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 BFAWU 14-15 Community 16-17 CWU 18-19 FBU 20-21 GMB 22-25 NAPO 26-27 NUJ 28-31 NUT 32-33 PCS 34-35 RCM 36-37 UCATT 38-39 UNISON 40-47 Unite 48-49 URTU 50 Usdaw 51-53 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) [email protected] 07817 145754 www.aslef.org.uk

This project is currently funded by Welsh Government until 31 MarchThe 2018. LEARNITNheG PARTNERSHIP LEARNING PAPrRogrammeTNERSHIP 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) [email protected] 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) [email protected] 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 partnership 15

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 [email protected] (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) [email protected] 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 BT 19

“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) [email protected] 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 [email protected] (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 Year 23

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) [email protected] 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 has 25

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 access 26 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 [email protected] (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 [email protected] (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 [email protected] (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) [email protected]

Project 1 - Learner Engagement and Gathering Opportunities (LEGO) Jo Byrne (Project Worker) 029 2066 6363 [email protected]

Project 2 - Gaining Accessible Learning in Wales – Expansion through Opportunity (GALW ETO) Steve Donoghue 029 2066 6363 (Project Worker) [email protected] 35

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 learners 37

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) [email protected] 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) [email protected]

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) [email protected] 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 services 43

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 [email protected] twitter @CL3Project [email protected]

This project is currently funded by Welsh Government until 31 March 2018. 44 The Wales Union Learning Fund

UNISON WULF Project 3: Connecting Learners North Wales

UNISON is one of the largest trade unions, with nearly 100,000 members in Wales. It represents those providing public services; including the essential utilities and those working for private contractors providing public services.

Connecting Learners North Wales is one Examples of courses the project has of the four WULF projects organised by provided: UNISON. It is funded by the Wales Union • Welsh Learning Fund (WULF) provided by Welsh Government. The project is based • Excel in the Bangor offices of its lead partner • Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) organisation, Cartrefi Cymru. • First Aid Connecting Learners is about providing • Presentation Skills learning opportunities within the workplace to develop confidence, skills • British Sign Language (BSL) and knowledge. • Behaviour Management The project seeks to support staff delivering • Minute Taking public services throughout North Wales. It has a particular focus on those working • Self–injury Awareness in the following employment areas: • Dementia Awareness • social care settings (direct care delivery and support) • NHS health care support (including clinical health care support and porters, estates staff, catering and cleaning staff) • school support staff (including classroom teaching assistants) 45

Comments from previous learners and employers: “Each course has provided staff with the training required to deliver various projects that enhance our relationships with the young people we work with.” Greg Stones, Prevention/Development Officer, Flintshire Youth Justice Service

“The basic skills training has proven invaluable with our programme. I noticed that those learners who had attended the basic skills training seemed capable and confident with the device. I do not think we would have gained such a smooth allocation of devices without this. I believe this was a worthwhile investment in time for us.” Lee Wright, Staff Development & Training, Flintshire County Council

Janine and her colleague Tess Horobin attended a Level 4 Palliative Care course at Bangor University. Both showed great enthusiasm and resolve to complete the training. Not least due to the time commitment involved and having to complete a round trip of almost 350 miles from her home in Trealaw to attend each day of the training in Bangor. “After the course had finished, we went back to our service and worked hard in explaining to the rest of the team what it meant to be on palliative care and how important quality of life was .“ Janine Bennett, Cartrefi Cymru

Contact: Bridget Cassidy (Project Manager) [email protected] 01248 363 175 www.connecting-learners.co.uk

This project is currently funded by Welsh Government until 31 March 2018. 46 The Wales Union Learning Fund

UNISON WULF Project 4: DigiSkills Cymru

UNISON is one of the UK’s largest ‘general’ trade unions, serving 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.

DigiSkills Cymru was one of four WULF aspects of their role. It covers the key projects run by UNISON and whilst it knowledge, values and skills needed by officially closed on 31st March 2017, personal assistants, rights at work and the other three UNISON projects are sources of further learning and training. It continuing its work. It was funded by includes specially produced video guides, Welsh Government and hosted by Adult online quizzes and high-quality learning Learning Wales. The project worked to resources. It has been accessed by over bring the new Essential Digital Literacy 6,000 people since its launch Skills curriculum to a wide range of public in 2015. service workplaces. Combatting Cyber Violence Against The project’s work has included the Women and Girls course, November 2016 development of innovative learning DigiSkills Cymru and Adult Learning opportunities, such as: The Personal Wales designed this new course, aimed at Assistant’s Online Guidebook for Wales. giving learners the skills, understanding DigiSkills Cymru led a collaborative design and confidence to become campaigners team involving UNISON’s Connecting against online violence and bullying Learners project, Torfaen County Borough whilst keeping themselves, their families Council, Services for Independent Living and colleagues safe. The one-day (SIL), and social care expert Dr Neil accredited course was delivered on the Thompson. The team created a free UN International Day for the Elimination bilingual online tool for those working as of Violence Against Women and was Direct Payment personal assistants in the followed by an evening showcasing social care sector in Wales. inspiring Welsh women. So far 77 learners www.paonlineguidebookwales.co.uk have taken part in the course across provides tailored information to this Wales. vulnerable group of workers on the core 47

