Union Learning Representatives (ULR) are at the forefront of efforts to improve the skills of the workforce, in this month’s blog, Union Learning Fund (ULF) Project Manager Julie Gorman tells us more.
I’ve been working with the ULF for 7 years now and one of the things that has really struck me is the importance of dedicated Union Learning Reps; with ULR support, the ULF has helped thousands of workers to access a wide range of learning opportunities.
Many of these workers wouldn’t have thought about engaging in learning if it wasn’t for the confidence inspired by their ULR and the practical support that they were given.
ULRs are the key to the success of Union Learning!
ULRs also have an important role to play in union organisation in workplaces.
As well as increasing opportunities for individual members and developing a learning culture,
union learning renews union activism and strengthens the union voice, this in turn sustains learning activities.
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions recognises the sterling work that ULRs carry out in their workplaces and is committed to providing advice and information as well as practical support.
To help ULRs get the skills for their role, we have developed a 7-day training course. The course is designed to introduce the role and rights of the ULR, provide the skills and knowledge the ULR will need to develop and support a culture of learning in the workplace. The course is for newly appointed ULRs and experienced learning reps who would like a refresher.
I’d encourage anyone who has taken up the ULR role but who hasn’t yet had a chance to get trained up, to enrol for the course now. You’ll be taught by an experienced trade union tutor but the real learning comes from the other participants on the course; everyone is encouraged to talk about the challenges they face in the workplace and consider how to overcome them and of course to share any successes and ideas!
The next ULR training course is due to take place via zoom on the 31st January. For further information
