The Labour Education Centre is pleased to announce the publication of two new reports:
- Union-Led Work-Related Learning: Profiles of Effective Practices (download .pdf here)
- Union Learning Representatives and Workplace Learning
(download .pdf here)
Both reports were commissioned by the Centre for Workplace Skills.
Union-Led Work-Related Learning: Profiles of Effective Practices examines how union-led programs are implemented in practice. The report features 20 profiles of specific examples of effective practices from English Canada, Quebec the UK and New Zealand.
The profiles illustrate the breadth and depth of labour’s expertise and innovation in workplace education and training.
Effective union-led programs are centered on the needs of workers and value their experience and prior learning. Programs that fully involve the union are central to creating a safe, supportive learning community.
Union Learning Representatives and Workplace Learning examines the concept, role and function of union learning representatives as catalysts for, and facilitators of work-related learning.
Developed initially in the UK, union learning representatives are workplace learning counselors for co-workers, advocates inspiring the development of a learning culture and learning opportunities in the workplace. They have yet to play a prominent role in Canadian workplaces, but may hold potential for improving workers’ access to skill development opportunities.
The report suggests that the development of effective union learning representatives requires the support of government, employers, workers and their union.
