Free Assessments

Skills Check is a free assessment tool.
You can find out what your level is in Maths, English and ICT.

Informal Learning

If you want to brush up on your skills, or want to get back into learning but don’t want to be tied down to a full accredited course. 

This section is for you, there is a range of free informal learning that covers a wide range of subjects.

Courses in England

Free Level 2 accredited courses in a wide range of themes.

For people over the age of 19 who live in England.

Courses in Scotland

Free Level 2 accredited courses in a wide range of themes.

For people over the age of 19 who live in Scotland.

 

Courses in Wales

Free Level 2 accredited courses in a wide range of themes.

For people who live in Wales.

 

Courses / Workshops

Find out about the latest workshop and events hosted by  the URTU Learning project.

Union Workshops

Find out about the latest union training courses for elected Lay Reps.

Assessments

Skill Check is a free and easy way to complete an initial assessment in either maths, English or ICT (Information Communication Technology).

At the end of each assessment you will be informed of your score and given useful advice on further learning opportuities.

Getting started

New learners will need to register to use the tool, following the five simple steps.

Step 1. Select Register

Step 2. Enter your contact details

Step 3. Select non-unionlearn from the drop down list

Step 4. Select a URTU from the drop down list of unions

Step 5. Select your region from the drop down list

Step 6. Enter your postcode and employers name

Step 7. tick the terms and conditions box and press register.

You have now completed the enrolment process and can start your assessments.

User details and results are stored in a secure environment that can only be accessed by union administrators and members of the relevant unionlearn team.

Informal Courses

As well as accredited courses, there is a wide range of informal learning available to everyone.  These range across subjects such as English, Maths, ICT, Union courses and Languages.

Below you will find a range of these courses with a short description for each.  To find out more about any of these, click on the course and you will be taken through to their website where you can find full information.

Free level 2 distance learning courses available in England

 The  list below of courses are available free of charge to anyone who is over the age of 19 and has lived in the EU for the past three years.

These courses are designed to be done in a learner’s own time and take around 8 to 12 weeks to complete.  Upon completion you will receive a nationally recognised qualification.

To find out further information regarding any of the courses please click on the course title and the information sheet will appear.

If you would like to enrol of any of these courses, or require further information please click on the ‘enrol/enquire’ button.

Funded courses – Scotland

 The below list of courses are available free of charge to anyone who is over the age of 19 and has lived in the EU for the past three years.

These courses are designed to be done in a learner’s own time and take around 8 to 12 weeks to complete.  Upon completion you will be issued with an accredited certificate.

To find out further information regarding any of the courses please click on the course title and the information sheet will appear.

If you would like to enrol of any of these courses, or require further information please click on the ‘enrol/enquire’ button.

Level 2 distance learning courses available in Wales

We have the opportunity to be able to offer a certain number of level 2 courses free of charge.

If you are aged 19 or over and have lived in the EU for the past three years, you will be eligible to request to undertake these courses.

These courses are designed to be done in a learner’s own time and take around 8 to 12 weeks to complete.  Upon completion you will receive a certificated.

To find out further information regarding any of the courses please click on the course title and the information sheet will appear.

If you would like to find out how to enrol on one of these courses, please e-mail our Project Worker in Wales Agnieszka Zamonski by clicking on the enquire button.

Workshops and Events

Here you will find a list of the current workshops and events that are available through the URTU Learning Project.

To register on any of these courses please e-mail Claire O’Brien on; claire.obrien@urtu.com

 

URTU Learning Annual Conference 29th March 2019

The aim of our conference is to provide you with new information, resources and facts around key educational areas which will be relevant to you in the upcoming year.

The topic which will be covered at this year’s conference is Mid Life Career Review, this will look at the following areas;

* What a Mid Life development review is

* Look at the challenges faced by Mid Life workers

* Gain a good understanding of what a Mid life development review is

* Utilise some of the resources

* Review your own transferable skills

 

 

Mental Health First Aider Workshop – 2 Day Event

9th & 10th May, Northampton, England

9th & 10th May, Newport, Wales

 

Mental health in the workplace is an increasingly important issue for trade unions. There is much stigma and discrimination around mental health and particularly mental ill health. These are issues of justice, equality and fairness – core trade union business.

 

Our two-day course qualifies you as a Mental Health First Aider.

