Life Long Learning in Greater London

Life Long Learning (LLL) means learning in the broadest sense, providing people with the skills and confidence to progress and participate at work, in the union, and in wider society. Our focus is learning in the workplace, mainly on programmes organised in partnership with employers, using UNISON materials.

Learning doesn't just mean vocational training - getting the skills needed to do a particular task or job - however important that is. UNISON means learning in the broadest sense, providing people with the skills and confidence to progress and participate at work, in the union, and in wider society.

We know that our members are often held back at work and in society by a lack of skills, lack of training and lack of confidence. We also know that women, part-time workers and those in low paid manual jobs are less likely to be involved in any learning programmes that are on offer from their employer.

The UNISON approach is to ensure that as many of our members as possible have opportunities for learning providing them with the skills and confidence to progress and participate fully at work, in society and in the union. Union learning reps (ULR's), alongside the branch education co-ordinator, will have a key role to play in delivering this benefit for our members.

UNISON's experience is that our skills for life courses delivered in partnerships with employers, and other projects, benefit members and branches alike. Individual learners benefit, and for them the courses are often a life-changing experience. Branches benefit as their profile is raised, and the union appears relevant to new groups of members. Recruitment and interest in the union is the result - all part of the organising approach. Members who have been through a successful course may want to help promote UNISON's lifelong learning agenda in their branch, and take on the role of Union Learning Representative - a new route into union activity.

UNISON's partnerships with employers, deliver communication skills courses (including ESOL English as a Second or Other Language) to non-traditional learners in the workplace and are now delivered in all services, both with public sector employers and private contractors.

There are now legal rights for union appointed Union Learning Reps (ULRs) to spend paid time at work raising awareness of LLL amongst members. They are responsible for finding out the learning needs members have, and liasing with UNISON, training managers, and employers to put on courses to meet them.

Union learning reps are enthusiasts and advocates for learning in their own workplaces. Their role will vary according to their own circumstances. Some of the Reps tasks are:

• raising awareness of lifelong learning issues in the workplace;
• raising awareness of lifelong learning opportunities amongst members and potential members, and finding out the learning needs of particular groups of members or potential members;
• liaising with employers on lifelong learning opportunities in the workplace;
• working with UNISON branch officers and especially the branch education co-ordinators to promote workplace learning;
• creating a positive experience of what UNISON can do for and with members in the workplace around learning issues.

Union learning representatives now have the same statutory rights as stewards and safety representatives to facility time to undertake their role and get relevant training.

Three day courses at regional level provide an introduction to the role of the union learning rep. They offer additional opportunities to the many branch level courses that take place. Lunch provided, £22.50 branch fee.

Location: Euston (NUT)
Dates: 22, 23 & 24 September
Code: L083

Location: Euston (NUT)
Dates: 17 & 24 November & 1 December (3 Tuesdays)
Code: L084

To register for these to course please complete an Application Form and return to Amanda Mayers - Fax 0207 535 2105 or post:

UNISON, First Floor Congress House,
Great Russell Street,
London
WC1B 3LS

If you would like to find out more about life long learning opportunities or becoming a Union Learning Rep please contact Richard Soer LLL Project Worker, or Les Perkins Regional Education Officer on 020 7535 6645 or g.education@unison.co.uk

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