The Wales Union Learning Fund - Connecting workers into learning for a more skilled, equal and prosperous Wales - Trades Union Congress
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The Wales Union Learning Fund Connecting workers into learning for a more skilled, equal and prosperous Wales
2 The Wales Union Learning Fund
About the Wales TUC
The Wales Trades Union Congress (Wales TUC) is ‘the voice of Wales
at work’ and is an umbrella organisation for trade unions. With over
50 affiliated trade unions, the Wales TUC represents over 400,000
workers. It campaigns for a fair deal at work and social justice.
Wales TUC Learning Services was tool in developing the skills to create a
established in 1999 to support flourishing, vibrant Welsh economy with
trade unions to bring learning well-paid, rewarding and sustainable
opportunities to workplaces which jobs. It also plays a key role in promoting
have union recognition. Funded by greater equality in our workplaces.
Welsh Government, it is a specialist
team, ideally placed to support the The Learning Services team currently
development of union-led learning supports 23 Wales Union Learning
initiatives in workplaces in Wales. Fund projects across Wales. These
projects are led by individual or small
Trade unions have always led the way groups of unions and are funded by
in ensuring equal and fair access to Welsh Government. The team also
learning opportunities in the workplace. supports unions and employers to
Where this is organised there are clear establish partnership arrangements,
benefits for the whole workforce. and provides training and development
for the estimated 1000 union learning
As can be seen from the examples in this representatives who promote workplace
booklet, union-led learning is a critical learning in Wales.
Contents What is the Wales Union Learning Fund (WULF)? 4 What do the WULF projects provide? 5 ASLEF 6-7 BECTU/CULT Cymru 8-13 BFAWU14-15 Community16-17 CWU18-19 FBU20-21 GMB22-25 NAPO26-27 NUJ28-31 NUT32-33 PCS34-35 RCM36-37 UCATT38-39 UNISON40-47 Unite48-49 URTU50 Usdaw51-53 Could you be a ULR? 54-55 Case Studies Louise (Learner)10 Mark (Learner)24 Jamie (Learner)30 Laura (ULR)35 Debbie (ULR)41 Nick (Learner)51
4 The Wales Union Learning Fund
What is the Wales
Union Learning Fund?
The Wales Union Learning Fund (WULF) ‘Unionised’ workplaces are those where
exists to support learning initiatives in the employer has officially recognised
unionised workplaces where employers a union. This means the employer has a
recognise the benefits of working in duty to consult and negotiate with the
partnership with unions to up-skill their union on workplace issues. The collective
workforce. It funds a range of projects negotiating power of the union helps
which are led by different unions and workers to have their voices heard on
promote workplace learning. issues such as pay, terms and conditions,
safety at work, equality and workplace
learning.
How is it funded?
WULF is funded by Welsh Government, successful and innovative WULF projects
and unions apply to run projects using to date. The learning opportunities
the fund in a competitive bidding the projects provide are open to all
process. There are 23 WULF projects employees within a workplace, whether
funded in the current round, with most or not they are in a union. The projects
projects funded until March 2018. have been responsible for bringing
successful workplace learning to tens of
Since its inception in 1999, WULF has thousands of learners in Wales.
received over £13 million from the Welsh
Government and this has seen 185
5
What do the WULF projects provide?
Each project is unique, reflecting the different types of workplaces where the union is
active and the needs of the learners within them. Projects can include:
• bespoke courses to meet specific • coordination, advice, support and
vocational/professional needs signposting through networks
• funding for individuals and groups of workplace union learning
of learners to access a wide range of representatives (ULRs)
vocational courses through learning • providing resources, equipment and
providers setting up workplace learning centres
• support to improve Essential Skills • workshops, events, briefings and
(literacy, numeracy and digital skills) digital learning resources
• support for workers with dyslexia and
other specific learning needs This booklet provides information
• promoting equality, health and about each of the WULF projects, their
wellbeing at work through learning activities and the stories of some of
the people who have been helped by
• partnership working with employers, the learning opportunities they have
learning providers, charities, provided.
community groups and other partners
• supporting professional and personal It also includes some more information
development about the role of ULRs - the army of
1000 workplace volunteers who are the
• redundancy support and help during
backbone of so much of this work.
career and organisational change
What is included in this booklet is just a
snapshot of the work that WULF projects
do. The contacts provided can give more
information about each project’s work
and activities.
6 The Wales Union Learning Fund
ASLEF WULF Project:
The Learning Partnership
Programme
The Learning Partnership Programme is led by the train drivers’ union,
ASLEF. It is a collaborative venture between the four rail unions (ASLEF,
RMT, TSSA and Unite), the Wales Union Learning Fund (WULF), the
Wales TUC and the train operating companies. WULF is provided by
Welsh Government to support workplace learning.
The project provides funded learning The Project strives to deliver a mixture
opportunities and support to rail workers of diverse learning opportunities across
in Wales. It has enabled hundreds of Wales, specifically devised to make
people to access learning through classroom activities more accessible
classroom based or distance learning and convenient to shift workers.
courses.
The project is working in partnership
At the heart of the programme is a with employers and learning providers to
dedicated team of union learning achieve:
representatives co-ordinating learning
opportunities within the workplace and • 190 individuals accessing accredited/
supporting colleagues to: non-accredited learning
• 250 information, advice and guidance
• learn a new skill sessions
• gain qualifications missed at school • 10 awareness raising events
• gain qualifications to help with their • 4 e-safety training workshops
career
• 3 awareness raising campaigns
• brush up on existing skills
• take a recreational course for personal
development or well-being
7
Cycle Training Wales Learner Cardiff:
“I’d recommend this course to anyone. I’ve
learned so much, the tutor was great and
it’s given me confidence to get active again”
A recent bike maintenance course
Contact:
Emma Penman (Project Worker) emma.penman@aslef.org.uk
07817 145754 www.aslef.org.uk
This project is currently funded by Welsh Government until 31 March 2018.
