Supporting unionlearners into higher learning in the the East Midlands progressed onto another OU 43 course . Appendix 2 provides a summary of the leaflet, What Is a Union Learning Club?, used to promote the GMULC. In addition, unionlearn in the North West produced a 38-page booklet aimed at ULRs giving region-specific information and guidance for 44 workplace learners
relevant sources of information. Several unions are working on dedicated versions of the Climbing Frame for use by their ULRs45
Climbing Frame: This online tool, to be launched in late 2009, will be used by ULRs to track and manage contact with learners and their progression, and will also include a HE theme to offer general guidance for all potential higher level learners. It includes internet links to all the
A unionlearn Higher Level Toolkit, Supporting Members in Higher Level Learning46 was launched in 2009. It summarises TUC initiatives and agreements, and draws on the experience of the Aim Higher project in the North West to provide a step-by-step guide for ULRs supporting higher level learners and exploring the issues with members, employers and providers. A two-day training workshop for ULRs, based on the Toolkit, will be in the TUC regional programme from September 2009.
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The GMULC model includes several vital features: A menu of accredited courses which includes OU Openings courses (10 credit, 20-week courses are designed for learners new to HE) and OU short courses (10 credit, 10-12 weeks) covering interest-based subjects in the Arts, Science and Technology; A subsidy of 50 per cent discount on courses that are typically £100-115 full price; Learner and study skills support via a ULC: a workplace group of GMULC learners on the same or similar courses are offered assistance by OU associate lecturers with non-course related support, such as study skills; and A unionlearn project worker funded to support the project and promote the learning offer to ULRs from a wide range of unions and in a large number of workplaces throughout the Greater Manchester area. An evaluation showed the value of having dedicated and locally-based staff resources at the OU regional centre that can support collaborative work with unions and ULRs. The main barriers to HE learning identified by learners were lack of knowledge of the HE sector, a lack of confidence in their own ability, costs and time. Learners new to HE commented on the value of the additional support, via phone and internet, from the OU tutors.
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Access courses: Within the Trade Unions Aim Higher project, contacts were established with a number of HEIs that had experience of offering courses to mature and returning students. For example, the University of Bolton offers an Access to Business course of one semester, and one-year programmes in Psychology, Mathematics and Art and Design. In addition, it is developing level 3 access courses which incorporate skills assessment and recognition of prior skills for those without qualifications. A variation on the access course in Leadership and Management has been developed for the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) in the North West.
Helping for ULRs Gain the NVQ in Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG): The TUC
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Climbing Frame information leaflet (pdf 366kb) http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/files/publications/docu ments/109.pdf
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Reaching New Heights – A Higher Education Handbook for Union Learning Representatives unionlearn and Aim Higher Greater Manchester 2008; contact pbury@tuc.org.uk
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http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/files/publications/doc uments/145.pdf
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