Quiet revolution" in learning

Citation

(2001), "Quiet revolution" in learning", Education + Training, Vol. 43 No. 7. https://doi.org/10.1108/et.2001.00443gab.001

"Quiet revolution" in learning

"Quiet revolution" in learningKeywords: Learning, Trade unions

Up to half a million employees could be helped into learning by trade union learning representatives over the next decade. A recent survey indicated that the first 2,000 representatives trained had already helped almost 200,000 colleagues in a year, with almost 50,000 attending courses as a result. Learning representatives are trained by their unions to support the learning of their colleagues at work.

Learning representatives offer learning information, advice and guidance. They also promote the value of learning, and negotiate on learning with employers. The Government has announced plans to make learning representatives statutory and is consulting on the details. John Monks, TUC general secretary, said: "Health and safety representatives have made the workplace safer. Union learning representatives will make the workplace smarter." Bill Lucas, chief executive of the Campaign for Learning, commented: "In the learning age, everyone needs a learning friend – someone to help him or her to get started and to provide ongoing support. Union learning representatives are poised to play that role for those in the workplace."