The
The PARTNERSHIP
LEARNING
LEARNING PARTNERSHIP
Programme
The
Programme
LEARNING PARTNERSHIP
Programme
8 The Wales Union Learning Fund
BECTU / CULT Cymru WULF Project:
Skills for Creatives
BECTU (The Broadcasting, Entertainment, Communications/Digital and
Theatre Union) represents those working behind the scenes in
the creative industries.
BECTU is a sector of Prospect. Many of and personally and to improve the
its members are freelance workers, micro creative opportunities available in our
businesses or employees on fixed term communities. The project is funded
contracts. by Welsh Government’s Wales Union
CULT Cymru (Creative Unions Learning Learning Fund (WULF).
Together) is the brand used for learning
activities developed in partnership with Project activities include:
its sister unions; Equity, the Musicians’
Union and the Writers’ Guild of Great • learning surveys
Britain. • job specific workshops
The Skills for Creatives WULF Project • health and safety workshops
is an all Wales bilingual project that
• sustainability workshops
engages with the current and future
workforce, employers and partners • redundancy support
to organise bespoke and affordable, • coaching and mentoring
practical learning activities. The aim
is to enable creative workers to reach • cross generational events
their full potential both in their careers • signposting
• support for students, apprentices
and new entrants
“Great initiative and v. grateful for the training.
After years of FOH [Front of House] work it’s the
first time I’ve had any training!”
Production Manager – Live Events
9 “CULT Cymru courses give our staff and freelancers accredited qualifications at the highest standards, not just the minimum that you need to get safety credentials. Because of the nature of the work we do, which can involve effects such as blowing up cars or firing bullets, we want our crews to be working at the highest level when it comes to safety.” Company Director – Real SFX Employees, freelancers, casuals and volunteers from over 55 organisations in the private, public and third sectors have accessed the project’s workshops including: • Cardiff Theatrical Services (CTS) • Newbridge Memo • Clwyd Theatr Cymru • BBC and S4C • National Theatre Wales • Cwmni Da and Rondo Media • Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru • No Fit State Circus Between 2013-16: • 2,038 people participated in CULT Cymru’s activities • 432 people benefitted from accredited/assessed training provided by the project. Contact: Siân Gale (Project Manager) sian@bectu.org.uk 029 2055 4601 www.cultcymru.org This project is currently funded by Welsh Government until 31 March 2018.
10 The Wales Union Learning Fund
Learner case study:
Louise
Louise is from Swansea and was a young new entrant to Wales’ TV industry
when she started working as a camera assistant.
She was supported by CULT Cymru’s “New entrants are particularly vulnerable
Welsh Government funded WULF project as recruitment practices are largely
and the broadcasting union BECTU after informal and dependent on who rather
experiencing difficulties securing paid than what you know. As a union BECTU
work. is keen to ensure that new entrants,
regardless of their background, have
“I was offered a work experience an opportunity to develop sustainable
placement covering rugby matches careers and to receive fair treatment at
and was really pleased to be getting work.”
the experience. But as time went on, I
was doing more and more, operating “A friend thought joining a union might
cameras on my own – basically doing the help” explains Louise, “That is how I
job of a skilled operator, but without pay. first met Siân. She helped me to write a
letter to the manager of the company
“It reached the point where it wasn’t explaining why I felt I should be paid for
work experience anymore. I knew that I what I was doing– she helped me word
should be paid for what I was doing but it properly. I got a really good outcome
I wasn’t sure how to approach it. It was from it as they agreed to pay me!
pretty much my first experience of the
industry and I felt nervous about raising “Later on I found myself out of work
the issue with my boss.” when the company folded its business in
Wales. Siân encouraged me to do some
“The industry has changed drastically of the courses offered by CULT Cymru
over the last 20 years” says Siân Gale, and also helped me with my CV. When
CULT Cymru’s Project Manager, “with a you don’t have work coming in you feel
move from permanent, secure jobs in a bit low, like you’re not worth anything,
large organisations such as the BBC and but doing the courses made me feel
ITV, to less secure fixed term contracts or better about myself and more confident
freelance work. about getting work”.11
Now I’m back in work I’ve been telling
others about the courses. Having these
training opportunities is really important
Louise
“I did BECTU’s Creative Industries Safety basis I had to do a tax return which I’d
Passport course. This was really worth never done before.”
doing because it shows you understand
the health and safety requirements of Since doing the courses through WULF,
the industry. The courses were highly Louise has continued to develop her
subsidised which made them affordable career and has secured work on series
for me, as I wouldn’t have been able to such as The Collection, Hinterland and
do them otherwise. Doctor Who.
“After that I did a Speed Networking “Now I’m back in work I’ve been telling
course and one called Marketing and others about the courses. Having these
Promoting Yourself. These were both training opportunities is really important
really useful at building my confidence to us freelancers and new entrants
around how to talk to people I don’t working in the industry.
know, and how to talk about myself
positively. “Without the union the training
opportunities wouldn’t be there - if the
“I also did a course on Employment union weren’t doing it, I don’t think it
for Freelancers that was really useful – would happen at all. It is really important
because I’d been paid on a freelance to be able to have the chance to develop
and become better at the job.”12 The Wales Union Learning Fund
BECTU, Equity, the Musicians’ Union and
the Writers’ Guild WULF Project:
Live Local - Think Global in
the Digital World
CULT Cymru (Creative Unions Learning Together) is the brand used
for organising learning activities via the Broadcasting, Entertainment
and Communications Trade Union (BECTU) in partnership with Equity
(the union for professional performers), the Musicians’ Union and the
Writers’ Guild of Great Britain.
