Unite general secretary Sharon Graham

Unite Education has at its core the delivery of the union’s policies, based on the three pillars of the Unite vision of secure work; fighting for jobs and job security; a strong voice through a union which is respected at work; and a union focused on pay and conditions.

Unite Education courses are a fantastic experience for reps who want to develop their knowledge and skills in representing, negotiating and organising in the workplace.

Unite education has been developed by Unite reps for Unite reps. The course programmes are designed by experienced Unite activists who have developed their own skills to become qualified tutors with the knowledge and teaching experience to support unite reps in understanding Unite policies; industrial strategies and organising in the workplace.

The community model of adult education is about reps learning from each other through activities rather than lectures and note taking. It’s a great way to learn.

Largest programme of any union

Unite has the largest education programme of any union. I am proud that there is democratic oversight of our programmes with regional committees involved in the development of regional education programme and the Unite Executive Council Education Sub- Committee oversight of the National Education Programme to ensure that Unite reflects the policy agreed at Unite Policy conferences in relation to reps education.

I am committed to ensuring that Unite provides you with the support to get to grips with your company agreements; how to influence the collective bargaining agenda and how to deliver real wins for members through organising industrial disputes.

The union ensures that the education provided addresses the minimum requirements to ensure members receive effective representation at work; protect the union from legal claims of failure to provide adequate representation; provides a high level of understanding of health and safety legislation and equality of opportunity and protection from discrimination.

Recognised NVQ qualification

And at the end of the course, reps continue to value that they have a certificate which sets out a nationally recognised NVQ qualification.

Unite’s education programme sets out a learning framework for reps, to ensure reps can develop a broad knowledge and skill base on health and safety, equalities, industrial relations, employment law, pensions and organising, and have a road map to progress to higher level qualifications if they wish to develop within the union.

I am delighted that the Unite national education programme has developed national shop stewards’ and health and safety schools, as well as a vibrant equalities programme where you will develop leadership skills and knowledge in how to tackle discrimination at work.

I would encourage you to apply to attend a course in your region and then to continue your learning journey to one of the national advanced residential courses. Unite has excellent educational facilities in Eastbourne and Birmingham and you will meet other Unite reps from different regions nations and industrial sectors.

Sharon Graham