SUPPORTING LEARNERS NEWS
ISSUE 2, JANUARY 2011
SUPPORTING LEARNERS NEWS Introduction This is the second in a series of newsletters that has been produced to keep unionlearn staff, unions, project workers, union learning reps (ULRs) and other reps up to speed about:
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
developments in the area of a publicly funded careers service that will affect existing structures and networks
other news, developments and resources that will help support members as learners.
how unionlearn are
The term Supporting Learners is used by un-
ionlearn to describe the activities of ULRs and other union 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, signposting and facilitating learning. There is a Supporting Learners area on the unionlearn website, for information visit: http:// www.unionlearn.org.uk /advice
Stop Press! New All-age Careers Service in England The Skills Minister, John Hayes announced the Coalition Government‟s vision for the first allage careers service in England in November saying that „Careers guidance is the engine room of social mobility and social justice.‟ The new service will build on the best of Next Step and Connexions and provide a fully joined up service for all age groups. The new service will be founded on the core principles of independence and professionalism. Both young people aged 13-19 and adults will be able to access the new service from September 2011 with it becoming fully operational by April 2012.
There will be a new branding that will include the term „careers‟. The all-age careers service will be delivered through a range of channels – online, telephone and in the community – with prioritised intensive face-toface guidance. It is understood that the Coalition Government wants to „raise the professional standard bar‟ to one which could be easily recognised and easily inspected and will work towards the Level 6 (Honours degree) qualification level becoming the practice standard. There will also be a consultation on the development of a „licence to practice‟.
Although unionlearn is representing unions in all the key strategic forums to ensure that the needs of unions and those in work are considered there will obviously be some issues for unions who want to work at a professional level to deliver services. Further information will be provided through these newsletters and on the unionlearn website http:// www.unionlearn.org.uk as it becomes available. John Hayes speech on the new all-age careers service is available at http://www.bis.gov.uk/ news/speeches/ minister/john-hayes
Inside this issue: What has happened to Skills Accounts?
2
New Union Learning Fund Prospectus
2
Your chance to tell us what you think!
2
Supporting Learners Progression Pathways Guide
2
Thinking about higher level Learning?
3
Supporting Learners Event Dates
3
Other News
3
Contact Us
4