It only takes 4 steps to get a place on a trade union course
Step 1 - decide what you want to learn about
Decide exactly what type of union activity you are most interested in - if you are already a BECTU representative go directly to the next section below. If you are a newcomer to union activity, think carefully about whether you want to be a:
- Branch rep - representing individuals and groups, negotiating with employers
- Safety rep - advising on safety matters, inspecting workplaces
- Learning rep - finding out member's learning needs and helping them access learning
- Equality rep - advising about equality and discrimination at work
Perhaps you are not sure (if this is the case talk it through with work colleagues, your local reps and maybe your full-time official). Remember, to contact a full-time official you will need to phone 0207 346 0900 and let reception know what BECTU branch you are a member of. They will then advise you.
If you are already a union rep then it is essential you undergo training for your role - please contact head office to arrange a suitable course
All union representatives must be elected by the members they represent or appointed by a BECTU branch. You must do this before applying to attend a union course. Please ask about this if you are unsure about what to do next!
Step 2 - Which training provider is best for you?
Once you have decided what area of activity you are most interested in and once you have been elected/appointed, then you are in a position to decide whether you would prefer to attend:
A BECTU course, a TUC course (TUC Education is now known as Unionlearn) or a GFTU course. All these options are of equal value and will help your work as a representative.
- BECTU courses are focussed more closely on our own industries. They are a mix of residential and 'day courses' usually run at BECTU head office, with a regional programme being piloted later in 2009.
- TUC/Unionlearn courses are available all around the UK usually in local colleges with a Unionlearn team. Sometimes courses are run by the local Workers Education Association. The TUC programme usually consists of 'day courses' local to you.
- GFTU courses often run at weekends for reps who find it difficult to get paid release or who just find it more convenient. They are often residential courses and held around the country.
Step 3 - Apply for a place
For TUC courses, you will find all the local contact points for local colleges who have Unionlearn educational units on the Unionlearn website or you can fill out the Unionlearn nomination form and send to Brian Kelly at Head Office.
You can book onto a GFTU course by filling out the nomination form and forwarding it as an attachment or posting it to the BECTU Training Officer, Brian Kelly at Head Office.
To reserve a place on a BECTU course contact course adminstrator, Lesley Burt at Head Office or complete the BECTU application form and either post it to us or send as an email attachment to Tracey.
Book your place on a BECTU reps course online at the BECTU courses page or use the course finder
When you book a place on a course it is vital that you apply to your company for special leave to train. It is also extremely important that you let us know if you cannot take up a place reserved for you as there will be a waiting list and hotels and other costs may be incurred.
Step 4 - take up your place
If your choice is to attend a BECTU course your first step will be to attend the Branch Reps Part 1 usually held at Head Office in London, though we also run a smaller programme in Manchester, Glasgow and Cardiff/Bristol - please check for availability.
Your next course of action depends on whether you are a branch rep, a safety rep or a learning rep. You simply apply for the course programme that is most appropriate for you. To do this simply go the page on BECTU reps coursesto find out more.
If you are not sure what to do next just get in touch with a member of the BECTU Education and training team - we'll be very pleased to help!
Who runs BECTU courses?
All BECTU courses are run in partnership with the TUC and are accredited by them with the Open college Network. Our key partners are the TUC units at:
South Thames College, London - The TUC team at South Thames run the Head Office programme of around 20 courses per year for around 200 plus reps. The team includes Programme Manager, Graham Petersen, Angie Birtell and Darren O'Grady. They are based at Putney in South London.
City College, Manchester - Manchester and the North West are priorities for BECTU and we now have a new partnership to run courses with the City College. The Programme Manager is Kevin Duffy with BECTU's own John Handley (RPD chair)taking on tutoring duties.
Other colleges we work with as partners on an occasional basis include, Stow College, Glasgow and Gwent College, South Wales
