Progression pathways for all trade union reps

Supporting Learners

Progression pathways for all trade union reps 2011 EDITION

Supporting Learners – progression pathways for all trade union reps

Foreword This guide is about progression in the work that you do to support union learners. It will help you to think about gaining skills and knowledge in advice and guidance, coaching, mentoring and facilitating learning.

Progression can take you down many different pathways. Some opportunities may be: offered and supported by your union available from unionlearn and TUC Education offered and supported by your employer offered by a range of national and local providers development you have chosen for yourself some informal learning in an area that interests you.

This guide will help you to understand the changing landscape in terms of qualifications and tells you where you can get more information.

It includes a number of inspiring case studies of union members who have progressed through their involvement with their union and through TUC Education courses. Many have moved on to achieve qualifications that have provided them with the skills and knowledge to support union learners with their personal and career development.

Tom Wilson Director, unionlearn

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Supporting Learners – progression pathways for all trade union reps

About this guide This guide has been produced as an additional resource for all union learning reps (ULRs) and other union reps who are involved in supporting union learners.

It can often be the case that ULRs and other union reps are so busy supporting union learners that planning their own development and progression can be overlooked. It is hoped that this guide will prompt you to think about your development needs in the area of supporting learners and plan how you are going to address them.

The qualifications system in England, Northern Ireland and Wales is undergoing major change with the introduction of the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). Such is the pace of change it is advisable to check on the current position with either LSIS (the Learning and Skills Improvement Service), the awarding bodies and learning providers offering the qualifications. For this purpose links are provided throughout this guide.

Another very helpful source of advice about any aspect of your proposed progression and development is the unionlearn learning and careers advice service. You can call them free from a landline on 08000 92 91 90 between 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week and speak to an adviser or you can use the resources available online at anytime at www.unionlearn.org.uk/uladvice

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Supporting Learners – progression pathways for all trade union reps

Supporting Learners what it means to union learners The term Supporting Learners is used by unionlearn to describe the activities of ULRs and other union reps when they are working with members to help them make choices about learning, to take up learning opportunities that are right for them and help them to progress in their jobs and careers.

Whilst these activities involve all levels of learning and some elements of information and advice they also include mentoring, coaching, signposting and facilitating learning.

Unionlearn has a Supporting Learners strategy that includes the work unions do to give members information, advice and guidance. So far, the strategy has resulted in: the launch of the unionlearn learning and careers advice service. Telephone 08000 92 91 90 (calls are free from a landline) or visit: unionlearn.org.uk/uladvice a range of free resources and materials for union reps and ULRs publications including the series of Supporting Learner guides the launch of the web-based Climbing Frame, visit www.climbingframe.unionlearn.org.uk to register to use it the development of a Supporting Learners area on the unionlearn website that includes a higher learning area and through which printed copies of resources and publications can be ordered online or downloaded, visit www.unionlearn.org.uk/advice

strong and active links both nationally and regionally with the network of careers information and advice providers, e.g. Next Step, the sector skills councils, Jobcentre Plus, the Open University, etc. regional events with a supporting learners focus for union reps and ULRs an underpinning ULF theme called Supporting Learners.

A new unionlearn strategy for Supporting Learners for 2011–2014 is being developed. To see the planned activities for supporting union learners, visit www.unionlearn.org.uk/advice

The skills required for Supporting Learners As a ULR or other union rep you will be using a wide range of skills to carry out the various responsibilities in the workplace and support learners. Some of the skills will have developed through your work role and some by attending union rep courses provided by either TUC Education or your own union.

For a list of the skills for supporting learners look in Guide 3 of the Supporting Learners series (revised edition) – Role and Skills of the Union Rep. You can order a printed copy of the guide or download it from the website at www.unionlearn.org.uk/advice

updated training materials for ULRs and other union reps

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Supporting Learners – progression pathways for all trade union reps

Reasons for progression There are a range of progression pathways available in the area of supporting union learners. Your main areas of interest are likely to be: information, advice and guidance about careers and learning coaching and mentoring

A Personal Development Plan can help focus your thinking. There is a Learning Theme in the new Climbing Frame dedicated to personal development and career planning with a range of materials, resources and activities that can help you think through your progression options.

You can get more information about the new Climbing Frame or register to access it by visiting www.climbingframe.unionlearn.org.uk

tutoring or facilitating.

It is important before committing to a period of learning to think about why you want to do a particular course or qualification. Your reasons might be: You have enjoyed brushing up your Skills for Life and want to do some more learning.

You are interested in increasing your knowledge and skills in a particular area.

You are already carrying out most of the activities and want to gain credit for what you can already do.

You would like to change career direction.

Your job is under threat and you want to develop your skills to help you find employment.

Your union can access funding to deliver services through Next Step but must have qualified staff and matrix accreditation.

A requirement of your work role.

The opportunity has presented itself and it seems a good idea.

The upgrading of your present level of qualification to meet QCF requirements.

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Supporting Learners – progression pathways for all trade union reps

Progression pathways: with TUC Education TUC Education offers ULRs and other reps a wide range of diplomas, certificates and awards in a range of topics that can be used for progression and as entry into other learning and training opportunities.

In addition to the elements of Supporting Learners that are in the Union Learning Reps training at Stages 1 & 2 there are a number of modules and units available if you are supporting union learners.

These modules and units are not offered routinely by TUC Education centres, you will need to talk to the Regional Education Officer (REO) for your region if you want one of these courses to be put on. All the courses provided by TUC Education are accredited by the National Open College Network (NOCN) and are within the new Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) enabling you to gain credits and qualifications to continue your development.

Look on the unionlearn website www.unionlearn.org.uk/courses to see what is currently available or ask your local trade union studies centres if you have an interest in a particular course.

The unionlearn directory of TUC Education programmes and centres lists contacts for trade union studies centres, and the unionlearn network of learning centres. To order the directory, visit the website or telephone 020 7079 6920 or contact the REO for your region. You can download a regional course brochure by visiting www.unionlearn.org.uk/education/ index.cfm?mins=145

Here are some examples of the units for that will be of particular interest to you in your role of supporting union learners: Supporting Learners (three credits) Supporting Members into Higher Learning (three credits) Mentoring Union Reps and Members (three credits) If you are thinking about a progression pathway into tutoring then you should speak to your local trade union studies centre or to your Regional Education Officer (REO).

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Supporting Learners – progression pathways for all trade union reps

Possible TUC Education progression pathways for ULRs Supporting Learners

TUC Education ULR courses Levels 1&2

Understanding Information, Advice and Guidance in the Workplace

Short specialist courses for Supporting Learners

TUC Reps Supporting Members Climbing Frame for Union Reps Supporting Members into Higher Learning Mentoring Union Reps and Members

Employment Law

Diploma courses

Occupational Health and Safety Contemporary Trade Unionism Equalities

Entry to other learning opportunities

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Supporting Learners – progression pathways for all trade union reps

Progression pathways: qualifications for Supporting Learners

Here are some of the qualifications, beyond those offered by TUC Education, that you might want to consider particularly for your role of supporting union learners.

Many of these qualifications are already within the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) although the situation is less clear with many of the qualifications within the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) being phased out in the near future. To get the most up to date information about qualifications in the learning and development sector contact LSIS, who are continuing the work of LLUK (Lifelong Learning UK). Look on their website at www.lsis.org.uk or at the Excellence Gateway www.excellencegateway.org.uk .

Another good source of up to date information is the unionlearn learning and careers advice service, visit www.unionlearn.org.uk or call 08000 92 91 90 (free from a landline).

