Trade Union Studies

TUC Union Reps Stage 1

Level 1

What is Level 1?

This is equivalent to GCSE Grades 3-1 / D-G or O Level grades D-G

Find out what it means to be a union rep, how to represent our members effectively and how to take up both collective and individual issues with your employer. You will also think about the future and how to influence where it is taking you and those you represent.

Level 1

This is equivalent to GCSE Grades 3-1 / D-G or O Level grades D-G

Find out about progression

Course description

The course helps union representatives to understand their role and responsibilities as a rep. They include working together with members and other union reps; talking to members and dealing with their problems; recruiting members and getting them involved in the union; meeting management to discuss a range of issues at work and keeping members informed about wider union concerns.

This course is delivered onsite at Northern College

Course content

This course will be delivered over 10 weeks in a classroom every Thursday.

Course Content

understand the job of the union rep in the workplace and the wider union
use and make agreements
represent members in discussions with employers
understand how grievances and disciplinaries are handled
understand rights at work
build confidence in your role and responsibilities as a union rep
develop the skills you need to be an effective rep

What can this course lead to?

This course leads onto the Certificate in Employment law (Level 2).

This course could lead onto the Health and Safety Stage 1 (Level 1).

Course session dates

What are the entry requirements?

Students must be trade union representatives.

When does this start and end?

We have 2 different start dates for this course:

18 January 2024 - 28 March 2024
9 April 2024 - 18 June 2024

Trade Union Education at Northern College is meaningful, purposeful, accessible and rewarding. There are no exams, or long lectures, the education programme involves practical activities where you will work with your peers. This is an opportunity to step back from your job and your activist work to think and learn. Skills development and confidence building are essential elements of all Trade Union courses.

“Northern College changed my life. A year into studying here I got a job and then became a supervisor.” - Michelle
Learn more about Michelle's story

Great tutors and services. They will listen to you if you have any issues or questions, and will do their best to help you. It’s a relaxing atmosphere and stunning views of Wentworth castle. Love this place.

Do you know? The average wage for fully qualified Counsellors is £22,600

Staying residential at Northern College gave me time to breathe. Most of the learning would come about when talking with others, over meals and our free time. Walking in the garden before breakfast is inspirational.