Learning & skills initiatives
Learning initiatives
For many people work is a good place to learn both in formal learning programmes and through working processes and a culture that encourages informal learning from colleagues. For others work could be a good place to learn but it would need a change in culture and opportunity.
Union learning representatives can work with employers to create and extend opportunities. For vocational training through National Vocational Qualifications and other recognised qualifications and through modern apprenticeships attracting young workers.
They can also make sure there are opportunities for development too - employee development schemes where people can choose their own learning, workplace learning centres offering a choice of provision, and basic skills assessment to make sure everyone has the tools to benefit from study.
Unions will want to make agreements with employers or extend existing ones to make sure initiatives are embedded in the organisation. Investors in People provides a framework which supports learning and development of the workforce.
2 September 2010
Impact of photography course funded through the Festival of Learning - Case study
As part of the Festival of Learning, the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists (SCP) ran a digital photography course, in conjunction with Lewisham College, for staff in October 2009. In every day clinical practice podiatrists are increasingly required to take digital photographs of different foot problems for inclusion in patient clinical records.
Southern and Eastern
2 September 2010
What do I need to know about apprentice pay?
Frequently asked questions about apprenticeship pay answered.
24 August 2010
AEGON - Right to Request Time to Train case study
AEGON are a forward thinking financial services organisation that demonstrates exemplary policies on workplace learning. Prior to the introduction of the Right to Request Time to Train, the employer was already working in partnership with UNITE to provide Skills for Life training and had supported requests for time off for further and higher education through its flexible working procedures...
23 August 2010
Redundancy and Financial Assistance - Case study
The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) in Workington held a redundancy and financial assistance workshop for fixed term contract support staff affected by cuts.
Unionlearn's Ken Gyles, PCS union representatives and union learning representatives (ULRs) collectively organised the event.
Northern
20 August 2010
Financial Capability Briefing – Case study
As part of the unionlearn Skills, Recession & Recovery Project (SRR) in the North East and Cumbria, Ken Gyles Development worker for the SRR, was invited to attend the Regional Financial Inclusion Stakeholder Group. The group which is made up of all major stakeholders in the region and was set up to look at issues pertaining to financial exclusion.
Northern
19 August 2010
What do I need to know about Apprenticeship Training Agencies (ATAs)?
What is an ATA? Is it different to a Group Training Association (GTA)? How many ATAs are there? Where are the government funded ATAs? What should I be looking out for if my employer is using an ATA?...
13 August 2010
Celebration of Learning 2010 North West Application Form
Grants of up to £1,000 are available to organise Adult and Community Learning events. These will be available for learning centres, union branches, regional offices, Trade Union Education centres and community groups to put on Celebration of Learning events open to union members and the wider community. This grant is available to run activities during the Celebration of Learning which will take place over 2 weeks commencing 18th October 2010. Deadline: 3rd September 2010.
North West
13 August 2010
Trade Unions Celebrate Learning in the North East and Cumbria
Building on the success of last year's Festival of Learning events, unionlearn is delighted to announce that the Department for Business Innovation and Skills are very keen for us emulate activities of last October.
Northern
12 August 2010
Back to Basics with UK online centres and unionlearn
With the support of UK online centres and unionlearn, more and more trade union learning centres with the support of their union learning representatives (ULRs) are engaging hard-to-reach learners into the world of ICT through Online basics and Myguide.
Online Basics is a suite of five free courses developed by UK online centres. Learners can progress onto further free courses on the Myguide website.
11 August 2010
Latest consultation must not weaken right to request training, warns TUC
Commenting on the launch (Wednesday 11 Wednesday) of the Government consultation on the right to request time to train, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:
“Since its introduction earlier this year, the right to request time to train has opened new doors for workers to get the skills they need to further their careers...
