The new semester has now begun, and the Skills Academy has plenty on offer for members over the coming weeks.
As we head into a season of increasing industrial agitation, the Communications Training and Digital and Social Media courses will be essential for reps and branch officers looking to rally the troops.
Newcomers are as always welcome and encouraged to join the Skills Academy for Fórsa Induction, and training officers will be able to take their first Training Officer specific course and the Facilitation Skills Workshop, this October.
New Registration Process
This year, the Skills Academy have streamlined the registration process for members. If you see a training you would like to take, simply contact your branch’s training officer or secretary and let them know you are interested.
They will confirm your eligibility and contact Skills Academy, who will then send the registration link via email. Fill out the registration form in full, and the Skills Academy will send you confirmation that you are registered. They will also secure paid release for you to take the course, so make sure you let them know you would like them to secure paid release for you when filling out the form.
Live: Lunch & Learn and Fórsa Inductions, will remain open to all members and registration links will appear in members’ news bulletins as before.
Fórsa Induction - Wednesday 9th September - Online - Open to all new members
Join our welcome session for new members and older members looking to get more active. Get yourself a firm foundation in the who, how, why, what, where, and when of Fórsa.
This course is essential for getting involved in your trade union, and a prerequisite for taking many other Skills Academy courses. Morning and evening sessions available.
You can register for Fórsa Induction here.
Effective IR Practices (Level 1) - Thursday 17th September - Nerney’s Court, Dublin 1 - Civil Service members only
If you are a rep who participates in local industrial relations, along with your branch and union official, this is a session you do not want to miss. Learn how to stay calm under pressure, be prepared and get the best outcome for your members.
This session is for civil service reps only, as it covers certain Civil Service specific processes. A second session will be held in November for members from other divisions.
Communications Training – Tuesday 22nd September - Nerney’s Court, Dublin 1
Having solid lines of communication with members is crucial to the success of any branch, even more so during industrial action. Build trust and engagement by keeping your members informed. Learn the most effective tools for reaching your members and when to use them.
This session is available to members based in Dublin and surrounding counties. Cork and Galway sessions will take place later this year.
Digital and Social Media (Level 1) – Tuesday 22nd September - Nerney’s Court, Dublin 1
or Tuesday 29th September - Limerick regional office
Social media is a powerful tool for keeping members up-to-date and engaged. A firm knowledge of social media and how to use it, can help your branch keep up member morale, build unity, and strengthen solidarity.
This course will give you a firm foundation in how to use social media to reach your membership. Make sure you’re using the correct tool for the job and give yourself and your branch the best opportunity to make a splash online.
Ideal for novice and casual social media users. This course will then give you a firm grasp of the basics, then you can take on the Level 2 and learn how to use social media intentionally as an activist.
These will be the only dates available for the Level 1 training this year. Register early to secure your place!
Time Management – Thursday, 8th October – Woodford Office, Santry, Dublin - NEC, DEC and BEC only
The feeling that there just aren't enough hours in the day is a common one for executive committee members. In this one-day course you will learn skills and tools which will allow you to manage your time more effectively and get back on top of your workload.
You will be surprised how much time you can free up by learning simple tools like; effective planning, prioritising tasks, delegation, smart goals, and tackling procrastination.
This training is open to members of branch, division, and/or national executive committee members only.
Fórsa Induction - Wednesday 14th October - Online - Open to all new members
If you can’t make the September session, you can always take the October session. You will be able to find a registration link in the next member’s news bulletin.
Branch Training Officers ‘Facilitation Skills Workshop’ – Thursday 15th October – Nerney’s Court, Dublin
A fantastic opportunity for branch training officers. Learn the secrets to good facilitation; how to know when to let things go and when to move things on, how to manage tensions, how to keep participants engaged, and the importance of knowing when your input is needed and when to step back.
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