Mental Health First Aiders have:

* An in depth understanding of mental health and the factors that can affect well-being

* Practical skills to spot the triggers and signs of mental health issues

* Confidence to step in, reassure and support a person in distress

* Enhanced interpersonal skills such as non-judgemental listening

* Knowledge to help someone recover their health by guiding them to further support – whether that’s self-help resources, through their employer, the NHS or a mix

Union Workshops

Here you will find a list of the current union workshops that are available to union elected Lay Reps.

To register on any of these courses please e-mail Claire O’Brien on; claire.obrien@urtu.com

 

Basic Shop Steward

This course has been designed to equip URTU Shop Stewards to develop and improve their skills and knowledge. The course
identifies ways in which improvements can be implemented to make the Union more effective at a local level.

Course aims:

* Ensure you understand your role within the Union and  your responsibilities towards the members.

* Develop your communication skills.

* Give you a clearer understanding of relevant legislation.

* Consolidate your negotiating skills.

* Give you an understanding of the importance of recruitment and retention.

* Develop your recruitment skills.
Increase your confidence as a Shop Steward.

Course length: Five day residential course (Monday morning to Friday lunchtime)

2 – 6 September 2019

14 – 17 January 2020

Basic Health & Safety Course

This course has been designed to equip URTU Health & Safety Representatives with the knowledge of the job and the trade union approach to health and safety.

Course aims:

* Ensure you can handle health & safety issues and develop an appropriate response to both members and management.

* Demonstrate your understanding of the updated Safety Representatives and Safety committees Regulations.

* Ensure you know how to conduct effective workplace inspections, including all accidents and near misses.

* Develop your skills to identify, obtain, order and summarise relevant health and safety information.

Course length: Five day residential course (Monday morning to Friday lunchtime)

16 – 20 September 2019

Advanced Shop Steward

This course has been designed for URTU Shop Stewards who have previously attended the URTU Basic Shop Stewards course.

Course aims:

* Ensure you enhance your Shop Stewards skills.

* Develop your knowledge of Discipline & Grievance Procedures.

* Develop your knowledge of Collective Consultation and TUPE.

* Improve your negotiating skills.

* Develop your understanding of the UK legal system.

* Gain an understanding of Employment Law updates.

* Develop your understanding of the Working Time Regulations.

Course length: Five day residential course (Monday morning to Friday lunchtime)

8 -12 April 2019

3 – 7 June 2019

3 – 7 February 2020

1 – 5 June 2020

Advanced Health & Safety Course

This course has been designed for URTU Health & Safety Representatives who have previously attended the URTU Basic Health & Safety course.

Course aims:

* Ensure you enhance your health and safety skills.

* Demonstrate your knowledge to enable you to function in a professional and confident manner within the confines of health and safety legislation.

* Develop your understanding of current European health and safety legislation.

* Develop your understanding of the constituent parts of the major pieces of this legislation.

* Develop your understanding of the Union’s approach to health & safety legislation.

Course length: Five day residential course (Monday morning to Friday lunchtime)

13 – 17 May 2019

20 – 24 April 2020

ULR Stage One

This course has been designed to explain and equip URTU ULR’s in their role and to develop and improve their skills and knowledge.  The course identifies ways in which improvements can be implemented to make the Union more effective at a local level.

Course aims:

* Help you to understand the role of the workplace union learning representative, legal framework and how your role fits into the Trade Union structure.

* Develop your skills and confidence in giving information advice and guidance to learners and the skills you need to become an effective Union Learning Representative.

* Help you develop practical strategies to promote the role in your workplace or community.

* Develop methods of working with local and national education providers, including working with other trade unions.

* Understanding learner needs and any barriers to learning.

* Develop skills to support and encourage members who want to progress or develop new skills.

Course length: Five day residential course (Monday morning to Friday lunchtime)

14 – 18 October 2019

ULR Stage Two

This course has been designed to explain and equip existing URTU ULR’s in their role and to develop and improve their skills and knowledge.  The course identifies ways in which improvements can be implemented to make the Union more effective at a local level..

Course aims:

* Undertake the role of a competent ULR, including taking an active part in meetings.

* Understand and learn how to produce and structure a quality learning agreement.

* Further develop your skills in negotiating with education providers or workplace management to provide learning opportunities and resources.

* Continue to develop and organise in the workplace around learning issues.

* Understand ways of assessing learning needs.

* Further developing of skills and knowledge about specific aspects of learning, equalities and how to support learners.

* Build knowledge and skills on specific learning interests to your workplace and the context of URTU agreements.

* Assess information on educational opportunities

Course length: Five day residential course (Monday morning to Friday lunchtime)

11 – 15 May 2020