Career information, advice and guidance The main qualifications of interest to those supporting union learners are:

The NOCN Information, Advice and Guidance Suite ULRs and other union reps may already be registered for or have achieved the following awards: Level 1 Award in Information Advice and Guidance Awareness Level 2 Award & Certificate in Information Advice and Guidance Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Information Advice and Guidance

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These qualifications are being phased out as they sit within the NQF. They will be replaced by new qualifications that will be available from early 2011 and that sit within the QCF. The expiry date for registering for the current NQF awards was December 2010 with a final certification date of 2013.

Contact NOCN at www.nocn.org.uk or call them on 0114 227 0500 for the most up to date information on the new awards.

NVQs in Advice and Guidance These are the current NVQs that union reps and ULRs may be registered for or have already achieved: Level 2 Advice and Guidance – for those who have customer service or administrative support roles Level 3 Advice and Guidance – for those who are working directly with people, working to clear guidelines, and with information that will be interpreted by others (this has been the baseline qualification required by Next Step and other publicly- funded services) Level 4 Advice and Guidance – for fully developed and experienced practitioners.

These NVQ routes that are within the NQF are being phased out and will be replaced with more robust and specialised qualifications that sit within the QCF. The new awards have been developed to encourage progression in the sector and offer different progression pathways based on an individuals work setting: QCF Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Clients to Overcome Barriers to Learning and Work – specifically designed for those working in the new Next Step service and in other settings providing career advice, information,

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Supporting Learners – progression pathways for all trade union reps

employability support and signposting as part of their own broader work role.

Higher Level Learning Qualifications in Career Guidance

QCF Level 3 Certificate in Advice and Guidance – is primarily aimed at those working in a generalist setting directly with clients, disseminating information, advice and some level of guidance.

QCF Level 4 Diploma in Advice and Guidance – is for para-professionals who work directly with clients, disseminating information, advice, guidance and formal advocacy. You are likely to have some managerial or training responsibilities and may be a creator of materials and publications promoting services.

There is a postgraduate entry route into the profession through the Qualification in Careers Guidance (QCG) that is awarded by the Institute of Career Guidance (ICG). The course is currently available through 11 universities. This is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time course combining academic study with work-based learning. Distance learning options are available in some cases. Most people entering this course have a degree, but you may also be accepted if you have the relevant experience and can show you can cope with postgraduate level study.

QCF Level 4 Diploma in Careers Information and Advice – this award has been developed with the delivery of the new Next Step services in mind.

In addition to the QCG there are other postgraduate and master’s programmes relating to Careers Guidance available from a number of universities.

QCF Level 6 Diploma in Careers Guidance and Development – this award has been developed for professional careers guidance workers who provide in-depth careers guidance services.

Whilst aimed at the professional roles within Next Step it is also relevant to those working in other settings providing careers information, advice and guidance.

Contact the ICG for further information about the QCG and other programmes and for information about the universities offering them at www.icg-uk.org or telephone 01384 376464.

Please be aware that QCF levels are not the same as NVQ levels. It may be appropriate to undertake units from the new awards as part of your CPD if you have already achieved an ‘old’ NVQ and to meet any new baseline requirements for delivering Next Step or other publicly funded services.

Information about these new awards is being regularly updated on the LSIS website www.lsis.org.uk. OCR, the main awarding body, has an area on their website dedicated to these new qualifications, visit www.ocr.org.uk

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Supporting Learners – progression pathways for all trade union reps

Coaching and mentoring There is a range of options available to ULRs and other union reps who would like to develop their coaching or mentoring skills. These qualifications tend to be much more fluid and are often undertaken undertaken as a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activity. CPD means finding opportunities to keep yourself updated on new ideas or information, or taking short courses about different aspects of your work. If you are a member of a professional or trade association they will provide you with detailed information relating to CPD in your sector and may also provide useful tools and resources for you to use for recording purposes.

Here are some of the qualifications and courses currently available and the institutions offering them:

NVQs in Mentoring and Coaching The current NVQ units in Mentoring in the workplace and Coaching are being phased out with a final registration date of December 2010 and final certification date of 2013. If you are already registered for these awards then you should continue to work towards them.

There are no immediate plans for replacement awards in the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).

The Open University The OU offers online courses in coaching and mentoring that you can work through at your own pace. Although these are non-credit bearing courses you will be issued with a certificate by the OU on completion. The certificates can be used to demonstrate CPD activity. The current courses are:

Mentoring at Work – will help develop mentoring skills to help support learners to learn and develop at work.

In addition there is also: Supporting Workplace Study – a free online workplace mentor/supervisor module available from the Open University or Foundation Degree Forward for further information visit http://sws.oucpld.com/ or http://fdf.ac.uk To contact the Open University visit www.open.ac.uk or telephone them at 0845 300 60 90.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD) The CIPD offers a number of short courses in coaching and mentoring as well as courses involving a period of study that lead to professionally recognised qualifications. Their website includes a number of useful factsheets about coaching and mentoring in a work setting. For more information visit www.cipd.co.uk or telephone them at 020 8612 6202.

Institute of Leadership & Management The ILM offers a range of qualifications aimed at developing the coaching/mentoring skills of managers and training professionals, with the opportunity to progress to a professional qualification in coaching and mentoring. The awards are part of the QCF and provide candidates with transferable qualifications credit.

How to Use Coaching at Work – an introduction to coaching techniques and how to use coaching skills to develop others

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Supporting Learners – progression pathways for all trade union reps

Here are examples of some of the currently available courses: Level 3 Certificate for Professional Workplace Coaches Level 3 Qualifications in Workplace Mentoring Level 5 Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring in Management Level 7 Certificate in Executive Coaching and Leadership Mentoring

Higher learning qualifications in coaching and mentoring There are some masters and postgraduate certificates and diplomas available in coaching and mentoring. These will begin at Level 4 in the FHEQ. Here are some of the universities that are offering these qualifications: Liverpool Hope University London South Bank University Oxford Brookes University Business School

For further information about these qualifications, entry requirements and centres approved for delivery contact the Institute of Leadership & Management by telephone on 01543 266867 or email customer@i-l-m.com or visit www.i-l-m.com

The Online College This is based at Sheffield College and has developed an online course for those new to mentoring. The Effective Mentor’s toolkit course helps develop skills to offer effective support as a mentor and make use of online tools to enhance mentoring.

This QCF course is accredited by NOCN with success leading to three credits at either Level 2 or 3.

University of the West of England Westminster University.

For further information either contact the universities directly; all have detailed information on their websites, or contact the unionlearn learning and careers advice service at www.unionlearn.org.uk/uladvice or telephone 08000 92 91 90 (free from a landline) to speak to an adviser.

For further information contact the Online College by email at online@sheff.col.ac.uk or telephone 0114 260 3212 or visit www.online.sheffcol.ac.uk

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Supporting Learners – progression pathways for all trade union reps

Tutoring / teaching A new professional qualification requirement in the lifelong learning sector was introduced in 2007 so if your planned progression is into a tutoring or teaching role you will need to consider the following qualifications which are widely offered by colleges and learning providers.

QCF Level 3 or 4 Awards in Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS) – this is an introductory course for all new tutors/teachers delivering publicly funded provision. The qualification is a direct progression route into the Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (CTLLS).

QCF Level 3 or 4 Certificates in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (CTLLS) – this award is for anyone who wants to fulfil an associate tutor/teacher role. The qualification is a direct progression route into the Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector.

QCF Level 5 Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS) – this full teaching qualification is often also called a PGCE or Cert Ed. by universities. Whilst this is a Level 5 qualification some universities offer it at a higher level.

