Courses 2010
Congress training courses are currently under review, but typically include the following courses:
Workplace Representatives Stage 1
This five day introductory course will quip the Workplace Representative with the necessary skills and confidence to effectively carry out their role. Course content includes an introduction to the structure of Trade Unions and Industrial Relations Institutions in Ireland; the recruitment of new members; Problem Solving at the level of the Workplace; Basic Employment Law, and Basic Equality.
Workplace Representatives Stage 2
The Stage 2 course which is five days duration is for the Workplace Representative with some experience. The course will build and improve on this experience. Subject matter will develop in more detail areas covered in Stage 1 with the emphasis on how to conduct negotiations.
Workplace Representatives Stage 3
This three day course deals primarily with developing negotiation skills. Areas covered will include preparation for negotiation, developing and using good listening skills; and presentation and discussion through the use of case study and role play.
Media & Communications
This three day course will demonstrate how to effectively communicate with members, and how to deal with various aspects of the Media in your role as a Trade Union representative, e.g. preparation and writing of Press Releases, preparing for Radio Interviews etc.
Bullying & Harassment
This three day course will set out the legal framework of what constitutes Bullying; and how to put in place a procedure in the workplace for dealing with Bullying & Harassment.
Train the Trainer
This five day course will equip experienced Officials and activists with the knowledge and skills on the provision and delivery of training courses in a trade union context.
Negotiations & Conflict Management
This course is intended for full-time officials and activists who are regularly involved in negotiations with management. The course will build on previous negotiation skills achieved through experience/training; and provide for more effective negotiation skills.
Preparation of Submissions to Rights Commissioners & Labour Court
This three day course will look at the legislation which underpins these institutions, and equip the participant with the necessary skills to prepare and write a submission. The course will be practically based and will include the preparation of a mock submission.
Global Solidarity Champions
This 5 day course gives an insight to all the main social justice problems in our world, and reasons for the existence of these problems. It shows why international trade union solidarity is the key to progressive change on local, national and global level. The course gives energy, motivation and skills to act in solidarity with trade unionists in the global south and for justice and equality in our world. Dates for training courses for Global Solidarity Champions scheduled in 2010 will be available on this website shortly.
Disability Champions at Work
This 5 day course will provide disability and awareness and equality training for trade union activists and shop stewards. It is a practical course aimed at promoting best practise in the employment of people with disabilities, ensuring that employers are fulfilling their obligations and that people with disabilities are supported in the workplace. No previous knowledge of disability is required for this course. Dates for training courses for Disability Champions at Work scheduled in 2010 will be available on this website shortly.