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 Learning and Skills for All Fund 2009 - Manchester Launch Event Learning and Skills for All Fund 2009 - Lancashire Launch Event Learning and Skills for All Fund 2009 - Cumbria Launch Event Learning and Skills for All Fund 2009 - Chester Launch Event Learning and Skills for All Fund 2009 - Merseyside Launch Event  |
About TUC EducationEach year over 70,000 trade unionists enrol in trade union education courses organised by the TUC or by its affiliated unions. Those arranged by the TUC are attended by representatives of member unions. These include:
TUC Education offers high quality, accredited training through a network of colleges of further and higher education across the UK. Courses are offered flexibly to suit the needs of union reps and professionals, and through the traditional ten-day release model. The core reps programme consists of:
Three qualifications are available for Union Reps; Health & Safety Reps; and Learning Reps. Reps achieving credits at OCN level 3 on the second stage courses will now have the opportunity to gain these new awards. The core courses lead on to a programme of three diploma courses. These diploma programmes are accredited as access courses into higher education and are offered as evening classes or day release courses:
There are a range of learning pathways established into University degree courses and to the Safety Technician (Tech IOSH) grade of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). In addition, the TUC offers short courses covering a range of trade union issues including employment law, health and safety, equality and pensions. TUC Education is increasing access to its programmes by finding innovative and flexible ways of delivering training to trade unionists. This includes online learning through TUC Education Online. TUC Education OnlineThe prospect of delivering training to a generation of reps and potential reps unable to access classroom provision and to offer supplementary training to experienced union reps is fast becoming a reality. Since the first pilot courses in 2000 more than 1500 learners have participated in union and TUC online programmes. TUC learners can now work wholly or partly online to access the same accredited courses available in the classroom, and can do so from home, from work or from learning centres. Online versions of most TUC courses are available as well as a number of programmes tailored for individual unions. The use of online learning opens up the world of trade union education to those reps who have been unable to access TUC programmes. Participants are able to conference together online, chat in real time and access the internet to research health and safety and employment issues. Developments in online learning mean that unions will need to negotiate time off for their representatives and members to complete courses even though the course work may be carried out on a personal computer at home or in a learning centre. TUC Education continues to use trade union education practitioners as curriculum developers to ensure continuity of approach with classroom methods and maintain the quality and credibility of the programme. Tutors undertake the Learning to Teach Online (LeTTOL) course run by The Sheffield College and the TUC Education Online Planning workshops. Aiming for successTUC programmes:
Education for everyoneTUC Education attracts a huge range of learners, and significant numbers of traditional 'non-participants'. For many it is their first formal learning opportunity since school - for some it builds on university level achievements. A recent survey (Learning that Works: Accrediting the TUC Programme, a report by Elaine Capizzi) found that:
Inclusive and welcomingThe TUC is committed to equal treatment regardless of sex, race, disability, sexuality or age. The aims of the TUC programmes include equal participation by all groups, and delivering skills, knowledge and understanding to learners so they can assist all of their members. The purpose of the programme is to deliver a quality learning experience, with a system of accreditation which points to future learning opportunities. Who runs the courses?The TUC national course programme is delivered locally through further education colleges. The courses are set up by the TUC Regional Education Officer for that area. You can obtain a full list of current courses from the Regional Education Officer at the appropriate TUC Regional Office. Skills for lifeAttaining and improving skills for life, including literacy and numeracy, is an important aim of TUC courses, as is the development of personal/study skills. Students receive guidance to support their individual development. Within the resources of course providers other services, including specialist services, will be offered where these are appropriate for learners. Learning materialsTUC Education develops and provides student materials for all TUC courses. These are regularly reviewed, revised and rewritten with the active involvement of practising trade union studies tutors and TUC policy experts. Evidence of learning achievement is recorded and students receive regular feedback. TUC tutorsEveryone knows the importance of good teachers. TUC Education trains and develops its tutors on specially designed courses and further briefings are provided as new and revised materials are brought on stream. TUC Education has also developed a TUC tutor website to support and improve professional practise. This helps keep them up-to-date with the accreditation process and relevant subjects. The essential requirement for TUC tutors is that they are experienced trade unionists who understand the role of the union rep and its problems. TUC tutors are employed by local providing colleges, the WEA* and institutions of higher and further education. Who monitors quality? The TUC employs its own procedures for quality assurance. These are designed to integrate with, and complement, the system of quality assurance used by TUC course providers. The purpose is to ensure that TUC courses meet the needs of course participants in the most effective way. Complementary support and assurance is offered through the awarding body, NOCN*. Work with young peopleThe TUC offers educational provision for young people through a pack of learning materials A Better Way To Work. The pack covers Trade Unions At Work, Equal* Opportunities, Rights and Responsibilities At Work and Health and Safety. Trade union representatives can also attend the TUC Discussion Leaders Course to equip themselves with skills to be able to run sessions with young people in schools or in their own trade union. Trade union branches can also 'adopt a school' in their locality to encourage visits and exchange of information between schools and workplace. TUC Education also produces a Tackling Racism Workbook which is suitable for 16-19 year old learners in schools and colleges which is available from TUC Publications 020 7467 1294. Fact sheet (1,300 words) issued 27 Feb 2006  Women and Unions New Trade Union Education Centre opens at Ruskin College Development Worker - Derby Trade Union Education Learning Centre |
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