UNISON Ulearn Northern Ireland

1. What’s the difference between education courses and lifelong learning courses?

Education activist courses are run directly through the Union and funded by branches. They aim to:

• get people more active in the Union e.g. Pathways
• give activists skills to support members more effectively e.g. Dealing with Member’s Problems
• to support members in the workplace e.g. Dealing with Stress or Building Confidence for Women

Lifelong learning courses are run either jointly with employers or outside the workplace with local education providers. The courses vary from Essential Skills through IT to Open University programmes. UNISON offers these programmes at low or no cost. The courses are aimed at all members:

• to learn new skills e.g. computers
• to gain more confidence e.g. Return to Learn
• to support career progression e.g. K100 Understanding Health & Social Care

2. How much do courses cost?

You’ve already paid through your membership fees. All education activist courses are free, you will also get lunch and your travel expenses. Most branches make an annual contribution from your membership fees which enables any member to apply and participate on any course. However, some branches pay for each member, so you need branch approval to attend. Branches where you need your branch secretary to sign your application are Foyle Health, South & East Belfast Health and Belfast City Hospital

Lifelong learning courses are usually free, but you don’t get any travel expenses (or lunch). Some course providers may charge exam fees for some courses, but we try to keep costs to a minimum. UNISON can help you access funding towards Open University courses if your household income is under a particular threshold. All UNISON members receive a 10% discount on any Open University course offered by the Faculty of Health & Social Care and the OU Business School.

3. How do I apply?

Please complete the forms which are on the website and return them to the Regional Office up to two weeks before the course starts. If you are in a branch listed above, please ensure that a branch officer has signed your form. Where courses are oversubscribed, you will be put on a waiting list. If you apply and then are unable to attend, please let us know, so your place can be taken by someone else.

4. Do I get off work to attend?

You are entitled to time off (with pay) to attend trade union education. Local agreements build on existing legal protection. If you encounter any problems please contact your branch secretary. You should seek time off for the course through your normal employer mechanisms at the same time as applying for a course.

You generally get release from work for lifelong learning courses that are run jointly with your employer. However, most lifelong learning courses take place in your own time.

5. Where can I find out what the courses are about?

Each course is mentioned on the website with a short description. Also in the learner’s stories, participants talk about what aspects of the courses they enjoyed. If you have any questions about course content or certificates, just contact Fidelma or Cath at UNISON.

6. Do I have to do any exams?

Most of the courses are run in an interactive way, and are designed to be informal and friendly. Some of the lifelong learning courses have certificates, but assessment is generally through submission of assignments. The Open University K100 Understanding Health & Social Care has one exam.

7. Can UNISON help me with finance to go to further or higher education?

UNISON is not able to provide finance for individual members, as we would be unable to meet the demand. However, there are a number of places where support is available. UNISON does offer a range of support for trade union study courses and non vocational general education courses.

Trade Union and Labour Studies Bursaries: TU and Labour studies full-time residential diploma study bursary at Northern, Ruskin, Coleg Harlech and Newbattle Abbey Colleges (1 bursary of £1000)
TU and Labour studies flexible bursaries to assist with course costs for full or part-time study to BA/BSc level (approx. 15 X £300)
TU and Labour studies Masters Degree bursaries to assist with course fees (£1000 X 6) – this incorporates the revised Adam Grierson bursary (Health Service members) and the Ruth Elliott bursary (Women members)

Open Universities Awards:
48 awards of £60-£120 based on the value of the course for study to BA/BSc level.

Book Grants:
For vocational study to develop a career in the public services and for general development study up to BA/BSc level - 48 awards of £70.

International Labour Organisation – Study Visit, Geneva
One scholarship to cover visit costs

As a UNISON member you can get 10% off any Level 1 course as well as Level 1,2, 3 and postgraduate courses from the faculties of Health & Social Care and Business School. Depending on your household income, you may also qualify for a full or partial grant towards fees. There are also discounts for other distance learning providers such as the National Extension College. For more information click here

You can get guidance on whether you may be entitled to funding from statutory sources from the Educational Guidance for Adults and from Money2Learn

You may be able to get support from your employer, contact the training department for details.

In addition if you are in receipt of certain benefits such as family tax credit, you may qualify for concession rates for courses in your local College of Further & Higher Education.