Congress Trade Union Education and Training
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions supports the development of trade unions on the island of Ireland by providing a range of trade union education programmes for full time and part time workplace representatives.
All new Shop Stewards and Health and Safety Representatives undergo a 5 days induction programme. This can be delivered by individual unions for their own members or through Congress for all affiliates.
In addition to providing foundation and advanced programmes for Shop Stewards and Health and Safety repesentatives Congress provides ongoing Continuous Professional Development programmes for union activists. All programmes come with FETAC/HETAC accreditation and can lead to full third level awards on fulfillments of certain criteria.
While all programmes delivered are awarded FETAC accreditation, on a stand alone basis, they can be added to over time in order to achieve a major award through FETAC. This award is made possible by the provision of a range of Continuous Professional Development modules that cover a range of topics of interest to trade union representatives and is reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Congress in conjunction with UCD and NCI also offers the opportunity for members, who have undergone some level of study, to progress to full third programmes, part time over a fixed period of time. These programmes include a two year NCI Certificate in Trade Union Studies, a four year BBS from the Quinn School of Business in UCD and a one year Certificate in Safety and Health at Work through UCD. In addition SIPTU College offer a HETAC Advanced Shop Stewards Course which is run on a block release basis over 30 days.
FAS / ICTU Union Learning Initiative - Union Skills Network Project
As part of Congress's ongoing efforts to effect a more just and equitable society and improve the opportunities of and security for all workers Congress through funding received from FAS has put in place a Life Long Learning Initiative Project entitled Unions Skills Network. The Joint ICTU/FAS Project objective is to establish a national network of trained work based learning advocates - hereafter referrred to as ULR's - Union Learning Representatives - who in turn will provide advice and guidance to people who wish to avail of on-the-job and/or off the job training and learning opportunities. The Union Learning Representative is a voluntary role, based in their workplace, and who will -
- promote the Union Skills Project and the value of education throughout the workplace
- identify the educational profile of the workers in their workplace through a training needs analysis
- having identified the deficiencies in workers' education and identified their career aspirations, they are equipped to identify an educational progression route for the workers, with appropriate assistance.
The ULR can provide advice and guidance on vocational training, further education opportunities and career progression for all workers. Subject to certain conditions being met, the ULR can secure full funding for 'second chance' education for a wide range of people and their individual learning needs. Union Learning Representatives will receive extensive training which will be FETAC accredited and in itself this is a career opportunity for anyone wishing to pursue a career in Training and Development. This approach which has worked successfully in other European countries will assist in addressing the issue of a skills deficit in the workplace. The Project which commenced in September 2008 has a target of recuiting 480 Volunteer Learning Representatives and activating 5,000 low skilled workers. Attached here are two brochures with further information.
- If you are interested in being trained as a ULR in your own workplace the attached brochure is for you.
- Employers if you are interested in supporting workplace learning for your staff - the attached brochure may interest you.
Presentation of Certificates to first group of Union Learning Representatives - November 2009
Congratulations to the first group of Union Learning Representatives to complete their training and receive their FETAC Level 6 Award under the Joint FAS/ICTU Unions Skills Network Project. The event was held in the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks Dublin on Monday 23 November 2009. 43 Unions Learning Representatives received their certificate from Sean Haughey T.D., and Minister for State at the Department of Education and Science with Special responsibility for Lifelong Learning. The Union Learning Representatives who who received their certificates are employed in 19 different organisations which include An Post, Braun Oral B, Eircom, Glanbia, Gypsum, Kerry Foods to name but a few. Minister Haughey said at the event "This is a truly innovative parthership involving companies, unions and employees encouraging workers to take up the lifelong learning challenge."
Mr Paul O'Toole, Director General FAS, told the gathering that "FAS is very pleased to be involved with ICTU in this innovative venture in lifelong learning. We commend everyone involved. Most importantly, we congratulate this first group of learning representatives for their inspiring and selfless work in being advocates for learning amongst their colleagues."
Ms. Maria Maeso who works in Covidien in Athlone, and who received her Union Learning Representative Certificate spoke of her experience to-date in the workplace as a Union Learning Representative. Maria said that with her training as a ULR she had identified the need for computer training for her work colleagues. With the help of her employer providing the training facilities to accommdoate the various shifts in the Plant that up to 70 people had now signed up for the training.
Minister of State Sean Haughey T.D., with the first group of Union Learning Representatives in the Republic of Ireland. All photos in this section taken by Tommy Clancy.
