>> Benefits of ULRs
Supporting learners ULRs help open up learning opportunities for union members and also support them during their learning. They also help to develop a learning culture in companies and other workplaces. ULRs support learners in diverse ways such as: ❙ enabling learners to access impartial information and advice on their learning needs and options ❙ conducting a learning needs assessment ❙ helping colleagues get funding for learning ❙ ensuring that those employees with literacy and numeracy needs receive the encouragement and support required to improve those skills ❙ helping members access ESOL courses ❙ encouraging the older workforce to take up ICT courses ❙ providing support to employees who may be reluctant to take up new methods of learning such as that provided online ❙ accessing re-training and upskilling for employees facing redeployment or redundancy ❙ helping run learning centres at the workplace.
Nature and extent of ULR activity (% ULRs) Provided information and advice to colleagues on learning opportunities
94
Networked with ULRs from other workplaces
79
Arranged (or helped to arrange) courses for colleagues
77
Recruited (or helped to recruit ) new members into the union 74 Conducted a learning needs assessment
53
Helped colleagues to get funding for learning
48.5
ULRs have had considerable impact on the number of union members taking up different types of learning.
14
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Working for learners 2011