“The online guidebook is a unique resource which enables the people who are at the front line delivering the new Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act with the awareness to ensure that vulnerable people are being supported both professionally and appropriately.” Richard Clark, Executive Member for Social Care, Torfaen Council

Contact: Gareth John [email protected] [email protected] twitter @DigiSkillsCymru www.digiskillscymru.org.uk

This project was funded by Welsh Government until 31 March 2017. 48 The Wales Union Learning Fund

Unite WULF Projects: Learn with Unite Wales (North) and Learn with Unite Wales (South)

Unite is one of the biggest ‘general’ unions. With around 1.4 million members in the UK it has members across every type of workplace, in both the public and private sectors.

The two Unite WULF projects together Unite’s WULF projects focus on the long cover over 2,000 workplaces across term sustainability of union led learning Wales. Through the Welsh Government in the workplace through: funded Wales Union Learning Fund • recruitment, training and support of (WULF), Unite has assisted thousands of union learning reps workers to gain access to a broad range of learning opportunities. This includes • building strong working links with training such as basic numeracy and union branches and officer networks literacy through to higher education • creating regional and sectoral qualifications. These opportunities are employer clusters to share resources, delivered across the industrial sectors of signpost to available funding streams Wales. and promote best practice within regional skills partnerships • promotion of the Learn with Unite e-learning platform, a free training portal available to Unite members 49

Notable achievements of the project • Creation of digital champions within include: local authorities to support the • Severn River Crossing – advice delivery of basic IT skills to employees support and funding for upskilling and throughout local councils. retraining provided for 120 toll staff in • A joint partnership with Pembrokeshire preparation for potential redundancies Council and Training In Mind to deliver in 2017/18. Mental Health Awareness training to • Powys Council – providing funding staff in 2017. for a programme of IT and Essential Skills to be rolled out to hard to reach workers within the local authority. • Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board – a multi union partnership to provide funding and support for Essential Skills qualifications and a wide range of work related courses to be delivered through the UHB Learning Hub in 2017. • Development of an automotive cluster in the Blaenau Gwent Enterprise Zone using Unite’s Union Learning Hub at Continental Teves as a centre for the delivery of apprenticeships and a range of qualifications to the local workforce.

Contact: [email protected] Ian Swan 029 2039 4521 (Union Learning Organiser) www.unitetheunion.org

Sue Da’Casto 029 2002 2759 | 07768 931284 (Union Learning Organiser) [email protected]

This project is currently funded by Welsh Government until 31 March 2018. 50 The Wales Union Learning Fund

URTU WULF Project: Driving Up Skills With URTU Learning

The United Road Transport Union (URTU) represents drivers and warehouse staff who work within the road haulage, distribution and logistics industries.

The Driving Up Skills With URTU opportunities in workplaces and for Learning project is funded by Welsh learners in the wider community. Government, through the Wales It provides a range of resources to Union Learning Fund (WULF). The support learners, including: project’s main aim is to assist and guide individuals working in the transport and • ‘pop-up’ learning centres logistics sector in all aspects of learning, • skills checks to identify skills levels to unlock their full potential. • advice and signposting It aims to raise awareness and engage The pop-up learning centres skills checks with workers and employers to provide offer a great starting point to find out access to Essential Skills (literacy and about the best short courses and longer numeracy) and digital skills training and training opportunities to suit learners’ qualifications. Covering the South Wales needs. area, the project will develop learning

Contact: Kevin Ashby [email protected] 07903 319995 www.urtuulr.com

This project is currently funded by Welsh Government until 31 March 2018. 51

Learner Case Study: Nick

Nick is a team leader in the payroll administration division at Tesco in Cardiff.

Alongside his team of 12, Nick attended a number of courses organised by his union learning rep, Vanessa Francis, from the shop workers’ union Usdaw. Vanessa arranged a variety of courses for staff at the site, with support from Usdaw’s Welsh Government funded WULF project.

The courses Nick’s team attended included Essential Skills Wales ICT training at Level 1 and 2. Nick says: “I’ve definitely seen the benefit to members of my team, some of whom were really apprehensive before going on the course. Some hadn’t done any formal training since school. The ease that people quickly felt in the learning Staff are more confident, there is environment and the way that the better morale and they are much more courses were structured and delivered welcoming of new tasks. Whereas before really helped everyone do well.” if someone got stuck people may have just kept their heads down, now people Nick wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the are happy to respond to requests for training to others: help and are keen to offer assistance to “Putting your business head on, it is clear each other. It is good to see that people that these courses help productivity. are more confident.” 52 The Wales Union Learning Fund

Usdaw WULF Project: Developing a Sustainable Model of Access to Employability Skills

Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) represents workers in the retail sector as well as those in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.