Further information about these qualifications and any changes planned for them can be obtained from LSIS at www.lsis.org.uk or from the main awarding body City & Guilds. Or, contact the unionlearn learning and careers service on 08000 92 91 90 (free from a landline) to find out who is offering these qualifications in your region.

It is worth noting that the National Extension College (NEC) has developed the QCF Level 3 Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS) course in association with the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) and City & Guilds.

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The theory part of the course will be completed using NEC’s distance learning materials followed by attendance at a microteach workshop organised by the WEA. The NEC offers union members a 10 per cent discount on fees.

The Online College – has developed and delivers an online course for tutors/teachers who deliver online learning. The Net-trainers course will be suitable if you have one year’s experience of tutoring/training or who already hold a qualification in online learning. The course is within the QCF and is accredited by NOCN. Those who successfully complete the course also receive the European Net-Trainers certificate.

For further information contact the Online College by email at online@sheff.col.ac.uk or telephone 0114 260 3212 or visit www.online.sheffcol.ac.uk Higher Learning Qualifications in Education: Higher learning refers to any study that leads to qualifications at Level 4 and above in the framework For Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ). If you want to gain a degree or a postgraduate qualification in Education there are a number of options including: Diploma to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector combined with a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) BA Honours in Education.

There are also a number of Foundation degrees (Fds) that are linked to learning, for example, Supporting Learning and Teaching. Fds are at Level 5 in the FHEQ and require you to demonstrate a high level or workplace competence alongside academic study. A benefit of Fds are that they can be studied by distance learning.

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Supporting Learners – progression pathways for all trade union reps

A full list of Fds is available at www.direct.gov.uk/foundationdegrees and if you visit www.fdf.ack.uk/advisers you will find clear information and case studies about work-based higher learning.

There is a Higher Learning theme in the Climbing Frame with detailed information about opportunities. You can register to access it by visiting www.climbingframe.unionlearn.org.uk You may also find the unionlearn publication Higher Education at Work: making the case to employers a helpful resource. A printed copy can be ordered online or downloaded from www.unionlearn.org.uk/publications

Other qualifications to consider: There are some other possibilities that you might want to consider when you are thinking about your progression pathway, including: QCF Level 3 Assessor Qualifications – these awards will be replacing the current A1 and D32/D33 NVQ units. These new awards are suitable if you are working in a setting where learners are being assessed against NVQs and you want to progress to making assessment decisions, using a range of methods and providing feedback to candidates:

QCF Level 4 Quality Assurance Qualification – these awards will be replacing the current V1 and D34 NVQ units and will be of interest if you are working in a setting where learners are being assessed against NVQs and you want to be involved in the quality assurance of assessment decisions: Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practices Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practices a career in counselling – there is an array of short courses in counselling if you want to improve your skills and knowledge as well as diploma courses, degrees and masters. If you are interested in becoming a qualified counsellor visit the website of the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapists www.bacup.co.uk or telephone 01455 883300 to find out about their qualifications and their approved learning providers that will include colleges and universities.

Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement.

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TUC Education Specialist Units for Supporting Learners

Entry to other learning opportunities (including tutor training)

QCF NVQs in Careers Info Advice and Guidance Levels 3, 4 or 6

TUC Education ULR Courses 1 & 2

CPD

CPD

Foundation Degree

Diploma in Teaching in Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS)

Cert in Teaching in Lifelong Learning Sector (CTLLS)

Preparing to teach in Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS)

Possible progression pathways for ULRs Supporting Learners

Assessor Qualifications

Quality Assurance Qualifications

Professional Careers Guidance Worker (QCG)

Postgraduate Masters in Careers Education.

DTTLS/ PCGE

BA Honours in Education

Certificates/Diplomas in Mentoring and Coaching

CPD

Postgraduate or Masters in Mentoring and/or Coaching

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Supporting Learners – progression pathways for all trade union reps

Making the right decision Gaining a qualification can be costly and time consuming so it is important to gather as much information as possible to help you make the right decision.

The Government’s “Direct Gov” website has information in its Qualifications and exams: a guide to adult learners area and its university and higher education area, visit www.direct.gov.org

Some sources of help can be: If you want to become: The Job Profiles area on the unionlearn learning and careers advice service, visit www.unionlearn.org.uk/uladvice or call 08000 92 91 90 (free from a landline) to speak to an adviser If you are looking for information involving a career change the occupational guides on the Prospects website can be useful for checking the current requirements for jobs, visit www.prospects.ac.uk and follow the links to Types of Jobs in the Jobs and Work experience area The pre-course checklist in Guide 4 of the Supporting Learners series Useful Extras for Union Reps. Order a copy or download it from www.unionlearn.org.uk/advice Foundation Degree Forward has Choosing to do a Foundation Degree While Working – a checklist for learners which can be downloaded from www.fdf.ac.uk/page.aspx?id=71 The Climbing Frame where a number of themes, in particular the Personal Development and Career Planning themes, may be of interest. Register to use the Climbing Frame at www.climbingframe.union.org.uk

a professional careers adviser then visit the Institute of Careers Guidance website www.icguk.org or telephone them on 01384 376464 to find out about entry routes into the profession a tutor in either adult or further education you can check the requirements for teaching in the lifelong learning sector by contacting LSIS www.lsis.org.uk. Another useful source of information is City & Guilds who are the main Awarding Body telephone 0844 543 0033 or email learnersupport@cityandguilds.com or complete an online enquiry form at www.cityandguilds.com a coach or a mentor then you will find the qualifications tend to be a bit more fluid and tend to be a specialism or used as a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunity. A useful source of information is the Coaching and Mentoring Network website at www.coachingnetwork.org.uk The best way to be sure you are making the right decision is to call an adviser at the unionlearn learning & careers advice service on 08000 92 91 90 (free from a landline) and to talk through your own particular needs.

The Open University has a “Choosing your first Level 1” tool if you are considering a short course or higher learning course with them, visit www3.open.ac.uk/study/explained/ index.shtml

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Getting ready to progress Whatever level you are planning to study at you may not feel confident about moving on to a new level. You can access an online resource called Build on your Skills by visiting www.fdf.ac.uk and following the link to Advisers. You can also find it on www.higherlearningatwork.org There is also helpful information about study skills in the unionlearn publication Supporting Members into Higher Level Learning: a toolkit for union learning reps. Visit www.unionlearn.org.uk/publications to download or order a printed copy.

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Supporting Learners – progression pathways for all trade union reps

Help with the cost of learning Lack of funding to help towards the cost of learning is usually cited as the main barrier to progression. Whilst there is no simple answer it is certainly worthwhile spending some time researching to find out if financial support is available. Any help that is available will depend on a number of factors including your personal circumstances and the course or qualification you are planning to do.

You will find there is a lot of information available about funding and financial support. Here are some useful contacts: The unionlearn learning and careers advice service can provide information about funding call them on 08000 92 91 90 (free from a landline) or visit unionlearn.org.uk/uladvice to look at the Funding Directory which is a free searchable database of non-charitable sources of funding to support education and learning.

Current sources of funding include Adult Learning Grants and Professional & Career Development Loans.

The Government’s “Directgov” website has up-to-date information about the financial support available to adult learners including the Adult Learning Grant, Professional & Career Development Loans as well as information about other grants and bursaries visit www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning /FinancialHelp ForAdultLearners/index.htm It will be also be useful to talk to:

the learning institution to find out if any financial help might be available. This may include bursaries or grants (which you don’t have to pay back) or a grant (which you do have to pay back).

