STUC. Scottish Union Learning. The learning force behind Scotland's workers.

Scottish Union Learning Conference 2010

More than 200 Union Learning Representatives from workplaces across Scotland gathered in Edinburgh for the 3rd Annual Scottish Union Learning Conference on 17th November 2010. Individual trade unions received a special certificate from the STUC to commemorate their involvement in workplace learning over the last decade.

The Conference was sponsored by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). SQA is the national accreditation and awarding body in Scotland and it works in partnership with schools, colleges, universities and industry to provide high quality, flexible and relevant qualifications and assessments. Participants considered the theme, “Celebrating 10 Years of Union Learning in Scotland” and participated in a main session and two workshops on the day. The main session was comprised of a panel discussion on rebuilding the workforce following the economic downturn. In this session, delegates took part in a discussion on Learning Opportunities, Jobs in the Green Economy, Making Bad Jobs Better and the Importance of Qualifications. Afterward, they participated in an interactive keypad session, which allowed delegates to give feedback to the Scottish Union Learning Board on the future direction of Scottish Union Learning. The workshop themes were Creating an Inclusive Learning Environment, Exploring Digital Media Techniques, Modern Apprenticeships, Promoting Unions and the Better Way, and Bargaining Around Skills.

Trade unions have a long and successful history of involvement in the education of workers. Ten years ago, the very first Union Learning Reps were trained in Scotland. Since then, the number has grown to 2,000 trained Union Learning Reps. During the past three years, almost 30,000 individuals have undertaken training through their trade unions, with support from Scottish Union Learning. Overall, an estimated 58,000 individuals have undertaken learning through SULF in the past 10 years.

Grahame Smith, STUC General Secretary, said, “Union-led learning in workplaces has lifted the barrier to learning for tens of thousands of Scottish workers. The successes of union learning over the past decade are a testament to the work of Union Learning Reps throughout Scotland and is indeed cause for celebration.”

Michael Russell, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, said, “I would like to congratulate the STUC on a decade of union learning and thank them for the work that they do through Scottish Union Learning. I am delighted that we have been able to support the STUC in taking forward their invaluable contribution to improving skill levels in the Scottish workforce.”

SQA, SCQF, The Open University, Adam Smith College, STUC Unions into Schools, and STUC ‘There is a Better Way’ campaign exhibited at the Conference. If you attended, please give some feedback by visiting www.surveymonkey.com/s/10years.

For more information on the Scottish Union Learning Conference, contact:
Jennifer Payne
Marketing Officer
Scottish Union Learning
333 Woodlands Road
Glasgow, G3 6NG
Tel: 0141 337 8130
Fax: 0141 337 8101
or
send an Email