The Usdaw WULF project works in The project aims to: partnership across Wales with employers, • promote lifelong learning campaigns providers and other organisations in the workplace through Usdaw’s to improve access to learning in network of trained union learning reps workplaces. Its support is tailored to (ULRs). meet sector, individual and workplace needs. It has brokered learning • provide information, advice and agreements with employers such as guidance such as mid-life career Tesco, Kellogg’s, OP Chocolate and reviews, redundancy support and Peter’s Food Services to help workers referrals to Careers Wales. access learning opportunities. The • provide full or part funding for courses project is funded by Welsh Government, e.g. Employability Skills, Welsh, Mental through the Wales Union Learning Fund Health Awareness. (WULF). • promote a digital skills campaign “Get Online With Usdaw” (GOLWU) - a free course for people with low digital skills. 53

Retail workers often miss out on career Examples of Check Out Learning events development due to many factors. To organised include: address this, Usdaw’s award winning • parents and carers themed event retail campaign, Check Out Learning, (Tesco Merthyr) began across the UK. • promoting Essentials Skills and the The WULF project supports this Open University (Tesco Llanelli) campaign through a network of mobile union learning reps (MULRs) to increase • Shelter Cymru campaign (Tesco the number of stores actively learning. Penarth) They coach new ULRs to organise Check Out Learning campaigns in their stores.

British Sign Language (BSL) learner—Michelle said: “These lessons have opened our eyes to the difficulties that the people from the deaf community have to deal with on a daily basis”.

Redundancy support Job Skills sessions with ACT Enhance tutor —learner quote: “To be honest, I was dreading coming on the course. I’m not very good with computers. Ryan made me feel at ease. I wasn’t embarrassed to ask him how to use the computer. I feel a lot more confident and learnt how to write a CV and cover note properly. Thank you Ryan.”

Contact: Pam Stanton (Project Worker) [email protected] 029 2073 1131 www.usdaw.org.uk

This project is currently funded by Welsh Government until 31 March 2018. 54 The Wales Union Learning Fund

Want to get involved? Could you be a union learning rep?

A union learning rep (ULR) is an elected they’d like to attend, and working with and trained workplace learning advocate. your union, employer and learning It means working with your colleagues providers to offer those courses, or to find out what kind of learning most signpost learners to where they can interests them and what kind of courses access them.

Who is suitable to become a ULR?

Any union member with an interest in learning and skills would be suitable as a ULR.

What training is involved?

The Wales TUC offers full training for is delivered by experienced tutors in an ULRs, at no cost. The initial ULR stage informal setting and there are no exams 1 course is six days long, usually run as or tests, just an ongoing portfolio of one day a week for six weeks, although work that you will build up as the course this can be tailored to suit. The course progresses.

What support is available?

Union learning reps have the right to The Wales TUC offers full support to paid time off to complete the training reps in the form of additional training and reasonable paid time off to carry out opportunities and events, access to their duties. After you have completed network meetings and one-on-one the course you will join a network of over assistance if needed, in addition to the 1,000 ULRs across Wales. support you will receive from your own union. 55

What’s in it for me?

As well as the opportunity to help development. Many ULRs have gone on your colleagues and improve skills, from their volunteer role to forge new progression and morale within the career paths in the field of adult learning workplace, becoming a ULR is also and skills. a great opportunity for your own

I’m interested. What next?

If you would like to sign up for a ULR course speak to your own union in the first instance or contact the Wales TUC Learning Services team.

To find out more about becoming a union learning rep or how to access workplace learning opportunities through union-led learning contact: Wales TUC Learning Services e: [email protected] t: 029 2034 7010 www.wtuclearn.org.uk @wtuclearn WTUCLearn 56 The Wales Union Learning Fund

“Union-led learning is a tremendous success story. It has helped many people to transform their lives, and has opened up new opportunities through access to learning and developing new skills to aid progression within the workplace and to succeed at everyday life.” Welsh Government WULF Prospectus, 2015

The Wales TUC would like to acknowledge with thanks the contribution of WULF project staff, union learning reps and learners in the writing of this booklet. Design: Cheeky Monkey Creative, Printing: Symposium Print, Photos: Natasha Hirst, Sarah Barnes, Phil Rees.

© 2017 Trades Union Congress

This publication is also available in the Welsh language. All TUC publications can be provided for dyslexic or visually impaired readers in an agreed accessible format, on request, at no extra cost.

Contact: e: [email protected] t: 029 2034 7010

Published by: Wales TUC Cymru, 1 Cathedral Road, Cardiff CF11 9SD www.wtuclearn.org.uk