Find out about the discounts that have been negotiated by unionlearn: The Open University offers a discount to union members paying their own study fees. A 10 per cent discount is available on the first OU course studied. The offer applies to all Level 1 courses worth 30 to 60 points. You can find out more about the discount and information about bursaries from the OU by calling 0845 300 60 90 quoting ‘union’ or by visiting www.openuniversity.co.uk Following an agreement with unionlearn the National Extension College (NEC) offers union members a 10 per cent discount on any NEC home study course telephone 0800 389 2839 or visit www.nec.ac.uk/courses for more information Birkbeck University of London has recently entered an agreement with unionlearn which means that union members will now receive a 10 per cent discount on courses. For further information call them on 0845 601 0174 or visit www.bbk.ac.uk Other higher education institutions in your region may offer discounts. Please contact your unionlearn regional manager for information.

your union about any financial help that may be available or to see if they can negotiate any discounts with the learning institution on your behalf your employer to see if they can offer any financial or other support

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Supporting Learners – progression pathways for all trade union reps

Get some other ideas by: reading the case studies in this publication; whilst some learners have self-funded their progression, there are examples where funding has been available looking at the unionlearn guide Higher Education at Work: making the case to employers as it has useful strategies for getting support from an employer at all levels of learning.

A printed copy of the guide can be ordered or downloaded from the unionlearn website www.unionlearn.org.uk/publications looking at two downloadable publications from Foundation Degree Forward Funding Options for Higher Education Study and Workplace Support for your Studies available from www.fdf.ac.uk/page.aspx?id=71 looking at the higher education case studies publication, which has information about discounts available for higher learning. Downloadable from www.unionlearn.org.uk/publications Looking at the unionlearn toolkit Making Learning Affordable: setting up Collective Learning Funds which is available from the unionlearn website www.unionlearn.org.uk/publications to see whether you can arrange funding through partnerships between unions, employers and learning providers.

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Supporting Learners – progression pathways for all trade union reps

Changes to qualifications: frameworks and levels

The qualifications system and ‘levels’ can be very confusing with things changing all the time, so it is very important to research carefully when deciding on the route and level of qualification to choose.

Confusion occurs as currently, there are three qualification ‘frameworks’:

Here are some of the key features of the new QCF: the names of qualifications refer to three things – how difficult it is, how long it takes and what it is about all qualifications are built from smaller units of learning

the National Qualifications Framework (NQF)

the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (HEFQ).

every unit and qualification has a credit value (showing how much time it takes to complete – one credit represents 10 hours) and a level between Entry level and Level 8 (showing how difficult it is)

The National Qualifications Framework (NQF)

learners can build towards the achievement of a qualification by being awarded credits for the completion of units

the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)

This sets out the levels at which qualifications can be recognised in England, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Where qualifications share the same level it is an indication that the demand is in broad terms similar, though the size of qualifications may differ. The NQF is being phased out to be replaced by the QCF.

there are three sizes of qualification: Award (1 to 12 credits) Certificate (13 to 36 credits) Diploma (37 credits or more)

Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) This is the new framework for recognising and accrediting qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The QCF is operating now and is progressively replacing the NQF.

Currently it is expected that all funding for NQF qualifications will cease by July 2011, with many NQF qualifications having already lost their eligibility for funding from August 2010.

The purpose of the QCF is to make the whole qualifications system: simpler to understand and use more accessible to a wider range of learners more relevant to learners’ and employers’ needs.

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Supporting Learners – progression pathways for all trade union reps

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Level

Examples of QCF qualifications

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Award, Certificate and Diploma in strategic direction

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BTEC Advanced Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards

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BTEC Advanced Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards

5

HNDs BTEC Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards NVQs at Level 5

4

BTEC Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards HNCs NVQs at Level 4

3

BTEC Awards, Certificates and Diplomas at Level 3 BTEC Nationals OCR Nationals NVQs at Level 3

2

BTEC Awards, Certificates and Diplomas at Level 2 Functional Skills at level 2 OCR Nationals NVQs at Level 2

1

BTEC Awards, Certificates and Diplomas at Level 1 Functional Skills at Level 1 OCR Nationals Foundation Learning Tier pathways NVQs at Level 2

Entry

Awards, Certificates and Diplomas at entry Functional Skills at entry Level Foundation Learning Tier pathways at entry Level

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Supporting Learners – progression pathways for all trade union reps

To find out more about the QCF and the structure of the new vocational qualifications being introduced visit the Education and Learning area of the Direct Gov website at www.direct.gov.org

In time the QCF will be aligned to the FHEQ, so that learners will be able to build up credit to help them enter higher learner courses in a different way.

The most recent version of the FHEQ is shown below.

Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ)

As you can see it can be difficult to understand how all the levels work and fit together. The Foundation Degree Forward Advisers area at www.fdf.ac.uk/advisers includes some interactive resources to help you understand how things fit together. This is also available at www.higherlearningatwork.org

This has been designed for the higher education sector, and describes all the main higher education qualifications. It applies to degrees, diplomas, certificates and other academic awards granted by a university or higher learning college (apart from honorary degrees and higher doctorates).

FHEQ Level

Typical higher education qualifications within each level

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Doctoral degrees (e.g. PhD/Dphil, EdD, DBA, DclinPsy)

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Master’s degrees (e.g. Mphil, Mlitt, MA, Msc, Mres); Integrated Master’s degrees (e.g. Meng, Mchem, Mphys, Mpharm); Postgraduate diplomas; Postgraduate Certificate in Education, Graduate diplomas, Graduate certificates

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Bachelor’s degrees, Postgraduate Certificate in Education, Graduate diplomas, Graduate certificates

5

Foundation degrees, Diplomas of Higher Education, Higher National Diplomas

4

Higher National Certificates, Certificates of Higher Education

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Supporting Learners – progression pathways for all trade union reps

Changes to qualifications: how it may affect you

As there are so many changes taking place following the introduction of the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) it is important to check the qualification you choose will help you meet your goals and is not due to be phased out in the near future.

The changes can be very confusing. For example, an NVQ level accredited in the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) will not be the same as an NVQ in the QCF. The “old” NVQs in Advice and Guidance as well as the Assessor and Verifier awards will over time be replaced with the new awards although you should continue working towards an “old” NVQ if you are already registered.

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Anyone who has already achieved or will be achieving an “old” NVQ will need to ensure their qualifications, knowledge and understanding meet the requirements of their sector and any organisation they are delivering services on behalf of, e.g. Next Step. Contact your local Next Step for guidance of any new requirements.

It is probable that almost everyone with an “old” NVQ will need to complete additional units from the new awards as part of their CPD to meet the latest requirements.

If you want to check what the equivalencies of your current qualifications are then call the unionlearn learning and careers service on 08000 92 91 90 (free from a landline).

unionlearn learning and careers advice service

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Supporting Learners – progression pathways for all trade union reps

Types of qualifications Here is some information about the main types of qualification that union reps and ULRs may consider when looking at their progression pathways:

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) There are many short courses available that carry a certificate or can count towards a qualification or to maintaining a professional registration.

They can cover a wide range of topics and may be available at a college or by distance learning.

Many can be completed online in your own time at home or at work.

Distance learning degree courses Many degree courses are available by distance learning, which means that study can take place in your own time at home or at work. The biggest provider of distance learning degrees is the Open University (OU), and union members can get a 10 per cent discount for some courses.

Foundation degrees These can be a good option for working people wanting to do a degree. Foundation degrees are distinctive from most degree courses in that they require learners to demonstrate a high level of workplace competence alongside the equivalent standard of academic attainment. A Foundation degree is equivalent to the first two years of a fulltime degree and can provide access to a final year of an Honours degree. Foundation degrees can be studied either by distance learning or online.

