A new type of union activist, the Union Learning Representative (ULR), has been instrumental in raising interest in training and development, especially among the lowest skilled workers and those with literacy and numeracy needs.

Life Long Learning is a Government, Union & Business agenda.
Basic skills are communication (i.e. writing, speaking English to a level that enables the individual to be easily understood)

Numeracy (for example there is a growing body of people that could not tell if they have been short changed without looking at the read out on the checkout till) & basic Information Technology skills.

The idea is that you never stop learning, or at least you don't have to.

As of April 2003 a new union rep has been legislated for, and is now recognised, though the role has been in existence for some time prior to this date. The new rep is the Union Learner Rep.

What is the role of a Union Learner Rep (ULR)?

The role of the ULR is to assist the workforce in identifying their learning needs, this can be done by interviewing staff and/or asking them to fill out a questionnaire, to identify educational needs and to enlist providers to suit their needs.
There are numerous ways in which individuals can access training.

There is Direct learning, or learning from home, this can be done either via computer or a learning centre may be provided at your work place (space & negotiations permitting).

Or you could actually attend an educational facility such as an adult college.
 

Union Learning Reps - benefits to employees

There are many advantages to employees in having trained and supported ULRs on-site. The introduction of ULRs gives employees contact with someone who:

• they know and who may have helped them in the past
• is completely independent, whose advice they can trust
• they know will treat everything they say in confidence if necessary
• can give advice in the familiar surroundings of the workplace
• can provide information about learning opportunities, available both inside and outside of the workplace
• is properly trained and informed, capable of representing their learning needs and interests with their employer
• is trained to work with providers of learning to shape the opportunities to meet the needs of workplace learners
• provides reliable information about everyday training matters as well as new and existing learning and skills initiatives such as Basic and Key Skills, NVQs, Learndirect, foundation degrees and other professional qualifications.