There is plenty on offer from the Skills Academy this November. With great courses like Conflict Resolution, Treasurers Training, and Assertiveness Training and Confidence Building later this month there is something for everyone.
Skills Academy Winter Awards Ceremony
Despite the intense preparations for the second national strike day which was due to take place this week, the Skills Academy Winter Awards Ceremony that took place Tuesday 3rd November in the NEC room at Nerney’s Court, was no less joyful for the members receiving their certificates.
It was all smiles and laughter as the graduates of the communications skills, conflict resolution skills, negotiation skills, presentation skills, public speaking, resilience building skills, and treasurers’ trainings were recognised for their efforts.
Senior vice-president and chair of the training subcommittee, Michael Crowe opened proceedings by congratulating the day’s graduates for their hard work and called on members to use the skills they have picked up “to help grow the union.”
President Martin Walsh reflected on how far Fórsa’s training has come since he was a fresh-faced rep, new to the union.
He said: “We’ve come a long way, and I believe we have more to give and more to grow.”
Director of membership training, Fiona Dunne, spoke about how important it is for unions to have workplace reps that members can rely upon.
She said, “It’s really important that our role focuses on building reps’ skills and capacity so they can take on leadership roles in the future. I can see a good few members here today who first came to us as reps and are now becoming branch officers. I think that shows that we are succeeding.”
Effective IR Practises (Level 1) General - Tuesday 17th November - Nerney’s Court, Dublin 1
Requirements: Currently serving as Workplace Rep, Branch Officer, or Executive Committee member, not a member of Civil Service Division
Local industrial relations is the bedrock on which a union’s success is built. In these smaller day-to-day interactions members learn the true value of having a union supporting them. Whether it’s resolving a workplace issue for groups or an individual, good outcomes at a local level can turn coworkers into lifelong trade unionists.
Join the Skills Academy and learn how to stay calm under pressure, how to go into every meeting prepared and how to get the best outcome for your members.
Note: there is a separate session available to Civil Service members which covers dispute resolution in the Civil Service.
Conflict Resolution - Tuesday 17th November - Nerney’s Court, Dublin 1
Requirements: Currently serving as Branch Officer, or Executive Committee member
Conflict arises even in the best working relationships. What is important is knowing how to use conflict for positive growth and not to let it damage your relationships. Join the Skills Academy to learn how to manage conflict when it happens and build better relationships with workplace representatives, members and management.
Treasurer Training - Thursday 19th November - Nerney’s Court, Dublin 1
Requirements: Currently serving as Branch Treasurer or Vice-Treasurer
The Branch Treasurer is one of the most demanding positions a member can take on. The role comes with a set of duties and responsibilities that are integral to the successful functioning of your branch.
Join the Skills Academy and learn what you need to do and all the important dates and deadlines you don’t want to miss. Being a treasurer can be very difficult to pick up on the job so save yourself the stress and hit the ground running by attending the Treasurers Training.
Assertiveness Training and Confidence Building - Tuesday 24th November - Nerney’s Court, Dublin 1
Requirements: Currently serving as Workplace Rep, completed Workplace Representatives Training Level 1
The ability to put yourself forward is invaluable to a rep, but it doesn’t come naturally to everyone.
Join Skills Academy and learn the secrets of being assertive. Build your confidence intentionally and watch yourself become the rep you know you can be.
How to register
If you see a course 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 the Skills Academy.
You will receive a registration link via email. Fill out the form in full and make sure you let the Skills Academy know if you would like them to secure paid release for you.
Like