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Higher National Diplomas (HND) and Certificates (HNC) These qualifications can be taken on either a fullor part-time basis in a range of vocational subjects.

The focus is on developing knowledge and skills needed for the workplace. Where relevant modules have been achieved it is possible to ‘top up’ these qualifications to a degree.

National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) Whilst these qualifications will remain current for some time they will be gradually phased out and replaced by new and more robust NVQs that sit within the QCF. The main awarding bodies, e.g.

City & Guilds and OCR, are regularly updating their websites with information.

Higher Education (HE) This is the term used to describe study that leads to qualifications at Level 4 in the framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ). Study may be full-time, part-time, through distance learning, online or at work. HE courses are offered by a range of institutions including universities, further education colleges, the Open University and work-based learning and training providers.

Postgraduate These are most usually taken by learners who already have a degree but some adult learners may be able to enter with relevant work experience.

Courses may be taught or research based and may lead to a range of qualifications including masters degrees, PhDs and postgraduate certificates of diplomas. Most HE institutions have very good descriptions of the courses available and advice about who to contact to find out more.

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Supporting Learners – progression pathways for all trade union reps

Who to contact within unionlearn For more information about the development and progression routes and the resources available for supporting union learners contact: East & West Midland region Regional Education Officer Pete Try t: 0121 236 4454 e: ptry@tuc.org.uk Supporting Learners Paul Humphreys t: 0121 236 4454 e: phumphreys@tuc.org.uk North West region Regional Education Officer Pete Holland t: 0151 236 7678 e: pholland@tuc.org.uk Supporting Learners John Halligan t: 0151 236 2321 e: jhalligan@tuc.org.uk

South West region Regional Education Officer Marie Hughes t: 0117 947 0521 e: mhughes@tuc.org.uk Supporting Learners Ros Etheridge t: 0117 947 0521 e: retheridge@tuc.org.uk

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Northern region Regional Education Officer Ian West t: 0191 232 3175 e: iwest@tuc.org.uk Supporting Learners Dave Storrie t: 0191 227 5561 e: dstorrie@tuc.org.uk Southern & Eastern region Regional Education Officers Rob Hancock/Theresa Daly t: 020 7467 1238/020 7467 1238 e: rhancock@tuc.org.uk/tdaly@tuc.org.uk Supporting Learners Jon Tennison t: 020 7467 1212 e: jtennison@tuc.org.uk Yorkshire & Humber region Regional Education Officer Trevor Sargison t: 0113 242 9296 e: tsargison@tuc.org.uk Supporting Learners Sharon Burke t: 0113 200 1073 e: sburke@tuc.org.uk or unionlearn Standards & Quality Manager Ian Borkett t: 020 7079 6940 e: iborkett@tuc.org.uk

unionlearn learning and careers advice service

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Supporting Learners – progression pathways for all trade union reps

For information about:

TUC Education For courses contact the REO in your region or call 020 7079 6920 or email tuceducation@tuc.org.uk or visit www.unionlearn.org.uk/courses.

Regional course brochures can be download from www.unionlearn.org.uk/ education/index.cfm?mins=145

The Climbing Frame Contact Louisa Shaw on 020 7079 6934 or email climbingframe@tuc.org.uk or register to use it at www.climbingframe.unionlearn.org.uk

Higher learning opportunities Visit www.higherlearningatwork.org Free unionlearn resources for supporting learners can be ordered to be sent by post or downloaded from www.unionlearn.org.uk/publications Here is a selection of the current publications: Supporting Learners series of guides (revised edition) unionlearn directory – includes a list of TUC Education programmes and centres promotional materials for the unionlearn learning & careers advice service promotional materials and resources for the Climbing Frame guides and case studies about helping learners into higher learning.

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Supporting Learners – progression pathways for all trade union reps

Other contacts The following organisations will be able to provide up to date information and advice about qualifications, their status as well as providing support to learners:

City & Guilds

Foundation Degree Forward visit www.fdf.ac.uk and follow the links to ‘Resources for ULRs’ and ‘Resources for advisers and learner support’

Next Step

telephone 0844 543 0033 or email learnersupport@cityandguilds.com or complete an online enquiry form at: www.cityandguilds.com

telephone 0800 100 900 or visit www.nextstep.direct.gov.uk

EDEXEL

Unionlearn learning and careers advice service

telephone 0844 576 0026 or visit www.edexcel.com

telephone 08000 92 91 90 (free from a landline) or visit www.unionlearn.org.uk/uladvice

NEC (National Extension College) telephone 0800 389 2839 or visit www.nec.ac.uk

NOCN (National Open College Network) – telephone 0114 227 0500 or email nocn@nocn.org.uk or visit www.nocn.org.uk

OCR (Oxford Cambridge & RSA examinations) telephone 02476 851 509 or email vocational.qualifications@ocr.org.uk

Open University telephone 0845 300 60 90 or visit www.open.ac.uk

LSIS (Learning and Skills Improvement Service), who have taken over the responsibilities of LLUK (Lifelong Learning UK) with regard to standards and qualifications. Visit www.lsis.org.uk or www.excellencegateway.org.uk

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unionlearn learning and careers advice service

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Supporting Learners – progression pathways for all trade union reps

Case Studies Ady Prins With a view to reducing their reliance on local education providers, CWU in the North West region have encouraged and supported a number of their learning reps to continue with their learning. This has resulted in them getting a range of qualifications, including Certificates in Education (Cert Ed), Level 5 subject specialisms in Numeracy and Literacy, NVQs in Advice and Guidance at Levels 3 and 4, Adult learner support Level 2 and 3, and Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS) Level 3.

Here is the story of Ady Prins who is a learning rep and who tutors at The Pl@ce, the learning centre for the Royal Mail’s Chester Mail Office.

It was whilst teaching First Aid to colleagues that Ady first realised that he was able to develop a ready rapport with people, that he enjoyed explaining things to them and making learning fun.

With encouragement from his union and family, Ady enrolled on TUC Education’s ULR Stage 1 course in November 2003 and has been an active learning rep ever since, supporting up to 20 members or their families with their learning at any time. Ady firmly believes that as a ULR he has a high level of responsibility and an obligation to assist members as much as possible, be it with information and advice to help them find a course that is right for them, supporting members as they are learning, or helping them progress in their jobs and careers.

In terms of developing his skills for Supporting Learners Ady completed the Frontline Advice and Guidance/Identifying Learner Needs module of the TUC Education’s union reps national programme in July 2004 and completed the OCN modules Understanding Record Keeping and the Matrix Standard in July 2008 and Understanding Information, Advice and Guidance in the Workplace in July 2009.

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Ady was given the opportunity by CWU to attend Stoke College to study for City & Guilds NVQ Level 4 in Advice and Guidance which he completed in April 2010. Whilst the course was fully funded by CWU, this development took place in Ady’s own time.

In terms of developing his tutoring skills, Ady enrolled on two City & Guilds teacher training courses in 2005, both of which he completed in his own time and self-funded. Firstly, the Level 3 Certificate in Delivering Learning which he completed in March 2005 and secondly, the Level 4 Certificate in Further Education Teaching Stage 1, which he completed in August 2005. He then went on to Manchester Metropolitan University to complete the Certificate in Education (Cert Ed) in June 2008, which was funded from a bursary from the Government.

Ady is currently attending Manchester Metropolitan University where he is studying for a BA Hons in Education which he hopes to complete within the next 18 months. As before all his study is in his own time and whilst the postgraduate aspect of the course is funded Ady has taken out a student loan for one year.