The Live Local – Think Global in the Workshops and activities include:
Digital World WULF project focusses on • Freelancing for Creatives
the creative industries which are among
the fastest growing in the world. • Pitching your Ideas
The Welsh Government identified • Networking for Creatives
that between 2006-2015 in Wales, • Intellectual Property Rights
employment in TV, film, video, radio and
• Mental Health First Aid
photography grew by 53.5 per cent and
in music, performing and visual arts by • Digital Skills
118.3 per cent. • First Aid at Work
Many industry practitioners feel isolated • Train the Trainer
due to geographical location, atypical
working patterns or lack of suitable • Skills for Actors
contacts and resources. The project • Skills for Musicians
works with partners to provide inclusive
• E-publishing
support to engage even the ‘hard
to reach’ or ‘easy to ignore’ workers • Coaching and mentoring (ILM)
to enable them to build sustainable • Equality and diversity
careers locally and to promote their
work globally. It is funded by Welsh • Co-working for creatives
Government’s Wales Union Learning
Fund (WULF).13 “We have a saying in Welsh - Gorau arf, arf dysg. It means the best weapon is knowledge. Having attended two workshops I’m delighted to say that CULT Cymru is arming us with the weapons we need to get where we want to be in the industry.” Author and Broadcaster “Thank you so much for this workshop (Combat Skills) which was affordable but priceless”. Actor “Lovely panellists (session musicians) with a broad range of relevant experience - could talk to them for hours and still not learn enough.” Musician Tidy Outcome Tidy Productions, who produce the drama series ‘Stella’ for Sky One, trademarked the name ‘Stella’ after attending a CULT Café evening with the Intellectual Property Office. CULT Cymru – the tiny team creating a big impact on learning in Wales’ creative industries. Contact: Siân Gale (Project Manager) sian@bectu.org.uk 029 2055 4601 www.cultcymru.org This project is currently funded by Welsh Government until 31 March 2018.
14 The Wales Union Learning Fund
BFAWU WULF Project:
Upskilling for Life Skills
The Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU) represents
workers in the food sector, from production at factories through to
sales at shops.
The BFAWU Wales Union Learning Fund with many of the larger food companies
(WULF) project Upskilling for Life Skills including Memory Lane Cakes, Burtons
is funded by Welsh Government and Biscuits, RF Brookes and Greggs. It
aims to increase the work and life skills also supports individuals from smaller
of those working in the food sector to workplaces on a one-to-one basis.
enable them to upskill and increase During 2013 -16, the BFAWU WULF
their earning ability. It also seeks to help project supported:
people develop their careers and gain
promotion in what is traditionally a low • learning opportunities for over 1000
pay sector. It covers the whole of Wales. learners including IT, vocational
training, ESOL and Essential skills
The project has rolled out a courses
comprehensive Essential Skills
programme in literacy and numeracy. • the training of 13 dyslexia champions
Many learners have gone on to achieve • many more learning opportunities
further formal qualifications and extend including book keeping, customer
their career opportunities. The project services, leadership, interviewing skills
also promotes and supports people with and CV writing, confidence building
dyslexia and those who do not have and data protection
English as their first language.
Through its network of union learning
reps, the project works in partnership15 Case study The BFAWU project has worked closely with the Caerphilly Miners’ Community Project which aims to provide a place for residents of the local community to socialise, learn and develop skills, access information and participate in community activities. It also seeks to tackle inequality and poverty, economic exclusion and social isolation. The BFAWU WULF project has installed IT equipment, run training courses and held open days at the venue. Claire James from BFAWU says: “We use The Miners’ as a place to host training activity for learners who would otherwise be excluded or may find it difficult to access training opportunities.” Staff at Memory Lane Cakes (pictured with Ken Skates AM) have benefitted from Essential Skills training. Contact: Claire James claire.james@bfawu.org (Project Development Officer) www.bfawu.org This project is currently funded by Welsh Government until 31 March 2018.
16 The Wales Union Learning Fund
Community/Communitas WULF Project:
Building a Learning
Community
Community represents steel workers as well as workers in
manufacturing, process, service and voluntary sectors. Communitas
is the training and learning arm of Community.
The Building a Learning Community Aims:
project uses Community’s established • assist 195 learners to achieve an
workplace learning centres to provide accredited qualification
opportunities for learners to increase
their skills. It is funded by the Wales • assist 100 learners to gain an ICT
Union Learning Fund (WULF) provided qualification
by Welsh Government. • help to address gender inequality
The project uses a partnership approach by striving for parity of numbers in
to learning and prioritises vulnerable apprenticeships
workers such as those in un-skilled roles, • continue to support contractors and
people with essential skills needs and agency staff
those under threat of redundancy. It also
engages with hard to reach workers such
as part time and shift workers.
Tata Steel
Communitas is heavily involved in supporting the workforce at TATA Steel in Wales
offering support and guidance through the threat of redundancies. Recently a
programme of bespoke training with Aspire2Be (an education technology company)
was developed to help support employees with digital skills and CV writing. One of
the learners said:
“Brilliant course which has so much to offer – needs to get out
to the whole workforce.”17
Gareth, a learner from Vision Products:
“I have attended numerous courses provided by Communitas ranging from
gaining my forklift licence to becoming an emergency first aider. Completing
these courses has given me the qualifications to successfully gain a
secondment opportunity as a supervisor. It has also given me confidence in
both my working life and personal life, teaching me all kinds of transferrable
skills.
“I was presented with an Outstanding Learner Award from my employer. I
was extremely proud to have been awarded this as learning is a passion of
mine and always will be. With the help of Communitas we are now delivering
internal and external training courses available to all employees. We can hold
them in our state of the art learning centre which was also provided and
funded by WULF.”
