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Lifelong Learning

The Lifelong Learning co-ordinators in the Branch are Jason Whitwell and Julian Price.

Please contact Jason or Julian to discuss how you can access the range of opportunities that are available to Unison members.

UNISON''s Open College has led the field with its innovative learning in the workplace programmes such as Return to Learn and Women, Work and Society which offer new life chances to people who have traditionally been excluded from learning. LAOS works closely with the Open College and outside partners to develop a network of lifelong learning advisers and learning reps who can

Encourage members and potential members into learning for their personal development
Work with the branch to negotiate learning partnerships with employers covering issues such as time off for learning
Encourage new learners to get involved in UNISON and help branches develop and organise

A Union Learning Fund project Establishing a Culture of Learning is funding further development of a network of branch based lifelong learning advisers and learning reps, with the aim of linking learning initiatives to recruitment and organising.

Training which is accessible to everyone

UNISON education and training courses are open to all activists and members. We will provide course materials in large print or braille and provide facilitation - please make your requirements clear when you complete the course application form.

If you have childcare or other caring responsibilities and you are attending training away from home or when you would not normally be at work UNISON will provide a creche or cover the cost of care.

LAOS and Regional Education Officers work closely with self organised groups representing women, black, disabled and lesbian and gay members to ensure that all underrepresented groups have access to our courses. Training is key to ensuring that all groups of members are able to participate fully in union activities -including UNISON members who work part time, or who are manual workers or low paid workers.

Training helps people challenge discriminatory attitudes and practices both within the union and the workplace. As well as running courses on specific equalities issues such as Tackling Racism, we also work to ensure that equalities issues are integrated into all activist and member training.

Learning is fun - and its free

UNISON courses are friendly and informal. They have been specially designed for adults. Training involves practical activities and working with groups of other UNISON members and activists. You don''t have to listen to long lectures or take exams.

Training is stimulating and gives you a chance to step back from your job and your activist work to think and learn. Skills development and confidence building are important elements of most UNISON courses. You''ll be surprised at what you learn on a UNISON course!

UNISON pays for the courses and materials for courses. Where there is a charge, it is to branches - not to you. If you are interested in finding out more - talk to your branch education co-ordinator or branch secretary.

Time off for training

Stewards, health and safety reps, union learning reps and branch officers have the right to paid time off for training in their union duties in most workplaces. This also applies to part time activists and those who take part in on-line courses.

UNISON advises activists to give several weeks notice to employers and to provide managers with information about the course as required.

If you or your branch are experiencing difficulties in obtaining time off for trade union training contact your Regional Organiser or Regional Education Officer.

Taking credit

Some UNISON courses are accredited via the Open College Network (OCN). OCN credits are recognised by many training providers and colleges and are at the level of GCSEs or A Levels. If you wish to work towards OCN credits you have to keep a record of the activities on the training course and submit a portfolio at the end of the course.

It''s up to you whether you want to be assessed for credits or not. Much of the assessment will be done by you and the course tutor, who will be able to help you with putting together your portfolio. There are no exams.