This month, plenty of training opportunities awaits our members. With a range of offerings from the Skills Academy, we're excited as we approach the much-anticipated pilot of the branch mentoring programme. Other upcoming courses include treasure training, Fórsa induction, and an engaging Lunch & Learn at the end of this month. 

Live: Lunch & Learn: Make learning easier, assistive technologies for students, 28th March – Online 

Deirdre Madden is the Assistive Technology Outreach Co-ordinator at Access UCC, at this month’s Lunch and Learn she will share her experience working in disability support and take attendees through some of Access UCC’s incredible work with the Make Learning Easier resource. 

The Make Learning Easier resource is a free course for anyone who wishes to learn more about built-in tech to make reading, writing, planning and studying easier. It will take you through the various types of assistive technologies and how they can be useful to both abled and disabled people. 

This will be of special interest to members working in education, training, or disabilities. 

Register here.

Branch mentoring programme begins in April 

There is a lot of excitement in the Skills Academy this month as the launch of the pilot for the branch mentoring programme is only weeks away.  

The programme aims to ensure the long-term success of Fórsa through the development of our activists. 

Speaking about the programme, Director of membership training and development, Fiona Dunne said: “We plan to bring the leaders of the present and future together, in an intentional way. So, when today’s leaders head off to a well-earned retirement, they know that a new generation of motivated and capable members who will build upon all their hard work.” 

Mentors and mentees will take part in a half-day workshop. The workshops aim to promote a learning culture, increased participation, and succession planning in all our branches.  

Workshops are available on the following dates: 

• Dublin - Thursday 10th April 2025  
• Cork - Tuesday 15th April 2025 
• Galway - Tuesday 6th May 2025 

To be eligible for this training, branches are required to nominate at least one branch officer (as mentor) along with at least one workplace representative (mentee).  

Interested branches should complete the registration form (one per person) linked here. Spaces are limited so don’t miss your chance and register now! 

Fórsa Induction for new members – Wednesday 9th April 

New to Fórsa? Not entirely sure of the difference between a rep and a committee member? Or how you even fit into Fórsa, never mind how to become more engaged as a member? Fórsa Induction is a great way to answer these questions. 

It is a short information and awareness raising session to welcome new members into the union and highlight how members can become more engaged in the union locally. Learn the basics what exactly a trade union is, the structure of Fórsa and how we do our business, and how members can become more engaged and have their voice heard locally and their issues raised at divisional and national levels. 

Register here.

Change of location: Branch treasurers training – Thursday 1st May – now in Woodford 

Due to a high level of interest, the branch treasurers training in May will be moved to our Woodford office. 

If you are a treasurer or vice-treasurer who has not availed of this training before, this course is an unmissable opportunity to be guided through your role and responsibilities. 

With places going fast, don’t miss your chance to attend! Register here.

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.