Contact:
Lisa Francis (Project Manager) lisafrancis@communitas.org.uk
www.communitas.org.uk
This project is currently funded by Welsh Government until 31 March 2018.18 The Wales Union Learning Fund
CWU WULF project:
Learning Together
The Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) represents workers in the
communications and financial services industry. It has around 11,000
members in Wales, working for a wide range of employers including
Royal Mail and BT Group.
“Many staff have told me that they’ve found the courses have
helped to boost their confidence and they’ve become quicker
and more effective in their work. So the employer has seen the
benefits as well with increased productivity, better morale and
reduced sickness absence.”
Jan James, ULR at BT19
“I hadn’t done any training since I left college, but I enjoyed
refreshing my writing and number skills. Now I’ve got the
driving qualification I feel it will help in my career within Royal
Mail but I’ve also got the qualification there in case I ever had
to look for another job in the event of redundancies.”
Mike, Royal Mail
Mike attended Essential Skills training and completed a Foundation in Driving
Goods Vehicles (DGV) course with support from the project.
The CWU’s Learning Together project
works to increase the skills and
learning opportunities of people in the
workplaces where it is represented. It is
active in workplaces across the whole
of Wales. The project is funded through
the Wales Union Learning Fund (WULF),
which is provided by Welsh Government.
Some examples of courses the project
The project aims to create a learning
has organised:
environment where the benefits of
undertaking regular learning and training • Driving Goods Vehicles
are recognised by both the employer apprenticeships
and the individual. • Essential Skills
With the support of its network of • IT courses
workplace union learning reps (ULRs),
the project delivers workplace learning • CPR and First Aid
opportunities to help people to learn • Welsh Language
new skills - be that to enhance their • Mental Health First Aid
current role or to provide the potential
for promotion or career change. • Health and Wellbeing courses
Contact:
Kim Johnson (Project Worker) kim.w.johnson@btinternet.com
07710 854891 www.cwu.org
This project is currently funded by Welsh Government until 31 March 2018.20 The Wales Union Learning Fund
FBU WULF Project:
The Learning Ladder
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) represents around 85 per cent of
operational firefighters in Wales.
With The Learning Ladder project, the The Learning Ladder project works with
FBU is seeking to widen participation the FBU’s National Learning Centre to
and improve skills and personal deliver a range of qualifications including
development opportunities to courses such as:
individuals. The project is funded by • Occupational Health and Safety
the Wales Union Learning Fund (WULF)
which is provided by Welsh Government. • Equality and Diversity
The FBU works closely in partnership • Team Leading Knowledge
with employers and local further
• Customer Service Knowledge
education and learning providers.
• Principles of Dementia Care
The project aims to increase
participation in learning across all • Common Health Conditions
sectors of the Fire and Rescue Service • Working with People with Learning
and provide opportunities for access to Disabilities
qualifications that target the skills and
interest of members and other Fire and • Awareness of Mental Health
Rescue Service employees. Conditions
The project has been at the forefront in • Information, Advice and Guidance
improving the understanding of dyslexia • Autism Awareness
and other specific learning difficulties
• Exercise Studies
in the workplaces where it is active. By
building a network of workplace union • Nutrition and Health
learning reps and dyslexia advisors, it • End of Life Care
has developed a structure to support
individuals as they deal with these issues.21 FBU learner case study Stephen served for twelve years as a Royal Engineer and carried out bomb disposal duties. On leaving the army he experienced difficulty in finding full time employment and in 2009 he joined South Wales Fire and Rescue Service as a part time retained duty firefighter. With support from the FBU WULF project, Stephen completed a gym instructor course and launched his own business. He offered people the opportunity to get fit and improve their fitness under supervision and with qualified guidance in the parks and open spaces in his local area. Stephen acknowledges the help that learning through the FBU WULF project has provided for him in giving him the start that he needed. Contact: Simon Fleming simon.fleming@fbu.org.uk (Project Manager) www.fbueducation.org.uk 07809 725684 www.fbu.org.uk This project is currently funded by Welsh Government until 31 March 2018.
22 The Wales Union Learning Fund
GMB WULF Project:
The Learning Advocacy
The GMB is a ‘general’ union with members in many of the UK’s biggest
50 companies. GMB members work across sectors including retail,
security, schools, distribution and the utilities, social care, the NHS and
ambulance service and local government.
The GMB’s “The Learning Advocacy” The project’s aims include:
WULF project is funded by Welsh • offering high quality information,
Government through the Wales Union advice and guidance for individuals
Learning Fund (WULF). It is the latest in and employers
a series of highly successful workplace
learning projects the union has led in • improving progression from Essential
Wales. Skills into higher level learning
Focussing on new developments in the • increasing employer engagement in all
recognised key sectors and industries, relevant skills programmes
the project aims to work in partnership • funding for at least 200 individuals to
with employers to promote learning gain accredited qualifications
opportunities and upskill workers.
To support this work, it has developed
a network of union learning reps,
digital champions and essential skills
ambassadors in workplaces across
Wales.
Mark Church, GMB Learner of the Year23 Employer Case Study: Dŵr Cymru (Welsh Water) The GMB WULF project has worked in a highly successful partnership with Dŵr Cymru to promote an Essential Skills programme in the workplace. To date over 500 staff have signed up achieving 1,060 qualifications in literacy, numeracy and IT between them. Staff who benefitted from the programme include: • Andrew Prosser, who feared he had been ‘left behind’ after leaving college, did Essential Skills courses and went on to study an Access course and gain a promotion. • Paul Leadbeatter was able to upskill and successfully re-gain confidence returning to work after a long sickness absence. • Tony Price was supported by the project in gaining a diagnosis of dyspraxia and getting the adjustments he needed to be able to work effectively. He received Essential Skills training and has since been promoted. Presenting the programme with an Inspire! Award, the Learning and Work Institute Wales recognised it as, “one of the most comprehensive and successful workplace training programmes in Wales, not only in terms of the sheer number of learners… but also the level of partnership working and the support it offers to its colleagues.” Contact: Mike Wilson (Project Manager) mike.wilson@dwrcymru.com 029 2049 1260 www.gmb.org.uk This project is currently funded by Welsh Government until 31 March 2018.
