SUPPORTING LEARNERS NEWS ISSUE 1, NOVEMBER 2010
SUPPORTING LEARNERS NEWS Introduction This is the first in a series of briefing papers that will be produced from time to time to keep unionlearn staff, unions, project workers and Union Learning Reps up to speed about: - developments in the area of a publicly funded careers service that will affect existing structures and net-
works - how unionlearn are responding to the changes to ensure that union learners at all levels receive the best possible information and advice to help them progress in learning and work - other news, developments and resources that will help support members as learners.
The term Supporting Learners is used by unionlearn to describe the activities of union reps and Union Learning Reps when they are working with members to help them make choices about learning, to take up learning opportunities that are right for them and help them to progress in their jobs and careers. Whilst these
activities involve some elements of information and advice they also include mentoring, coaching and signposting. There is a Supporting Learners area on the unionlearn website, visit: http:// www.unionlearn.org.u k/advice
Next Step Next Step, a national service available online, by telephone, or face to face was launched in England in August 2010. It integrates the Careers Advice Service telephone service (formerly known as learndirect advice) and local nextstep face to face services. Next Step services are free and available to all adults in England aged 19 and over, whatever their prior skills, qualifications or employment status. It aims to provide access to the best information, advice and resources, which will help individuals to make more effective skills, careers and work and life choices. Union reps, ULRs and
members will be able to access the range of resources available from the Next Step online channel from the unionlearn learning and careers advice service by visiting: http:// www.unionlearn.org.uk /uladvice . The new service offers the facility to use an online Skills Account which includes access to a skills diagnostic tool that forms part of a Skills Health Check as well as to other tools and resources that learners or those working with learners can use. 12 regional contracts to deliver Next Step face to face services have been awarded by the Skills Funding Agency. If you are a subcontractor or have active links with either a
regional or local network of nextstep services it is recommended you contact them to find out about the new arrangements for the delivery of face to face services in your area. The unionlearn learning and careers advice service dedicated telephone number 08000 92 91 90 (free from a landline) remains. The service will continue to be operated by Next Step advisers who understand the needs of union reps, ULRs and union learners. The service can be accessed in 9 languages for migrant workers and others whose first language is not English.
Inside this issue: The unionlearn model and strategy for Supporting Union
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Supporting Learners Free Resources
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Other News
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Contact Us
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