The Skills Academy have some exciting offers for members this July. In addition to the ever-popular Fórsa Induction and a fantastic Live: Lunch and Learn, applications for September courses have opened. 

At the end of the month, Live: Lunch and Learn will be hosting an extra special session. An introduction to Lámh, the Irish sign language system for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. A wonderful opportunity to learn about the language system and get your cúpla focal of Lámh. 

Fórsa Induction - Wednesday 12th August - Online - Open to all new members

Our welcome session for new members. Learn all about Fórsa and how to get involved in your trade union. Morning and evening sessions available to fit your schedule.  

You can register for Fórsa Induction here. 

Live: Lunch and Learn – Learn Lámh, the Irish sign system for communication - Friday 31st July - Online 

This month the Skills Academy are joined by guest speaker Ciara Ni Raghallaigh, for an introduction to Lámh, the Irish sign language for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. 

Ciara is a certified Lámh Tutor with Lámh Signs Ireland. She has been delivering Lámh courses since 2012 with families of Lámh users, professionals in the education and health sectors, and people in the community who want to learn Lámh signs.  

In this introductory session to Lámh signs, Ciara will explain all the basics, including the benefits of using Lámh, and ten Lámh signs so you can get started building your Lámh vocabulary! 

You can register for this month’s Live: Lunch and Learn here. 

Effective IR Practises (Level 1) - Thursday 17th September - Nerney’s Court, Dublin 1 - Civil Service members only   

For branch reps who participate in local industrial relations, along with their branch and union official, meeting local management and representing members within the branch. Learn how to stay calm under pressure, be prepared and get the best outcome for your members.  

Please note: this course is for Civil Service reps only. 

Communications Training – Tuesday 22nd September - Nerney’s Court, Dublin 1 

Learn the most effective tools for keeping your members informed, engaged, and active. Build your branch’s profile and craft compelling messages that drive member participation. This session is available to members based in Dublin and surrounding counties. 

Digital and Social Media (Level 1) – Tuesday 22nd September - Nerney’s Court, Dublin 1 and Tuesday 29th September - Limerick Regional Office 

Learn about the social media tools you can use to drive member participation. Ideal for novice and casual social media users. Get a firm grasp of the basics, then take on the Level 2 and learn how to use social media intentionally as an activist.  

These two will be the only dates available for the level 1 training this year. Move fast to ensure your place! 

Level 1, WRT – Tuesday 22nd to Thursday 24th September – Galway Regional Office   

This is a three-day course for reps with no previous experience or training. Learn all the basic skills that a representative will need in their first year: the role and function of the workplace rep, improving interpersonal skills and building good working relations, organising your union work, recruiting members and handling problems, an introduction to equality and diversity, and health and safety.  

To register for a course:    

Aside from Live: Lunch and Learn, and Fórsa Induction, participation on all courses requires sign off from your branch and official. To apply, contact your branch training officer or secretary if your branch does not yet have a training officer.  

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.