24 The Wales Union Learning Fund
Learner case study:
Mark
Mark left school without being able to read or write confidently and spent
most of his adult life just ‘getting by’ or avoiding situations where he could
be exposed.
“I couldn’t pick up and read a book might help others in a similar situation.
or a newspaper like other people,” he Although studies have found that as
explains, “I also had great difficulty with many as one in ten adults in Wales have a
writing.” literacy level below Level 1, many still feel
a sense of stigma around this issue and do
Years after leaving school and now in his not know where they can go for support.
forties, Mark was redeployed from his Mark was lucky to be in a workplace where
manual role in Dŵr Cymru (Welsh Water) the union and the employer worked in
into a more technical role. It was at this partnership to support workers to access
point he found he could no longer avoid training and support.
confronting his difficulties.
In speaking out, Mark has helped to lift
“When I realised I would no longer be some of the perceived stigma that is
able to get by with the skills levels I sadly often still felt about adult literacy
had…. I panicked!” and raised awareness of how unions can
support members with Essential Skills
Mark decided to take action and turned needs.
to his workplace union learning rep for
support. The union arranged one-to- This is particularly important as many
one training to help Mark improve his people are not comfortable talking to
Essential Skills. their employer about literacy issues but
may feel more able to confide in a union
Mark has now gained recognised rep.
qualifications. Improving his Essential
Skills has been nothing short of life Two years on, Mark is now a confident
changing. He describes it as “like being public speaker and has talked about his
let out of cage.” experiences at events and conferences.
“I feel like a new person – it is just one
He has shared his story in the hope it of the best things I’ve ever done. It has25
I feel like a new person – it is just
one of the best things I’ve ever done
Mark
made such a difference. I am now able learning opportunities.
to complete the forms I need to do at “I never would have had the confidence
work without a second thought when to do a role like this previously but now
previously I would have struggled. I feel that I know I can do it if I try, and
I won’t give up. My experience is proof
“It has given the whole family more that it really is never too late to learn new
confidence to go on and get a better skills. I’ve got so much more confidence
education. My wife now goes to college and the qualifications I’ve gained have
and I have been able to help her with opened up new opportunities for me.”
the course. I am also able to help my
daughter with her homework and offer Mark’s outstanding achievement as
advice on writing ideas, which previously a union learner has been formally
I would never have done. We have now recognised by the GMB, who presented
seen her school grades improve.” him with a Learner of the Year Award in
2016.
Mark now volunteers as a union learning
rep to help others in his workplace access26 The Wales Union Learning Fund
NAPO WULF project:
New Routes To Skills Driven
Learning
NAPO (the National Association of Probation Officers) is the trade union
and professional association for staff working in the probation services
and the family courts. NAPO represents around 500 staff working in
the probation sector in Wales, including the Wales National Probation
Service and the Wales Community Rehabilitation Company (CRC).
NAPO’s New Routes To Skills Driven The project has supported learners on
Learning project is funded by Welsh to a wide range of courses:
Government through the Wales Union • level 3 NVQs in business admin;
Learning Fund (WULF). It is open to all customer service; probation practice;
staff working in the probation sector in counselling
Wales, in the public and private sector.
The project has a network of workplace • level 4/5 NVQs in counselling;
union learning representatives (ULRs) probation studies, counselling,
and works in partnership with employers restorative justice
to promote workplace learning. • HNDs in business studies
The project’s main aims are to: • motivational interviewing workshops
• support the delivery of vocational • Welsh in the workplace
qualifications at various levels
• e-learning courses on equality and
• offer staff bespoke learning diversity and information security
opportunities for professional and
• many other courses for groups and
career development
individuals, including report writing,
• provide Welsh language classes presentation skills, Mental Health First
• provide support targeted to staff Aid, substance misuse workshops and
facing redundancy health and safety.27 Learner Case Study D worked as an administrator in the Swansea probation office. She was originally from China and had been in Britain for less than four years. The NAPO WULF project signposted her to an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) course, which she successfully completed. Having gained this qualification, she enrolled for an online course to train in the translation of legal documents from Mandarin to English. She went on to complete an HE qualification in Translation with Language Technology; a three year course provided by Swansea University. D says: “I owe my professional development and achievements to my union learning rep who offered me information and practical help to access relevant courses and qualifications.” Contact: Aziz Bouleghlimat abouleghlimat@napo.org.uk (Project Manager) www.napo.org.uk 07581 317212 This project is currently funded by Welsh Government until 31 March 2018.
28 The Wales Union Learning Fund
NUJ WULF Project:
Continuous Skills
Development in a Rapidly
Changing Industry
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) WULF project, run by NUJ
Training Wales, continues its programme to equip journalists, media
and communications professionals in Wales with the skills required to
survive and flourish in a rapidly changing media industry. The project is
funded by the Welsh Government’s Wales Union Learning Fund (WULF).
The project provides short ‘skills-specific’ into communications, public relations
courses and master-classes delivered (PR) and hyperlocal news outlets
by experts to aid adaptation to digital and supports workers experiencing
developments and support high quality, redundancy - enhancing skills to help
globally competitive journalism. It them get back to work or function
develops the skills of those moving effectively in the freelance market.
