Return to Learn is a course designed for adults that may have been away from learning for some time. Members from all walks of life and work backgrounds have benefited from Return to Learn.
You’ll find it not only helps you in your job but also outside work with things like taking part in group activities, helping the kids with homework, getting yourself heard and finding new opportunities. Many members go on to take qualifications in English and maths and lots have found it a helpful route into further and higher education.
The course is run in a welcoming and supportive environment so it’s not like going back to school! There are no exams to take. At the end you will receive a certificate from UNISON and the Workers Educational Association (WEA) who run the course for us.
What’s in the course?
You will work through four units which have lots of short activities and assignments including problem solving, using a computer, discussions, team working, exploring points of view, everyday maths, improving note taking and writing, thinking about your future and much more.
Who is it for?
Any UNISON member can join a R2L course.
What will the course involve?
You will join a group of colleagues who will meet once every one/two weeks in the evening at a local venue. You will have a tutor to help and advise you throughout the course. There will also be a free residential weekend school.
What will it cost?
R2L is FREE to any UNISON member. UNISON pays the cost of all materials and out of pocket expenses. UNISON can also help with childcare or dependant care costs.
Your stories
Pete Gibson: “I’ve never looked back”
Former miner Pete Gibson was working in the laundry at Doncaster Royal Infirmary when the work was contracted out and everyone had to apply for a job with the new provider.
“Before they closed the laundry down I had started Return to Learn: the people interviewing me were impressed that I’d got off my backside to do some learning,” he recalls. “The others all got jobs around the hospital but not one of them got one of the standard I got.”
Now working as a clerical coding officer at the hospital, he credits his new career to Return to Learn.
“I think it’s fantastic – best thing since sliced bread. It’s free education. I’ve never looked back. People should give it a try.”