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Supporting Learners – progression pathways for all trade union reps

Ady gets a real buzz from helping people with their learning and empowering them. He sees his ideal progression route as becoming a TUC tutor, which he hopes to do as a payback for all the support he has received in the past seven years. His ultimate goal is to move into primary school education as a Special Education Teacher.

All of Ady’s development has been influenced and supported by CWU project workers, his colleagues at The Pl@ce and most importantly by his family.

The range of skills that Ady has developed and his performance during an observation week at a local junior mixed infants school has led to him being approached by that school to become a school governor, which he has taken up.

As well as the formal qualification routes that Ady has followed, he has taken the opportunity to attend many of the courses that CWU offers its members and those offered by TUC Education.

He took many of these courses in his own time.

These courses range from classroom-based through to online and cover a diverse range of topics from computing and health and safety to adult literacy and numeracy. Ady says his knowledge of the courses helps him to give his members the correct information and advice when they are searching for a course and the right level of support when they are learning.

Alfie Jones Alfie Jones left school without any formal qualifications taking a number of manual jobs around Liverpool before managing to get an apprenticeship as a plumber and completing his City & Guilds qualifications. After completing his apprenticeship, he worked for several plumbing and heating companies.

In the late 1970s he went on to work at a large food company in Liverpool (which was later to be taken over by a multi-national company) where he eventually was elected as a shop steward. “Like a lot of people who take on this role, it was more a case of being pushed into it by workmates than wanting to take it on”, he said. However, Alfie went on to become the site convenor as well as be the site representative on the company’s European Works Council (EWC). It was on the EWC that Alfie started to get involved with tutoring and he helped structure the training seminars. These activities prompted Alfie to consider how he could develop his delivery skills and provide those he was training with the right type of support.

Alfie heard that the Workers Education Association (WEA) was offering the City & Guilds 7307 Certificate in Teaching Adult Learners qualification. He enrolled on the year-long course, which he funded himself and did in his own time, working around his shift patterns.

A while after completing the City & Guilds 7307, he was offered and accepted a six-month secondment delivering the region’s education with GMB Liverpool North Wales and Irish region, (later to become the North West and Irish region). Alfie became heavily involved in the organisation and delivery of a range of courses throughout the region.

At the end of the secondment, Alfie was appointed a full-time GMB Education Officer in the region.

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Supporting Learners – progression pathways for all trade union reps

Four years after completing the City & Guilds 7307 certificate, Alfie decided to progress his teaching qualifications further and enrolled at the University of Central Lancashire for the Certificate in Education (Cert Ed). This progression route had been in his mind for some time as he had heard about the Cert Ed whilst doing the City & Guilds 7307; GMB regional secretary, Paul McCarthy was very supportive of Alfie completing the course. Alfie believes by having achieved the Cert Ed he has a much better understanding of teaching and delivery methods and that members benefit from this by receiving the best delivery and support possible.

During 2010, Alfie became a Master Coach having completed a course accredited by the International Coaching Academy, which is closely linked to the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM), at the Liverpool Academy headed up by John Haynes.

The course comprised of three modules, Executive Business Coaching (coaching linked to setting and achieving goals), Accelerated Learning (understanding learners needs and improving the learning environment to help learning take place) and Personal Performance Coaching (developing and getting the best out of people), completing the three modules over a year. The current course equates to a Level 5, although the ILM are working towards upgrading this into a Level 7 coaching qualification. Once again the GMB have been very supportive and made study time available.

Alfie is a keen advocate of the power of effective coaching and has been able to transfer what he has learnt into his work and into his own delivery.

“I’ve always been a great believer in people maximising their potential, and coaching is becoming a more important tool than ever in helping people achieve their goals. The role of the trade union workplace rep has changed significantly over the years, as more demands are placed upon them,

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particularly being able to respond to the changing working environment, so helping rep’s reach their potential and increase their personal confidence is vital. I believe coaching has a real part to play in that.”

As well following this formal progression route Alfie has also attended a number of TUC Education courses, including the Diploma in Industrial Relations, as well as courses offered by the GMB College including Health and Safety Officer training and the NOCN Internal Moderator course.

Brenda Bell Brenda Bell’s progression route follows a pathway that helps her to support union learners when they are making choices about their learning and help them to progress in their jobs and careers.

Since April 2009, Brenda has been on secondment from her employer Tesco to Usdaw where she is operating as a mobile union learning rep. This full-time role involves her travelling to a number of large retail stores in the North West to provide information, advice and mentoring support to more than 100 union learners.

Although she has worked for Tesco for 15 years, Brenda only became interested in becoming active in her union in 2003 when she took up the offer from Usdaw to become a steward. Two years later Brenda was also working on a part-time basis at Boots. When Boots announced they were centralising their operations Brenda’s job was threatened with redundancy and she had the opportunity to take a course as part of her redundancy package. She was approached to become an Usdaw ULR and completed her training in 2006.

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Supporting Learners – progression pathways for all trade union reps

Having completed the learning reps course Brenda enrolled with Bury College to do a literacy course at Levels 1 & 2 and a Maths course at Level 1 with a team of other Usdaw learners. As well as brushing up on her own skills, Brenda says that having experienced the courses herself, she is better able to explain the benefits to union learners and support them through their learning. The courses were free but Brenda had to complete most of the course work in her own time. Brenda also negotiated with the college that learners on the Maths course could also go on a digital photography course for free. She and four other learners took advantage of this.

Brenda recognised that as a mobile learning rep, she would need to be able to record details about learners and to have a facility for searching for and retrieving information about learning opportunities both within Usdaw and with other learning providers. With the support of her union, Brenda enrolled on a Basic IT course at Blackburn College with six other Tesco staff in May 2009. Usdaw negotiated a free place at the college for Brenda on the basis that having experienced the course she would be better placed to refer union learners to the course and college. Once again she completed the course work in her own time.

Having identified that she needed to produce spreadsheets and other visual aids, Brenda followed up the Basic IT course with an ITQ Level 2 course which she completed in September 2010, having once again negotiated a free place for herself.

Brenda says the course has given her much more confidence in her IT skills.

During 2010, Brenda was approached by her union to see if she would be interested in gaining an NVQ Level 3 in Advice and Guidance.

The course was offered free of charge and delivered

by Mantra Learning based in Oldham and although Brenda was able to generate much of the evidence required for assessment from her learning rep role she had to complete the course work in her own

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time. Achieving this qualification has been very useful to Brenda as it has confirmed and clarified much of what she is already doing and has helped her to improve the level of support she can offer to members, particularly in terms of sourcing information about learning opportunities, dealing with record-keeping and engaging with potential learners on campaign days.

Brenda’s secondment to Usdaw will be ending in December 2010 and she will return to work at Tesco on a full-time basis in her steward role.

Brenda is clear about her own development needs and will look to source and study for the Diploma in Employment Law, as this will help her in her steward’s role.

Lorraine Sidney Lorraine Sidney is a good example of someone who has been flexible in her approach to her own development and has been prepared to follow more than one progression pathway to achieve her learning goals. The result is that Lorraine has gained a range of qualifications at different levels, some of which have been planned with her employer or union and some she describes has being ‘accidental’ as she has made the most of any opportunities presented to her.

Lorraine has been working for Sunderland Council since 1978 in the area of residential care and her work-related development led to her achieving a Diploma in Social Work/Higher Education and a British Sign Language qualification at Level 2. Currently her work role is split between two part-time jobs, one remains in residential care but she is seconded to a union role as a convener, the other as an NVQ assessor. She is also available to provide support to more than 20 ULRs working for Sunderland Council.