Case Study: Sally Williams
Sally had been made redundant from a newspaper when she attended the Build
Your Own Website course in 2015 as an opportunity to showcase her work - either
to gain freelance work or employment.
She says:
“The course provided two very positive days of learning all the many
exciting possibilities that are available for an individual maintaining an
online interactive site. It was friendly, informative and has provided
me with an extra string to my bow in the jobs market… with endless
opportunities for future use. Thank you NUJ!”
Sally has since had articles published in glossy magazines and has branched out
into PR, marketing and communications. She has just completed a 12-month
maternity cover for the Shropshire Star as a senior reporter where one of her
photo-stories was the second-most read story online on Shropshirestar.com and in
2016, Sally received an award for raising the profile of Welsh farming.29 BBC journalist Innes Bowen and Hussein Kesvani from the Theos Think Tank; speakers at this event “When Religion Makes the News” – Cardiff, November 2016 The project organised an event which brought together over 80 journalists, faith group media representatives, experts and others to look at working together to improve mutual understanding and the reporting of faith issues in the media. The first of its kind in Wales, it has been credited with putting the issue of religious literacy firmly on the general news agenda. “A much-needed and timely event…Without knowledge, we can’t report on and challenge the more problematic aspects of religion and if we don’t do that, extremism flourishes and people retreat into their own echo chambers. It was also great to meet some new faces from so many religious communities. Gareth Jones, journalist, BBC Cymru Wales. Contact: Anna Wynn Roberts annawynn.roberts@nuj.org.uk (Project Manager) nujtrainingwales.org 07768 080397 This project is currently funded by Welsh Government until 31 March 2018.
30 The Wales Union Learning Fund
Learner case study:
Jamie
Jamie Carter is a Cardiff-based freelance travel and technology journalist.
Between 2013 and 2015 he completed a number of one and two-day NUJ
Training Wales courses: Build Your Own Website, Writing for the Web,
Shoot and Edit High Quality Video on an iPhone and How to Self-Publish.
As a result, Jamie runs a website where Why did you attend the courses and
he reviews gadgetry for travellers and how have they helped you?
went on to self-publish a book. In Writing for the Web
November 2016, Jamie was one of four
freelance journalists whom the NUJ “With website writing now dominating
WULF project asked to speak at a Q&A most journalism, this two-day course was
event called ‘How to Make Freelance a must-do for me. It was a particularly
Journalism Pay.” practical course. It skillfully dissects
some very commonly used techniques
He presently works for newspapers in by websites to gain the attention of
the UK and China, various Bristol-based potential readers. It took the ‘dark art’
magazines and dozens of websites. of writing for, and pitching ideas to,
websites, and broke down the planning,
The NUJ’s WULF Project Manager, Anna writing and marketing tasks into bite-size
Wynn Roberts, spoke to Jamie to find concepts. I left with a head full of ideas.
out how the project’s Welsh Government
subsidised courses had helped him. “This course immediately got me
brainstorming brand-new ideas for
Why was this training important? articles, features and treatments for
websites I had not pitched ideas to
“Journalists in Wales, and especially before. I am now able to pitch better,
in Cardiff, desperately need continued tighter, and more relevant ideas to
investment and training for the good of commissioning editors across the world
the nation.” – and my workflow and income have
definitely increased since doing this
course. It’s also helped make my own
website, TravGear.com, a success.”31
This course immediately got me
brainstorming brand-new ideas
Jamie
Jamie Carter on the Shoot and Edit on an iPhone workshop
Shoot & Edit High Quality Video “Not only did I become much more
“The web is moving increasingly from familiar with my iPhone’s incredible
print to video, so learning how to make abilities as a reporting tool, but I also got
that leap in just a short two-day course an insight into how broadcast journalists
is already proving invaluable. This is put together their packages. This is
a particularly forward-thinking course going to be really useful to me as I plan
– there are very few around in the UK to produce video reviews for my own
(mostly in London), and those that do website.
exist cost far more than most journalists
can afford particularly if they are working “I had already attended NUJ Training
in Wales for much lower wages than in Wales’ Build your Own Website
London. workshop and after completing a dummy
website during this short course in March
2014, TravGear.com went live almost
immediately and is now a successful
website. After just a few months it had
10,000 visitors each month.”32 The Wales Union Learning Fund
NUT WULF Project:
Teaching More Teachers
The National Union of Teachers (NUT) represents qualified and
qualifying teachers in England and Wales.
The Teaching More Teachers project Digital Competence
aims to provide teachers in Wales with
relevant, meaningful and practical Development
opportunities for professional and Following the Donaldson Report’s
personal development. The project recommendations (on new curriculum
is funded through the Wales Union and assessment arrangements) it is vital,
Learning Fund (WULF) which is provided now more than ever, that teachers are
by Welsh Government. given training to develop their digital
Learning opportunities provided by the competence – both in the classroom and
project include: for themselves.
• Welsh Language Skills A new series of Digital Kickstarter
courses for teachers will include training
• Digital Competence Development in…
• Training for Professional Development • Creating professional looking content
and Career Progression using smartphones and tablets
• Well-being Techniques • Using free online tools to generate
stunning visuals for marketing and to
Welsh Language Skills develop engaging presentations
From taster sessions to intensive They aim to empower teachers to feel
workshops, Welsh Language training more confident in using the all Wales
is co-funded by the NUT and WULF’s virtual learning environment “Hwb” and
Teaching More Teachers project. its resources. In addition, the project
will pilot and deliver training to teachers
on setting up their own media hubs
to showcase and share their news,
successes and good practice.33
Professional Well-being Techniques
Development The .b Foundations Mindfulness training
courses are very popular. Although they
By signposting members to training
do not deal with the root causes of
run by external organisations and by
stress, these courses offer techniques
working directly with the schools (and
and guidance on developing strategies
clusters of schools) to set up affordable,
to cope with and manage stressful
relevant and high quality training they
situations and can have a significant
aim to help teachers access and develop
impact on an individual’s overall well-
their career paths.
being.
