publications

ICT Union Learning Project Evaluation

'tradeunionlearning news' outlines what went on in the recently completed NIC ICTU project.  The project focused on expanding the number of union members comfortable with the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), as a communication medium.  The evaluation looks at the context and thinking behind the project, how it played out in practice, the learning that ensued and what might usefully be built on these first steps.

Live and Learn Spring 2006

This issue of live and learn contains articles on:

• World Book Day 2006
• New developments in union learning in England
• Prison officers get locked in to learning

Building a Learning Culture in the Workplace (337kb)

Workplace learning policy in Northern Ireland reflects that of the UK although the generous direct funding given to UK employers for workplace learning has not been replicated. Incentives are incorporated in the Further Education (FE) funding mechanism to encourage partnership between FE and industry and these are weighted in relation to identified skills gaps.

The outcome of the recent FE review that has produced the consultation document ‘Further Education Means Business’ proposes unequivocally that the:

‘primary strategic target of the sector will be to support economic development.’

Labour Relations Agency Code of Practice (490kb)

On Thursday 20 May 2004 the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, EGSA and the Labour Relations celebrated Learning for Work Day by launching the Agency's Code on Time Off including guidance on Union Learning Representatives.

Over 60 people gathered in Belfast's Malone House to launch the Code and celebrate the role of the Union Learning Representative.

Workplace Innovation Fund evaluation (237kb)

EGSA commissioned an evaluation of the WIF and the lessons distilled from the diverse projects are worth noting by those interested in establishing similar type of provision.

Boxmore Learnmore - A Case Study in Workplace Learning(179K)

In 2001, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions linked up with the GPMU (Graphical Print and Media Workers Union) and a GPMU organised company, Field Boxmore to develop and organise an innovative essential skills workplace learning initiative.

Boxmore Learnmore was successful for all sorts of reasons, not least because each partner played a really important part in the process of offering wider learning opportunities to both union and non-union workers in the company.

Union Learning Reps - An ICTU Briefing (96K)

With the development of lifelong learning, trade unions have been working to broaden the education agenda for trade union members in people in work.

Really exciting learning projects have been developed in the workplace led by trade unions in partnership with employers and providers. These projects have been made possible largely by the efforts of a new kind of trade union activist – the Union Learning Representative (ULR).

This briefing outlines the role of the Union Learning Rep, giving case studies and examples from various unions. It also takes a look at the proposed legislation for ULRs and what rights they can expect in the workplace.

Live and Learn - Spring/Summer 2003 (608K)

This issue of live and learn contains articles on:

• ICTU learning project proves computers don't bite
• Boxmore Learnmore project evaluation
• Union Learning Fund NI projects up and running
• Funding opportunities for literacy and numeracy in the workplace

Essential Skills for Living Strategy (148K)

The Department for Employment and Learning launched the Essential Skills for Living strategy (ESFL) in 2002. The strategy focuses tackling unmet literacy and numeracy needs in Northern Ireland.

Live and Learn - Autumn 2003 (475K)

This issue of live and learn contains articles on:

• Lifelong Learning website coming soon
• Communications workers learn the basics
• First Union Learning Fund - seminar shares experience
• DEL announce Round 2 of Union Learning Fund NI

Union Learning Fund Northern Ireland: Sharing Experience - Planning for The Future

The Northern Ireland Union Learning Fund (NIULF) was established by the Department for Employment and Learning in late 2002 to develop and expand the trade union movement's capacity to be a catalyst for lifelong learning.

On 9 September 2003, ICTU organised a seminar to examine the six projects funded under the first round of the NIULF. This report highlights the presentations made on the projects together with feedback and key questions.