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Supporting Learners – progression pathways for all trade union reps

At the same time Lorraine made the decision to enter higher learning, enrolling for a two-year Foundation degree in Arts (training and work-based learning) with Sunderland University in 2007.

She had found out about the course through her contacts at the TUC college. As she was already a ULR, she only had to pay for half the course fees and study in her own time. The degree course helped Lorraine in all her various roles as an NVQ Assessor, as a learning rep and as a steward as it all related to learning agenda. Lorraine says she found the Foundation degree an ideal way of studying for a higher level learning qualification, although she had to manage her time well to fit in the required study time.

Lorraine became a UNISON steward in 1980 but it took until 2003 before she became active and completed the TUC Stewards courses. A unionlearn worker then suggested that the union learning reps course would be good for her, due to her involvement in work-based induction training and other related activities in council-based residential care. Her role included encouraging care workers to consider training courses and providing them with support through the learning process. Lorraine completed the ULR courses, Stage 1 and Stage 2, between 2003 and 2005.

In 2006 Lorraine became the Branch Education Co-ordinator and Lifelong Learning Officer and in 2007 was offered the chance, along with other council based ULRs, to take the City & Guilds Level 2 course in Adult Learner Support. This was followed by the achievement of the NVQ A1 Assessors Award in 2009. Lorraine currently assesses candidates in Levels 3 + 4 Health and Social Care (Children and Young People).

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Having completed her Foundation degree, Lorraine was keen to enrol for the Certificate in Education (Cert Ed). Unfortunately, she quickly realised she would have difficulty in getting enough opportunities to fulfil the required hours of teaching so decided to look at other options.

This led her instead to looking at alternatives, resulting in her enrolling on a Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS) course with Northumbria University, which she completed in 2010. The course was funded by the regional UNISON office and Lorraine was able to negotiate with her employer to allow her half the study time required. Lorraine has also worked as a visiting tutor for the Protocol National Employment Agency delivering a British sign language course for the TUC for stewards/union members as well as delivering “taster” sessions for employers such as Barclays Bank, HMRC and BT. In 2009 Lorraine started a lay tutors course provided by her union UNISON. She saw this as a way of developing her tutoring skills further and being equipped to deliver micro teaching and workshops to other ULRs and stewards.

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Supporting Learners – progression pathways for all trade union reps

In 2010 Lorraine achieved an NVQ Level 4 in Advice and Guidance. This award was offered and funded by unionlearn Northern Region. Being an experienced NVQ Assessor she knew how to generate the evidence required, present and cross-reference it and completed the award in three months. She has now registered for the NVQ Internal Verifiers course, which her employer will fund.

As well as following a clear progression pathway for supporting union learners, Lorraine continues to keep her professional qualifications up to date and will be starting a Medications NVQ unit as evidence of her Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Teresa Bennett Teresa Bennett decided that she needed to be proactive and take responsibility for her own development in 2004, when her employer, the Qualifications & Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA, formerly the QCA), re-located from central London and she faced redundancy. Teresa’s last management position with the QCDA was supporting a number of local authorities to implement the National Curriculum tests.

Teresa joined the former QCA in 1992. She undertook a progression pathway that linked to her work role, which arose during an appraisal meeting. The HNC in Business and Finance qualification enabled her to study for a BA Honours degree in Business Administration. Some years later after receiving promotion she studied with the Institute of Risk Management and then went on to complete the Henley Certificate in Coaching. These courses were funded by the then QCA who also provided time off to study.

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During her 18 years of employment with the QCDA, Teresa had been an activist in her union PCS, initially as a membership officer. Six years ago, she attended a presentation held by her union during Adult Learners Week about the role of the union learning rep, and this prompted her to enrol for and complete the nine-day course. The skills gained by becoming a learning rep enabled Teresa to work collaboratively with her employer and PCS to support learning within the workplace. The learning agreement formed part of the union recognition agreement.

It was in her role as a learning rep that Teresa developed her love for teaching and for supporting union learners. She would often help members who were applying for promotion to prepare for interview, help members update their CVs and signpost members to a wide range of employer and union-led courses.

In 2004 Teresa followed up her training as a learning rep by attending a TUC Education Discussion Leaders course. She says “Following this course, I would observe tutors or trainers when I attended training sessions. I started out by co-facilitating courses until I became confident to deliver the course on my own”. She has also attended a number of other TUC Education courses such as Organising Summer School, Health and Safety Awareness, Sexual Orientation and Religious Belief. Other courses outside of her work and trade union activities included Counselling, Life Skills Coaching, Working with Young People and Spanish. Teresa believes that by taking ownership for her own development and by taking advantage of the wide range of courses offered by TUC Education she gained the confidence to consider development opportunities with other learning providers.

To follow her chosen progression pathway into tutoring and teaching Teresa enrolled on a City & Guilds 7302 Delivering Learning course, the City & Guilds Level 4 Certificate in Further Education

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Supporting Learners – progression pathways for all trade union reps

Teaching, and then some years later the ‘Certificate for Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector’ (CTLLS) with the College of North East London.

Teresa received funding for the courses but had to study in her own time. Knowledge gained provided greater understanding of issues faced by practitioners in the educational sector and also provided a better understanding and appreciation of learning styles and how to widen and increase participation in learning.

Currently, Teresa is studying for the Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector and linking this to a Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (DTLLS/PGCE). She attends Central Bedfordshire College one afternoon per week.

This development was negotiated as part of her redundancy package and she received a contribution towards the cost of her training.

Having taken redundancy from QCDA in September 2010, Teresa is working as a visiting tutor for the TU Studies centres at the College of North East London (CONEL) and Central Bedfordshire College. Her aim is to ultimately secure full-time employment in the TU or FE sector.

Tommy Beattie Seeing a notice at work about learning prompted Tommy Beattie to think about becoming a union learning rep. Before joining the Co-op as an HGV driver eight years ago, Tommy had enjoyed a career in the army that had involved some teaching and he remembered how rewarding it had been passing knowledge on to others and helping them progress.

Tommy joined his union Usdaw eight years ago and after about four years enrolled on a ULR course, which he completed at Stages 1 & 2. An added

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challenge for him was to fit the course, and indeed all his learning to date, around his shift working patterns, which at times proved difficult.

In his role as a union learning rep, Tommy can support and encourage up to 180 drivers to consider and take up learning opportunities offered by Usdaw. He works some of the time from the Lifelong Learning Centre at the Co-op based in Birtley, but many of his learning rep activities take place whilst he is out on deliveries and meeting other drivers across a wide geographical area in the northern region. Typically, he will help drivers to identify their learning needs and then provide them with information about courses and in particular those where Usdaw have negotiated a discount for learners with colleges and other learning providers.

A complication for Tommy is that currently his employer is only recognising Usdaw courses. Any other courses, including those available from TUC Education, have to be completed in a member’s own time and they have to pay for their own travel costs. This can prove problematic for Tommy when signposting members to learning opportunities and potentially in terms of his own progression as well, but he hopes this situation may change when the economy picks up.

Tommy found out about further development opportunities available to him as a learning rep from his local Learning Co-ordinator, who encouraged him to enrol for an NVQ Level 3 in Advice and Guidance in June 2007. He followed this up with the NVQ at Level 4 in October 2007. Both of these courses were run at Newcastle College and funded by unionlearn Northern region. Although Tommy had to complete the course work in his own time his employer paid him when his NVQ assessor visited him in the workplace.

The NVQs in Advice and Guidance have helped Tommy in his role as a learning rep as he is better

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Supporting Learners – progression pathways for all trade union reps

equipped to provide members with information and advice about learning opportunities and possible progression routes and offer them support whilst they are learning.

