Highlands and Islands 2025 Week of Learning

Scottish Union Learning’s annual Highlands and Islands Week of Learning took place from 16 to 20 June, celebrating work-based learning and skills, and empowering workplace reps across the region.

This year’s programme featured a mix of online and in-person events. Highlights included Using AI to Improve your Writing with Digital Skills Education and Understanding Trauma in Early Years workshops led by UNISON, a full-day exploration of Neurodiversity and the Workplace with Unite the Union, and a thoughtful session on Resilience with Samaritans Scotland.

Glasgow upholsterer awarded Learner of the Year

The recipient for the Scottish Union Learning Learner of the Year Award 2025 was Sean Paul Gracie, a member of the Community trade union.

The annual award, presented by First Minister of Scotland John Swinney and STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer at the 2025 STUC Congress in Dundee on 28^th April, celebrates the achievements of Scotland’s trade unionist workplace learners. This year the award was sponsored by TUC Education in Scotland.

Sean Paul, who works for Royal Strathclyde Blindcraft Industries (RSBi), seized the top prize after completing literacy, numeracy and manufacturing courses.

Top trade union award for Aberdonian rep

The recipient of the 2025 Helen Dowie Award for Lifelong Learning was Steven Black of the Unite the Union. The award celebrates the achievements of Scotland’s Union Learning Representatives, promoting union-led workforce development opportunities across the trade union movement.

Sponsored by TUC Education in Scotland, the award was presented by First Minister John Swinney and STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer at the 2025 STUC Congress in Dundee on 28^th April. 

Steven, who is the Unite the Union representative for Stagecoach Bluebird in Aberdeen, was nominated following his work in building inclusive workplaces, such as ensuring adaptations for dyslexic workers. He further worked with the Stagecoach Bluebird training team to develop good working solutions to modify mentoring techniques for neurodivergent colleagues.

Scottish Union Learning Fringe Event 28 April

Scottish Union Learning (SUL) organised a Fringe Event on Monday, 28 April, at the 2025 STUC Congress in Caird Hall, Dundee. The theme was: ‘Developing skills for Union Learning Reps’, with the panel and guests discussing existing good practice and ways to support Union Learning Rep development in the future.

Guests were welcomed by Wendy Burton, Director of SUL, and the event was chaired by Tommy Breslin, Senior Development Officer, SUL. The panel included Gail Bell, Learning Organiser, PCS; Dan Henderson, Learning Organiser, RMT; and Catherine Garvie, Senior Development Officer, Scottish Union Learning. The Event was sponsored by TUC Education Scotland, and was well attended, with guests including Steven Black, member of Unite the Union and recipient of the 2025 STUC Helen Dowie Award for Lifelong Learning, and Sean Paul Gracie, member of Community and recipient of the 2025 Scottish Union Learning Learner of the Year Award.