SUPPORTING LEARNERS NEWS
ISSUE 6, MARCH 2012
SUPPORTING LEARNERS NEWS Introduction This is the sixth 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:
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developments in the area of a publicly funded careers service that will affect existing structures and networks
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how unionlearn is 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
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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 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 all levels of learning and 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: www.unionlearn.org.uk/advice
National Careers Service Update The new National Careers Service (NCS) will be launched in early April 2012. The NCS will give impartial advice on careers and learning, available at a time and place that works for its customers. The free NCS is available to everyone in England 19 and over (or 18 and over if seeking work) whatever their prior skills, qualifications or employment status. As well as advice from professional careers advisers, the service will offer a range of online tools to help people explore their job interests, identify their skills, develop an action plan for finding the right job and write an effective CV. The
three main services will be:
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A website – providing information about what jobs are growing and where the opportunities are, the skills and qualifications needed and how to get them
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An adviceline – so callers can talk through their options with an adviser and make informed decisions and choices
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A walk in service – to give people the best source of help and advice whatever their needs The new service will offer information, advice and guidance about careers and learning, including:
Inside this issue:
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Apprenticeships – the Government’s flagship training programme
Register for your Lifelong learning Account
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Courses offered by FE colleges
National Council for Careers
2
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Inspiring the Future
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Complimentary NAEGA membership for 2012
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Higher learning at Work
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Contact Us
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HE programmes of study
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Funding for learning, including grants, loans and other awards
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The job market, both nationally and in individual sectors of the economy Union members and reps will still be able to obtain information and advice through the unionlearn learning and careers advice service web portal www.unionlearn.org.uk/ uladvice and from the
Want to get on at work? Get in touch with unionlearn’s Learning and Careers Advice Service and find out about: new career opportunities, new challenges, learning new skills and funding to help you.
Call them today on: 08000 92 91 90
adviceline on:
08000 92 91 90 Why not give an adviser a call today? Calls are free from a landline.