Everything you need to know about being a Learning Rep
On this page you will find clear guidance about how to become a ULR, an explanation of the different things that you might do and some resources to download.
BECTU union learning reps in West End Theatre
- Getting started
- As ULRs are a relatively new idea it is sometimes more difficult to identify exactly what to do especially when employers are not particularly supportive or where learning and skills have a low priority. This page will help get you started at a pace and at a level that suits you!
- Working with employers
- It is important to make sure that we find ways to work positively with employers. The best way to do this is through Learning Agreements which help to secure clear entitlements to train and study at work. They also make clear the roles and rights of learning reps.
- The organising method
- The BECTU approach is an organising approach. This means we ask our representatives to help people take action on their own behalf rather than do it for them. Our role is to provide the information, advice and guidance for members to make their choices.
- Training for ULRs
- Helping our members with their learning and skills needs requires our ULRs to be good communicators and organisers. Our role is to help you develop and improve these skills through our training programmes.
- Helping individual members
- It could be said that the role of the ULR is to find out what learning and skills people at work want and then helping them access it. This section will give you some ideas and resources for the 'finding out' part.
- membership surveys
- Surveys and questionnaires are very important tools for ULRs. They help us understand where there is a collective need for training and provides evidence for negotiations and agreements.
- Local partnerships with colleges
- Wherever you live there will be local colleges, universities and work-based learning providers. Working as partners with local learning providers will open up a mass of lifelong learning opportunities for your members.