Supporting Learners (IAG)
Unionlearn has developed a strategy based on the ‘network’ model to support the delivery of Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) which reflects the needs of union reps, ULRs and union learners.
Supporting Learners better describes the activities of ULRs rather than the term Information, Advice & Guidance (IAG).
What does the unionlearn model look like?
- Central role of the ULR, in supporting, coaching, mentoring and signposting
- Working with a range of agencies who can offer services to union learners
- Agreements and joint actions for working together with the network
- Standards of service that union learners can expect of these partners
- Access to information and advice and resources for ULRs and union learners through the unionlearn learning & careers advice service
Who is in the network?
- The ULR and other union reps
- The unionlearn learning and careers advice service
- Unionlearn and other workplace learning centres
- Other learning and training providers
- Nextstep face to face services
- Employers
- Sector Skills Councils (SSCs)
What is the unionlearn learning & careers service?
A key development has been the launch in June 2007 of the unionlearn learning and careers advice service which is operated by learndirect-advice providing a free, impartial and confidential service to help union reps and members to develop new skills, improve their job prospects or change jobs.
There is a dedicated telephone number (08000 92 91 90) for union reps and union members to access the service, and a portal from the unionlearn website. The service is available in a number of languages.
What other resources are there for union reps?
Union reps also have access to a range of resources to help them guide and support others via the unionlearn learning and careers advice service portal and the publications area.
Sector specific careers
Most of the Sector Skills Councils produce careers information to help individuals find out what they need to do to progress in their current job or to change direction completely. For more information visit Sector specific careers information.
22 June 2009
Stay a step ahead with a Postgraduate qualification
Open University are encouraging anyone with a first degree, and are now thinking about studying at higher degree level, to come along to our Postgraduate Advice Day specifically designed to help visitors make decisions about their study plans.
Date: Thursday 9th July, 2009
Time: 2.00pm – 6.30pm
Venue: The Open University in London, 1 - 11 Hawley Crescent, Camden Town, London, NW1 8NP
Southern and Eastern
16 June 2009
Linking the Climbing Frame and the matrix standard for information, advice and guidance services
This guide was launched at our third annual conferenceis and it is for everyone interested in learning activities in the workplace, including union learning reps (ULRs) involved in supporting trade union members in their learning and work decisions and in accessing learning. It does not assume prior experience of using the union learning Climbing Frame or a detailed knowledge of the matrix Standard.
8 June 2009
Supporting union learners into higher learning in the East Midlands - a unionlearn investigation and report
The findings of this report will enable us to develop progression pathways relevant to the needs of union learners in the region. Hopefully this partnership project will lead to many more workers accessing HE and realising their aspirations and potential.
Midlands
25 March 2009
Unionlearn Supporting Learners Event Video - Northern Region
Workplace Learning was the topic of the day at a very successful unionlearn event held at Ramside Hall, County Durham, in conjunction with the Learning and Skills Council North east. With well over 100 delegates in attendance the Supporting Learners event looked at how programmes such as Train to gain and next step can help employers to make a commitment to skills development for the benefit of their employees and their business. The event also highlighted the complementary and increasingly important role trade unions play in ensuring workers in the region have access to high quality support when embarking on any kind of personal or professional development.
To see more of what the event was about and to hear first-hand from some of the speakers and delegates please click on the video link.
Northern
16 February 2009
Protocol to support the union learning frame
This protocol document has been produced to set out the principles of use and unionlearn's broad responsibilities to affiliated unions and their representatives. It also contains specific and detailed commitments to individual users, affiliated unions and wider partnerships. In addition, this document explains the processes, guidelines and information to enable potential users to get the best use from the Climbing Frame and assure the quality of service they receive from unionlearn.
PDF version available for download
4 February 2009
Supporting union learners into higher learning – a toolkit for union learning reps
The ‘Supporting union learners into higher learning' toolkit is a flexible resource designed for unions and ULRs to support members in higher learning. The toolkit includes practical strategies for engaging and supporting members and working with providers and employers to increase opportunities into higher learning.
3 February 2009
The Open University launches initiative for workers to outsmart the recession
The Open University launched an initiative aimed at allowing people around the nation to outsmart the recession by topping up their skills. The new website 'Re-launch” which gives access to free educational resources, top tips for getting jobs and advice about accessing financial assistance for fee-paying courses was launched last month.
26 January 2009
Working in a downturn
These are difficult times for working people and their families. Many face the prospect of redundancy and many more are uncertain about the impact of the ongoing financial crisis on their jobs and livelihoods.
The TUC have put together this collection of advice, with the help of Citizens Advice, to give practical information about how best to weather the current economic storm.
13 January 2009
Get advice on retraining
If you're thinking about retraining, you'll want to know you're making the best move for you. What do you need to think about when making a change? Here's a handy checklist...
28 November 2008
Bishop Auckland MP learns the value of Union Learning Reps
Helen Goodman, MP for Bishop Auckland has today (Friday) presented over a dozen Union Learning Representatives (ULRS) with letters of congratulation for completing their Level 3 and 4 information, advice and guidance (IAG) qualifications at Bishop Auckland College.
Northern
