Post on 27-Dec-2015
transcript
Future of Union Learning
Catherine McClennan
Confirmed Funding
CSR October 2010
£15.5 Million Union Learning Fund
Core grant for unionlearn
1 year funding
New Government Policy
Adult and Community learning – big society
Apprenticeships (push at Level 3)
Continuing priority for the least skilled
Fewer targets, more freedom for providers?
Skills integrated into modernising the workplace
Will it work?
Train to gain withdrawn
25% funding cut
Co-Investment (employers and learners make up the shortfall?)
Voluntary levies, Minimum performance levels, License to Practise??
More employer engagement essential
Modernising the workplace?
Skills Utilisation - skills should be integrated into wider strategy
High performance working, more flexibility, using skills should lead to better jobs – and pay
But that only works where workers are involved
Training needs consultation/negotiation - Unionlearn delivers on employee engagement
Informal Adult Community
Marked shift of emphasis - £210M ring fenced
Govt accepts community role of Colleges
And social, civic, as much as economic, value of skills
Govt want employers more engaged in community
Via learning centres – (unionlearn delivers community learning)
Learners
Except for Skills for Life all funding for over 24 year olds will be cut
Co-Investment via fee subsidies and loans: £129M in 2012/13 and £398M in 2014/15
Learner Accounts from Sept 2011, priority for IAG via new, unified Next Step service
Workers will need more advice (ULR’s –deliver advice to learners)
Why Unionlearn was supported (1)
Unionlearn has been a success....best of co-operation between Government, business and unions. ....impressive track record of Union Learning Representatives and the ULF in promoting and supporting learning in the workplace, especially in reaching out to those who are poorly-qualified and most in need of support.
....support unionlearn to enable trade unions and ULRs to work more effectively with employers to increase the number of high quality Apprenticeship places available; in particular by promoting the benefits of Apprenticeships to disadvantaged groups in the workforce and to employers who have not previously trained apprentices.
Why Unionlearn was supported (1)
Unionlearn has played a major role in promoting formal and informal learning in workplaces and wider communities, especially in reaching out to those who are poorly qualified and most in need of support....
Government Skills Strategy – Skills for Sustainable Growth 2010
Why Unionlearn was supported (2)
....support ULRs to play a more active role in helping individuals in the workplace to access careers information and advice. For example, they might help individuals use the tools available through the Next Step online channel, including the skills health checks, course directory, relevant market information and funding support available, or open a Lifelong Learning Account.
As a further step we will work with other relevant bodies to explore how we can promote the development of workplace learning champions in non-unionised workplaces drawing in particular on the experience and success of Union Learning Representatives and Community Learning Champions.....
Government Skills Strategy – Skills for Sustainable Growth 2010
Reaching Non – Union workplaces?
Sensitive Opportunities? Unions already do this, learning is a key aspect of
recruitment and organising The friends/family/community approach e.g. Via learning
centres Union/employer relationship essential Expand what already do Encourage links between ULRS and ‘Learning
Champions’
New unionlearn priorities
Already prioritise disadvantaged, community and informal learning, employer engagement
Do more on apprentices, including on progression, quality and gender segregation
More on web/e-learning and IAG/Next Step
More clarity, transparency, MI/Data, performance management of outcomes, better impact evidence
More flexible, generic, responsive service to unions
New ULF Priorities
Engaging disadvantaged learners
Tackling skills gaps and shortages
Developing High Performance Workplaces
Reaching out to non-unionised workplaces
Issues
Changing influencers Spending constraints (LAWD?, incentives for employers,
regional funds) Restrictions – facility and release time, right to request Funding - (Access for disadvantaged, course fees,
flexibilities, learning accounts, loans) L3 and HE Cuts to public services Increased scrutiny Sustainability
How ULRs can help
Support the disadvantaged Digital inclusion IAG and peer support Negotiate co-investment
models Convince the sceptics Employer engagement Work with other union reps
and officials Develop Partnerships
Quality of learning experience
Follow union and ULF protocols
Promote literacy, numeracy, esol, dyslexia support
Support for Apprentices Community engagement Work with non-unionised Impact Evidence Learner feedback
What do you need?
Tell us what support you need