Call us on 0800 0857 857
Learning doesn’t need to stop when we leave formal education and if we want to move forward in a career then continuous learning is essential. Many of us will not have had positive early education experiences, and returning to learning can be daunting. But UNISON, and the partners we work with, will ensure that if […]
Mapping Knowing where migrant workers are based, their job roles, which languages they speak, what (if any) language needs they have, what barriers to learning they may face, what workplace issues they are experiencing, how they feel about trade unions, and which community organisations they have links with, will help inform and structure workplace organising. […]
Negotiating delivery of structured ESOL learning with an employer and ensuring the learning provider meets the needs of UNISON members is success in itself. However, our involvement shouldn’t end there. UNISON’s ongoing support for ESOL learning can make a big difference to members’ motivation and learning experience. There are many ways that branches, activists and […]
It is also worthwhile having a chat with your local college, adult education service, and community organisations about what they can offer ESOL learners in the workplace, or elsewhere. All learning providers […]
Branches, through their officers, have responsibilities to… provide opportunities for the education of members and the development of activists UNISON Code of Good Branch Practice The role of the lifelong learning co-ordinator is to lead on member learning in the branch. They work closely with the branch education co-ordinator and the same person might even […]
UNISON support for non-formal workplace ESOL learning could take place before, during and after formal ESOL classes are arranged, as well as where ESOL classes cannot be negotiated. Coaching support for self-directed learning can be empowering. Short taster activities can build confidence and skills that help people progress while giving workers a positive first experience […]
Government withdrawal of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) funding for people in work has made UNISON’s ability to organise workplace ESOL classes increasingly challenging. The responsibility to meet the English language needs of workers rests with employers. Many employers are keen to offer ESOL for their staff but not to fund it. Although […]
Many UNISON members would like to improve their skills and confidence in some area of English, maths, or IT. Learning reps are ideally placed to identify and address these needs. Identifying interest and need A workplace learning survey could help to identify English, maths and IT needs. Look at the Learning and Development tile […]
Are you interested in improving your English, maths or IT skills? Your employer has a responsibility to address your training needs in these areas. You can also contact your region for information about courses or providers in your area. UNISON has a national agreement with the WEA. GCSE maths and English courses are often free at […]
UNISON works in partnership with a number of well-known organisations, networks, and programmes. Open University The Open University and UNISON partnership is based firmly on a shared goal – to widen access to education and training to extend learning opportunities to those who have previously been unable to access them. To achieve this goal, both […]