Coaching and Mentoring
Training for senior leaders will promote
and engender a culture where teachers
feel encouraged and supported in
identifying their professional and
personal development needs.
Contact:
Beth Roberts b.roberts@nut.org.uk
(Project Co-ordinator) www.nut.org.uk
07714 757061 | 029 2049 1818 facebook.com/nutcymrutraining
twitter @nutcymrutrain
This project is currently funded by Welsh Government until 31 March 2018.34 The Wales Union Learning Fund
PCS WULF Projects:
Learner Engagement and
Gathering Opportunities (LEGO)
and Gaining Accessible Learning
in Wales – Expansion through
Opportunity (GALW ETO)
The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union has members
throughout the civil service and government agencies. It also organises
widely in the private sector, usually in areas that have been privatised.
PCS currently has two WULF projects opportunities to a wide range of people
which are funded by Welsh Government, across Wales, in the workplaces where
through the Wales Union Learning Fund PCS is represented.
(WULF). The projects provide learning
Contact:
Jayne Smith (Project Manager) jaynes@pcs.org.uk
Project 1 - Learner Engagement and Gathering Opportunities (LEGO)
Jo Byrne (Project Worker) 029 2066 6363
jo@pcs.org.uk
Project 2 - Gaining Accessible Learning in Wales – Expansion through
Opportunity (GALW ETO)
Steve Donoghue 029 2066 6363
(Project Worker) stevedon@pcs.org.uk35
ULR case study:
Laura
Laura is a PCS union learning rep and works for Her Majesty’s Revenue
and Customs in Wrexham. She has organised a huge variety of learning
opportunities for her colleagues.
These have included everything from
IT courses, NVQs, languages, first aid,
health, safety and wellbeing, equality
and diversity to arts and crafts, local
history, poetry and creative writing. Many
of these courses have been supported
by WULF funding. Laura has worked
jointly with other unions to organised
shared training opportunities with other
workplaces.
With the recent news that the HMRC’s
Wrexham office is to close in 2021 as
a course or attending a learning event is
part of regionalisation plans, (with jobs
very rewarding. Union-led learning has
from the site set to move to Liverpool),
really helped to create a positive social
learning and development has become a
environment, with everyone working
key concern for staff.
together and helping each other.
“My role as union learning rep involves
“You’d think with the office closure it
helping colleagues to access courses
would be all doom and gloom, but
and qualifications. Taking up learning
learning is helping people to branch out,
opportunities and gaining new skills and
prepare positively for the changes ahead
qualifications to go on your CV gives
and explore other avenues for their
people more options. It could help them
future.”
find another job in the local area if they
are not able to travel to Liverpool.
Laura’s outstanding work has been
recognised by awards from both her
“Hearing from colleagues how their lives
own union and the Wales Trades Union
have changed so much just by taking up
Congress (TUC).36 The Wales Union Learning Fund
RCM WULF Project:
Personal and Professional
Learning for Midwives and
Maternity Support Workers
in Wales
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is the trade union and
professional body of midwives. It is led by midwives for midwives and
those who support them.
The RCM WULF project is funded by • work with employers and employees
Welsh Government through the Wales to deliver learning on the impacts
Union Learning Fund (WULF). It provides that health and wellbeing have on
personal and professional learning productivity in the workplace
opportunities for midwives and maternity • promote and support Essential Skills in
support workers in Wales. the workplace
The main aims of the project are to: • build on the existing networks of
• provide access to learning for 200 plus union learning reps (ULRs) in Wales
learners to promote workplace learning and
• hold maternity support worker-specific support staff
events for 50 learners • support union learning reps (ULRs)
• support the revalidation process for to assist in embedding the culture of
midwives - 4 workshops and events lifelong learning in Local Health Boards
and the RCM
• deliver health and wellbeing
workshops for 50 learners37 Some examples of courses and events • Maternity Support Worker the project has organised in the past or Bereavement Care Training plans to run in the near future: • Record Keeping • Statement Writing • Diabetes • Portfolio Building for Revalidation • Listening Skills • Water Birth • Maternity Support Worker Conference • Improving Workplace Behaviours • Safe Social Media “Without the RCM WULF project this course couldn’t have been put on, and it would have taken a few more years for me to gain the confidence to do what I’ve achieved. “ Learner Quote Learners at a Diabetes study day held at Neath Port Talbot Hospital in December 2016 Contact: Richard Blakeley: 07825 168258 (Learning Organiser Wales) richard.blakeley@rcm.org.uk 0300 303 0444 This project is currently funded by Welsh Government until 31 March 2018.
38 The Wales Union Learning Fund
UCATT WULF Project:
Building Learning Across
Wales – A National Strategy
The Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians (UCATT)
represents workers in the construction industry. It is now part of
Unite the Union.
The Building Learning Across Wales Through a network of union learning reps
project provides learning opportunities and learning centres, the project supports:
in both the workplace and community. It • vocational training for construction
works in partnership with employers and workers
provides training opportunities to help
improve productivity, promotion/career • training for personal development
prospects and job security. It promotes and employability
Essential Skills and digital inclusion. • unemployed people and those from
The project is funded by the Welsh under-represented groups to upskill
Government’s Wales Union Learning and secure sustainable employment
Fund (WULF). in the construction industry
Case Study: Swansea Council
When City and County of Swansea (Swansea Council) brought in a new pay policy
following a job evaluation exercise in April 2014, many skilled and experienced craft
workers stood to lose out because they did not have the qualifications they needed
to be paid the ‘trade rate’.
