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.

Enquire Now

Prefer to talk? Call 01226 776000 or email advice@northern.ac.uk and one of our team will get back to you.

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 weekly.

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).

When does this start and end?

At the moment we have no available dates for this course. We will be updating them throughout the year, check back or submit and enquiry to be added to a waiting list.

What are the entry requirements?

Students must be trade union representatives.

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

I was made to feel that I did matter and that I was worthy. I was encouraged and supported when I thought I couldn't do it. Despite all the failures I had previously had at other places, I did it at Northern College because I was supported by people who believed in me.

It's a life changing place. I started the access course in 2013 without a qualification to my name and not much hope. Last year I started my PhD. I'm now a different person.

Most jobs require you to have Level 2 in English and Maths. These qualifications are important in jobs that are most employable in the South and West Yorkshire Regions such as Education and Health and Social Care sector.