At the ULR Award Event in the National Museum of Ireland were Mr. Sean Haughey, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science with Special Responsibility for Lifelong Learning; Ms. Gaye Kelly, Asst. Manager Strategic Initiatives and Alliances FAS, and Mr. Jack Horgan, Manager Strategic initiatives and Alliances in FAS.
FAS Director General Mr. Paul O'Toole and ICTU General Secretary, Mr. David Begg
ULR Maria Maeso, Covidien International
Congress Education and Training Courses 2010
The Congress Education and Training Courses are designed as a pathway to learning for all trade union members, and to act as a building block to attract and support the new trade union activist, the experienced trade union activist, the newly appointed full-time official, or the official who wishes to improve their skills base.
Our training calender is active during two three month periods March, April and May; and September, October and November. The training is designed as both a compliment and support to our Affiliate Unions own training courses. All of our courses are designed to allow for modification to suit both individual unions and the various sectors they represent. Some courses are held on a non-consecutive basis to faciliate release from work. Below we give a brief discription of our training courses. Further information is available from Mary Twohig at ICTU, 31-32 Parnell Square, Dublin 1, email mary.twohig@ictu.ie or telephone 01 8897723.
FAS
Congress gratefully acknowledges the receipt of FAS funding towards the cost of our Education and Training Programme.
The Congress courses are -
Workplace Representatives Stage 1
This five day introductory course will quip the Workplace Representative with the necessary skills and confidence to effectively carry out their role. Course content includes an introduction to the structure of Trade Unions and Industrial Relations Institutions in Ireland; the recruitment of new members; Problem Solving at the level of the Workplace; Basic Employment Law, and Basic Equality.
Workplace Representatives Stage 2
The Stage 2 course which is five days duration is for the Workplace Representative with some experience. The course will build and improve on this experience. Subject matter will develop in more detail areas covered in Stage 1 with the emphasis on how to conduct negotiations.
Workplace Representatives Stage 3
This three day course deals primarily with developing negotiation skills. Areas covered will include preparation for negotiation, developing and using good listening skills; and presentation and discussion through the use of case study and role play.
Media & Communications
This three day course will demonstrate how to effectively communicate with members, and how to deal with various aspects of the Media in your role as a Trade Union representative, e.g. preparation and writing of Press Releases, preparing for Radio Interviews etc.
Bullying & Harassment
This three day course will set out the legal framework of what constitutes Bullying; and how to put in place a procedure in the workplace for dealing with Bullying & Harassment.
Train the Trainer
This five day course will equip experienced Officials and activists with the knowledge and skills on the provision and delivery of training courses in a trade union context.
Negotiations & Conflict Management
This course is intended for full-time officials and activists who are regularly involved in negotiations with management. The course will build on previous negotiation skills achieved through experience/training; and provide for more effective negotiation skills.
Preparation of Submissions to Rights Commissioners & Labour Court
This three day course will look at the legislation which underpins these institutions, and equip the participant with the necessary skills to prepare and write a submission. The course will be practically based and will include the preparation of a mock submission.
Global Solidarity Champions
This 5 day course gives an insight to all the main social justice problems in our world, and reasons for the existence of these problems. It shows why international trade union solidarity is the key to progressive change on local, national and global level. The course gives energy, motivation and skills to act in solidarity with trade unionists in the global south and for justice and equality in our world. Dates for training courses for Global Solidarity Champions scheduled in 2010 will be available on this website shortly.
Disability Champions at Work
This 5 day course will provide disability and awareness and equality training for trade union activists and shop stewards. It is a practical course aimed at promoting best practise in the employment of people with disabilities, ensuring that employers are fulfilling their obligations and that people with disabilities are supported in the workplace. No previous knowledge of disability is required for this course. Dates for training courses for Disability Champions at Work scheduled in 2010 will be available on this website shortly.
How to Book a Course
Complete the course booking form and return to mary.twohig@ictu.ie. On receipt Congress will send an acknowledgement to the applicant, and also seek payment from the individual's trade union. Further information is available from and places may be reserved by contacting Mary Twohig at ICTU, 31/32 Parnell Square, Dublin 1 or, telephone 01 8897723. All courses will be held in Dublin, and other locations as determined by demand. In order for a course to proceed we require a maximum of 12 and minimum of 10 participants.
Cost of Training
There is no charge for the Workplace Representatives Stage 1, Stage 2 or Stage 3 courses, or for the Global Solidarity Champions or Disability Champions training. Other courses are charged as follows: 3 day courses are €200; and 5 day courses are €350. Costs cover tuition, documentation, lunches and teas/coffees on each day of the course.