In addition Tommy has completed some of the ULR follow-on modules including training to use the Climbing Frame. He now uses the Climbing Frame as a support tool as it enables him to carry out regular reviews of the learners he is supporting, keep a check on their progress and offer additional help if it is required.

Tommy’s next planned progression was the A1 Assessors course, so that he could assess NVQ candidates in Driving; and Information, Advice and Guidance. He also planned to enter higher level learning and study for a Foundation degree in Learning and Development. Unfortunately both of these free follow-up courses were cancelled when they were withdrawn by the college.

Not to be thwarted, Tommy sought out other opportunities to further his development within Usdaw and has recently completed the Advanced Union Reps course having previously completed the Basic Union Reps award in September 2010.

He decided on this progression route after being approached by an Usdaw National Convener to take on the role as rep when another member stood down. He also completed an online Equality Reps course at the end of September 2010.

Tommy describes all the courses he has completed as being “fit for purpose” in that they have all helped him to become both more informed and effective.

In terms of his future development Tommy is considering studying for an Employment Law Diploma as this will help him both in his role as a rep and as a learning rep particularly when negotiating with his employer.

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Wendy Aitman Wendy won endorsement from her work colleagues when she was approached to be a UNISON steward.

She then moved into a learning-based role that she would not otherwise have considered.

Wendy was based at the Tourist Information Centre in Newcastle for 12 years and although a UNISON member, she did not become active until five years later when she was persuaded by work colleagues to become their steward. It was whilst attending the steward’s training at the UNISON Regional Office that she found out from the Branch Education Officer about the union learning rep role. As full details of the role were explained to her, she quickly realised that this was really what she wanted to do and enrolled on to UNISON’s ULR course. Wendy was buoyed up by some early successes with union learners, which gave her the enthusiasm to learn more about how to support union learners effectively.

For the past three years, Wendy has been seconded to the UNISON Branch of Newcastle City Council and she has become the Assistant Branch Education Officer. During this time she has either self-selected courses to attend or her Branch Education Officer or Branch Secretary have suggested suitable TU Education courses to her, including Working with Employers, Equalities in the Workplace, ECDL, Union Reps Stage 1 as well as many others.

It was at the suggestion of her Branch Education Officer that Wendy decided in 2008 to get accreditation as a tutor. She originally planned to do the Lay Tutors course but as this was not available in her area at that time she instead opted for the Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS) qualification which she completed in December 2009. Wendy sourced the course herself and chose to study with City Learning at Westgate

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College. The qualification was funded by UNISON and throughout Wendy’s Branch colleagues gave her good support and time to study. Recently, Wendy has completed the first part of the Discussion Leaders (formerly Lay Tutors) UNISON course, which will enable her to further develop her teaching skills.

Wendy says: “The various UNISON and TU Education courses that I’ve attended have given me the skills and confidence to encourage others into learning.

It also means that I can give members first hand information about what they can expect from the courses available”. The result of this is that Wendy now spends some of her time training new stewards on the Organising Stewards course as well as mentoring and coordinating around 90 ULRs who are working for Newcastle City Council.

During 2008, Wendy was notified that TUC Education had funding available for a limited number of learning reps to do an NVQ at Level 3 in Mentoring.

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As her role involves the mentoring of learning reps it was agreed this would be a useful additional qualification for her. She completed the course through Jigsaw Training based in Gateshead in January 2009. She received time off from work for assessments and interviews which really helped Wendy’s understanding of the complex nature and level of support needed to mentor other ULRs. Following quickly on the heels of her NVQ qualification in Mentoring, Wendy took the opportunity when Jigsaw Training had the capacity to offer her a free place on their NVQ Level 4 course in Advice and Guidance. Wendy says: “This qualification has given me the skills I need to encourage and support learners across the City Council”.

Having had experience of the NVQ in Mentoring, Wendy was able to transfer much of what she had learnt to the Advice and Guidance qualification but found there was quite a jump up from the

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requirements at Level 3 to Level 4. Once again this has proved a useful learning experience for her that she will be able to share with other learners.

Looking to the future Wendy is thinking about furthering her tutoring qualifications and early in 2011 will be looking at opportunities to enrol on either the Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (CTLLS) or the Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS).

Frank Crompton As a product of TU Education Frank Crompton was proud to become an advocate of its benefits and took the education route himself to becoming a full-time TUC tutor. His progression route has taken him from attending a range of TU Education courses whilst a steward though to an MA in Education. He keeps his skills and knowledge up to date through Continuing Professional Development (CPD), both for his own benefit and for the benefit of his learners who are all reps and union learning reps.

Frank left school without any formal qualifications and went to work for the local authority in Blackburn in the parks and gardens. By the late 1970s he was an active GMB member in the role of a rep and as a health and safety rep. He completed the steward’s training at Stages 1 & 2 and as the style of learning suited him he enrolled on a range of other TU courses for reps.

Frank started his career in tutoring working at Blackburn College delivering the YTS programme on health and safety. He became a member of NATFHE (now UCU) in 1987. As a result of this he needed to get a teaching qualification. Frank studied for and achieved a City & Guilds Teacher Training course in 1992 at Kendal College and then went on to do the In-Service Teaching qualification for further education which was the equivalent to a

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Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Frank received day release to attend the course at Bolton Institute of Higher Education but completed course work and assignments in his own time. He also received a yearly contribution towards the cost from Lancashire County Council who supported teachers going into further and higher education Frank was successful in securing part-time employment with the TU Studies Centre at Blackburn College and other colleges in the North West region.

He was inspired by a colleague Dr Charlie Clutterbuck and says: “Charlie was a truly inspirational tutor who taught me to use innovative approaches to teaching – his sheer enthusiasm really switched me on as a tutor”.

It was whilst working at Wigan College in Trade Union Education in 1994 that Frank took the decision to enter higher learning and enrolled on a two-year part-time MA course in Education with Keele University. He paid for the course himself and

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studied by distance learning. Frank says: “The MA was hard work for me as I don’t think of myself as being academically sound but I was lucky to have a lot of help and support from colleagues in the TU Studies Centre.”

Having completed his degree Frank successfully applied for a post as TU tutor at Wigan and Leigh College in 1996. After a brief spell Frank moved to Lewisham and worked part time at Lewisham and other colleges in the South East Region of the TUC. Frank then went on to work for the TUC as a Bargaining for Skills project worker. Soon after, a position arose for a TUC course Co-ordinator at West Kent College, Tonbridge where Frank was employed for seven years. For four of those years he was the UCU Branch Chair and safety rep.

Frank took up his current position in Trade Union Education at Lewisham College 2006.

Frank is required to complete and evidence 30 hours of Continuous Professional development (CPD) each year and he achieves this by attending TUC Education courses in a diverse range of topics including Employment Rights and IT briefings, which keep him up to date on the latest developments which he can share with his learners. He has also participated in many innovative teaching programmes for reps, including online learning.

Most recently Frank has been studying for the Advanced and Post Graduate Certificate in Lifelong Learning (Vocational Subject Specialist Mentoring) at Level 7. This is a new qualification being offered

by London South Bank University and is being delivered at Lewisham College. The course is being funded by the college and they have allocated additional teaching time to Frank to cover observations and tutorial time. Assignments are completed in his own time. This additional qualification will provide Frank with ongoing CPD and help him in his work role, as in the future he will be providing mentoring support to new tutors entering TU Education.

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Published by unionlearn Congress House London WC1B 3LS Tel 020 7079 6920 Fax 020 7079 6921 www.unionlearn.org.uk March 2011 Photographs: gettyimages; Mark Thompson.

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