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.
5 March 2010
Revolutions edition three - news from The Learning Revolution
Welcome to the third edition of Revolutions from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). As well as bringing you the latest news on individual Learning Revolution projects, Revolutions helps you to make links between different projects to create a stronger informal learning infrastructure and signpost more learning choices for adults.
In this edition we look at union learning centres that are delivering informal learning to hard-to-reach workers, their families and friends in new venues such as supermarkets and a Sikh temple
1 March 2010
Skills Recovery: how the West Midlands can survive the recession... and beyond
The creation of more than 20 workplace learning centres are playing a crucial role in providing new skills to workers in the West Midlands, helping them to survive the current recession and preparing them for the jobs of the future.
Midlands
19 February 2010
Quick Reads: National Book Tokens Competition
National Book Tokens are proud sponsors of Quick Reads, (a NIACE campaign). With your help, National Book Tokens are raising £10,000 for charity to celebrate the launch of their new gift card! Simply tell your friends about this chance to win by sending an email from the website and National Book Tokens will donate 10p to Book Aid International for each one.
19 February 2010
Working together to give young people hard and soft skills for the workplace
Pioneering courses to prepare young people for the world of work received a boost today (February 19, 2010) at Stephenson College with the signing of an agreement to promote skills and learning in the workplace.
Midlands
18 February 2010
Launch of TUC/unionlearn initiative to aid recovery from recession in the region
This week's employment figures, on the back of the disappointing decision that Tata Corus are going ahead with mothballing the Redcar Steelworks, shows that there remains a good deal of work required to lead the region out of recession. Trade unions are key partners in aiding this recovery.
Northern
18 February 2010
Environmental Science Challenge
Trade unions have been instrumental in the development of an exciting new Environmental Science Challenge that, through vocational competitions and demonstrations, will raise the level of awareness of environmental issues for young people.
The project has produced a range of publicity materials, including a flyer describing the scope of the challenge, a poster to promote it at your workplace and/or local colleges, and information about sponsorship packages available for organisations such as employers and providers.
Winners of this year’s competition will have a chance to compete at international level in World Skills 2011, which will be held in London.
16 February 2010
Community Learning Champions
Unionlearn is one of the partners in a new consortium that has set up a national support programme for Community Learning Champions (CLCs) funded by the Government as part of its informal adult learning strategy. The other members are the WEA, NIACE and Martin Yarnit Associates.
16 February 2010
Kingston University's Online Social Networking Course for Businesses - 50% Discount for May 2010
Kingston University are pleased to offer the first module of our course free of charge to the first 24 Unionlearn members who apply. This offer is in addition to the 50% discount’
Southern and Eastern
16 February 2010
In the north and new to Learning at Work Day?
To help you get the most out of your Learning at Work Day activities Campaign for Learning are running a planning session on Monday 15 March at the Open University North West Regional Centre near Manchester.
North West
15 February 2010
Free tips and advice for those facing redundancy
Unionlearn is working with the Financial Services Authority (FSA), the UK's financial regulator, as part of its Skills: Recession & Recovery project to help those facing redundancy or in danger of losing their job. The FSA has published a handbook providing information on how to manage personal finances during volatile times in workplace. Many people during this recession have had their hours cut, some have lost their job and others face an uncertain future.
