A Union Learning Rep (ULR) is the person at work who helps their colleagues to access the learning, training and development they need for work and life.
Making colleagues aware of the learning opportunities available to them, and ensuring they’re all able to get the training they need for their jobs and careers, is the core of what a Union Learning Rep does.
It’s a great way for people like you to become active in your union in a really positive and helpful way, gain more confidence and develop yourself along the way.
The ULR is a legally protected union role role, like a Health & Safety Rep – meaning your employer has to give you reasonable time off to train and to carry out your role.
ULR Training
Next ULR Stage 1 online training for Wales
6th, 7th, 13th & 14th March 2024 (9.30am – 4.30pm)
(You will need to attend all 4 days)
Three steps to becoming a ULR:
- Contact your UNISON branch and volunteer as a ULR
- Submit a Notification of Workplace Rep form to your branch so your employer is notified and you get your right to attend ULR training.
- Register for the ULR Stage 1 training via MyUNISON
When you log on to your MyUNISON account, click “UNISON Courses” and search for “Union Learning Rep” courses. Select the course with the description “Union Learning Reps (ULR) Stage 1 – Virtual” with the region “Cymru Wales” from the list.
If you don’t have a MyUNISON account, please register here now
Download the course flyer here for more information.
Closing date for registrations – 14 February 2024
Most of our ULR training courses are now held online, but we are also working with our branches to organise face-to-face courses for workers in different parts of Wales.
The course will teach you:
- The role of trade unions in learning and skills
- The role and functions of the ULR
- Trade union approaches to workplace learning and relevant best practice models
- Key policies and programmes relevant to the adult skills system in Wales
- How to promote learning in your workplace
- How to identify learning needs
- How to work with your branch and your employer to remove barriers to learning and in-work progression
Additionally, version of the ULR course we run in Wales also includes additional module on digital championing to help you learn more about supporting the digital skills needs of others.
Your UNISON branch will need to agree to your nomination as a ULR and pay the relevant course fee, as set out on the application form.
For more information, please speak to your branch or our Wales Union Learning Fund team about becoming a UNISON ULR.
As a ULR you’ll become a key part of UNISON’s lifelong learning team and an activist in your local UNISON Branch.
You will receive all the support you need from our Wales Union Learning Fund (WULF) project and the Wales TUC’s network of ULRs across the country.
Your next steps…
- Find out more about the ULR role here
- Download and complete the latest ULR course flyer
- Find out how to register your interest in this course on your MyUNISON account
- Need to know a little more? Email the Cymru Wales learning team and we can set up a one-to-one call
- Workplace digital champions
Diary Dates:
“Learning Reps are Activists!” – UNISON National ULR Conference 2023
Thursday 23rd November 2023, UNISON Centre, 130 Euston Road, London, NW1 2AY from 11am until 4pm.
Wales TUC ULR Network – North Wales
Thursday 7th December, The Imperial Hotel, The Promenade, Llandudno, LL30 1AP from 10am until 4pm
CANCELLED – To be re-arranged