Working with construction union UCATT through its WULF project, the local
authority was able to offer its craft workforce the opportunity to gain NVQ
Level 2 qualifications. This meant workers were able to maintain, and in some
cases improve, their level of pay. The course also improved their confidence, job
satisfaction and productivity.39
Case Study: Newport City Homes
Steve Cobner works for Newport City
Homes as a heating and plumbing fitter.
He attended Essential Skills training
organised by the project. Steve says:
“I’d never really done that much on
computers but now almost all of
my work needs to be logged using a
PDA/smart phone. The courses were
brilliant. They’ve given me a refresher in
my writing and maths skills and made
me much quicker with ICT.
I really learnt a lot.”
Steve’s manager says,
“It’s been great to see how Steve and other team members are
now much more confident in using their PDAs. A lot of the staff
are from a generation that didn’t grow up with computers, and
some had never used computers at all. The training has helped
overcome these barriers, improved morale and made my team
much more efficient at completing tasks.”
Sue Da’Casto 029 2002 2759 | 07768 931284
(Union Learning Organiser) Sue.DaCasto@unitetheunion.org
This project is currently funded by Welsh Government until 31 March 2018.40 The Wales Union Learning Fund
UNISON WULF Project 1:
Connecting Learners
in South East Wales
UNISON is one of the UK’s largest ‘general’ trade unions, with more
than 1.3 million members. It represents workers who provide public
services, although they may be employed in both the public and
private sectors. It has members in local government, health care,
education, police and justice, community, water, environment and
transport, energy and within private contractors.
The Connecting Learners in South East It focusses on raising skills and
Wales WULF project is funded by Welsh promoting the benefits of addressing
Government. It is run in partnership with any Essentials Skills issues of support
the University of South Wales; UNISON‘s staff delivering public services in schools,
largest employer partner in the higher health care and social care. It covers
and further education sector in Wales. South East Wales.
Contact:
Kate Stephens (Project Manager) Kate.stephens@southwales.ac.uk
01443 654 775
This project is currently funded by Welsh Government until 31 March 2018.41
ULR case study:
Debbie
Debbie is a union learning representative at Neath Port Talbot Council’s
UNISON branch.
To mark Adult Learners’ Week she
organised a series of roadshow events.
They were open to all staff working for
Neath Port Talbot Council and took place
at venues across the authority.
Themed around the Social Services and
Well-being (Wales) Act, they provided
an invaluable learning opportunity for
staff working at the authority to find out
more information about the Act. They
provided information and resources to
help support staff in delivering services
to the public.
These events are just the latest in a
series that Debbie has organised since funding and is a chance to network
becoming a union learning rep just over across wider organisations.
two years ago. In that time, Debbie has
“I feel inspired by the adult learners
already enrolled more than 60 staff on
I work with as I see the progression
Essential Skills courses and supported
in their lives and the increase in their
staff with dyslexia on a one-to-one basis.
self-esteem. To feel that you can make a
Debbie’s dedication and outstanding difference to someone is rewarding and
work has recently been recognised by encouraging.
UNISON with the Wales Union Learning
“I’d like to thank Karen Fisher from
Rep of the Year Award.
Connecting Learners, not only has she
“Being a ULR allows me to have contact given me advice and encouragement in
with some of the harder to reach groups my ULR role, but she has supported the
and the wider communities. It is also staff with the provision of funding and
a way of accessing opportunities and excellent courses.”42 The Wales Union Learning Fund
UNISON WULF Project 2:
Connecting Learners
in South West and
Central Wales
UNISON is one of the UK’s largest ‘general’ trade unions, with more than
1.3 million members. It represents workers who provide public services,
although they may be employed in both the public and private sectors.
The Connecting Learners in South West The project provides fully funded
and Central Wales is a partnership learning opportunities to benefit those
between UNISON and host organisation delivering public services, allowing
Community Lives Consortium. Funded them to access training courses relevant
by the Welsh Government’s Wales to their jobs and enabling them to
Union Learning Fund (WULF), the aim of function and progress in the workplace.
the project is to widen participation in It supports a network of workplace union
learning – targeting the “hard to reach” learning reps.
learner, particularly among the following
groups of workers:
• school support staff
• NHS health care support workers
(clinical and non-clinical)
• people working in social care in
fragmented public services43
Workshops and courses include:
Confidence Building and
Time Management Communication Skills
Assertiveness Skills
Minute Taking and
Welsh In Social Care Stress Awareness
Meeting Skills
Introduction to
Understanding Autism Working with Brain Injuries
Mindfulness
Understanding Dementia Bereavement and Loss Presentation Skills
Personal Assistants Online
Mental Health Awareness Coping with Change
Guidebook
Notable achievements include: a free online learning resource aimed
• Receiving a Highly Commended award at Direct Payment personal assistants;
(Social Care Accolades, 2013) from the a growing area of the social care
Care Council for Wales – recognising workforce with little access to training.
efforts to improve skills of the social • Partnerships with Neath Port Talbot
care workforce. County Borough Council and Swn-y-
• Working in partnership with UNISON’s Mor Residential/Nursing Home, Port
Digi Skills Cymru Project, Torfaen Talbot were also acknowledged by
County Borough Council and NIACE Dysgu Cymru (Inspire Awards
leading social care academic Dr Neil 2016).
Thompson to develop the Personal
Assistants Online Guidebook. This is
Contact:
Karen Fisher (Project Manager) 01792 646 640 | 07966 609038
karen.fisher@communitylives.co.uk twitter @CL3Project
www.connectinglearners@wordpress.com
This project is currently funded by Welsh Government until 31 March 2018.You can also read
