Everyone needs to continue learning throughout their lives both to remain employable and to fulfil their own potential.  

This is often called "lifelong learning", learning representatives can advise, encourage and support their members as they gain the skills they need for the world of work.

What does a learning representative do? A trained learning representative supports and helps people in their workplace to get back into learning and improve their skills.

This might involve:

• raising awareness of the benefits of learning

• identifying learning needs

• providing advice and guidance on learning to your workmates

• helping to support the learning centre

Who can become a learning representative?

Although you do not have to be an existing union rep, you must be a member of the CWU and have the enthusiasm to help spread the learning culture in your workplace.

How can we help you?

If this all sounds rather daunting don’t worry – with our help you will get the training and support you need to become an effective learning representative.

What training is available?

Both the CWU and Unionlearn run a range of Learning Reps courses at venues to suit you. These courses are fully accredited by the National Open College Network – so you even get a qualification while you train!

How much of my time will it take to be a learning rep?

The amount of time you spend helping your members can differ. It will depend on the number of people you represent and the duties you take on.

As a learning representative am I entitled to time off to carry out my duties or attend training?

Yes, the role of the Union Learning Rep is covered by legislation and you will get paid time off to carry out the recognised functions of this role.

What to do next?

Contact your local Branch Office to volunteer to be part of this exciting new role. They will be able to arrange for training and put you in touch with the other learning reps and support networks to enable you to develop learning opportunities for you and your workmates.

Here are some down-loadable resources useful for setting up a learning centres, which can be amended by adding the name of your learning centre. Click on the links below to open them, or right click and then save as to your machine. - These policies are correct as of May 2010.

• Information, advice and guidance policy

• Individual's learning agreement (a model agreement between the individual learner and learning centre)

• Equal Opportunities: the equal opportunities statement of policy

• Model agreement with employer on learning

• Disability: the disability statement of policy

• Bully and Harassment: the bullying and harassment statement of policy

• Health and Safety Policy: the health and safety statement of policy 

• Complaints and Suggestions: a sample feedback form that all learning centres should adopt.

• Official CWU internet and email policy applicable to learning centres.