertsoncollins@tuc.org.uk On Community learning – Joe on 0151 243 2558 / 07879 631761 / jfeanehough@tuc.org.uk To book ULR training courses: (fi ve


or ten day programme) held at TU Education units around the region or in the workplace – contact the TU Education dept on 0151 236 7678 or view courses on-line at www.unionlearn.org.uk


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