"Trade unions are big supporters of workplace learning"

Trade unions are big supporters of workplace learning. We train members to become workplace learning reps who help their workmates with support and guidance on learning opportunities. 

Through this, unions help many people create a better future for themselves, with greater opportunities for career development.  

Joanne, a Leeds Council worker, feels that it has given her a new lease of life.  

It started when she saw an advert from her union advertising learning. She contacted her union and after meeting with Julie the learning coordinator her learning journey began. 

Julie helped Joanne enrol on a pre maths course at York College. She completed maths level 1 and is now studying for level 2. When she completes this course, she hopes to enrol on an English courses September 2023. 

Joanne is dyslexic and has a health condition which meant that isolation during Covid increased her anxiety. The support from Julie was crucial to her finding the confidence to enrol and begin her learning journey. She now sees a brighter future head of her with more opportunity. 

Billy in Newcastle needed a confidence boost too when he was given a supervisor’s role after 38 years working as a refuse collector. It meant desk work and admin for the first time, but he could not even turn on a computer.  

He first met his union learning rep at a learning zone set up in a Newcastle Council building by the union. First he completed Digital Skills level 1 and then he enrolled on an advanced computer course through Newcastle College.  

Billy is now fully computer literate and able to complete all aspects of his job. He has since been promoted to assistant manager. None of this would have happened without the support of his union learning rep and the learning zone. 

Joanne and Billy’s stories shows what is unique and special about union learning. Union learning reps are trusted colleagues. They are not trying to impose learning on anyone, but they are there to advise, guide and help people direct their own learning for their own aspirations. This is why the approach is so successful with people who may not have had positive experiences in school and may need their confidence as learners building up. 

If you think union learning could help you – or you would like to train to become a learning rep – speak to one of your union reps to find out more.