As we enter the festive season, many members will be mulling over their New Year’s resolutions, the Skills Academy asks that you consider adding union training to the list – and with so many courses available they’re making it as easy as can be.  

The new year will begin with a bang, with a wide array of fantastic courses for members to choose from. The unmissable Communications Training will be coming to Galway, Workplaces Reps Level 1 will be in Sligo, and WRT Level 2 will come to Cork. 

Be sure to register quickly to avoid disappointment! Courses fill up quickly, and time is needed to secure release for participating members.  

To register please contact your branch training officer or branch secretary if the position is vacant. Participation requires sign-off from branch officers and the relevant official. The Skills Academy cannot accept registrations directly from members.   

Workplace Representatives Training Level 2 - Cork - Wednesday 7th & Thursday 8th January  

A not-to-miss opportunity for reps in Munster who have already completed the Level 1 training. The Organising and Individual Representation modules of the Level 2 Workplace Reps training will be held in Cork on Wednesday 7th January and Thursday 8th January.   

The organising module will give you an in-depth understanding of organising, the practical application of mapping techniques, and teach you how to identify local leaders. The Individual Representation module will take you through the journey of processing a case, from initially meeting the member to representing their issue to a management team.  

Workplace Representatives Training Level 2 takes place over four full-day sessions which can be completed by reps in any order. The Cork sessions for the remaining two modules, Equality and Diversity, and Health, Safety and Welfare in the workplace, will be held on Thursday 19th March and on Tuesday 14th April respectively. 

Fórsa Induction for new members - Online - Wednesday 14th January   

New member? New year? New you? Kick off the new year by taking your first step towards becoming a more active Fórsa member! 

The induction will give you a firm handle on the basic structures of Fórsa, how we operate, and how members can become more engaged, have their voices heard locally, and raise issues at divisional and national levels. With AGM season on the horizon this is the perfect opportunity to learn how to get involved in the union’s democratic processes and put that knowledge into practice. 

With morning and evening sessions available, this session is the perfect way to start off the new year! 

Annual Branch Returns - Dublin - Thursday 15th January  

This is a crucial session for treasurers, vice-chairs, or any committee member taking on their branch’s annual returns. Annual branch returns are no easy matter, but by learning the dos and don’ts you can avoid mistakes and make the experience as painless as possible.   

This will be the last session on annual branch returns training before AGM season kicks off. Make sure you know the responsibilities of branch treasurers, and the financial and accountancy obligations on branches before submitting your returns for approval. 

Communications Training - Galway - Tuesday 20th January  

Having solid communication between the branch and its members is crucial for building engagement and power in the workplace. Learn the most effective tools for keeping your members informed, engaged, and active. Build your branch’s profile and craft compelling messages that drives member participation and commitment.  

This will be the only chance to catch this exciting training in Galway this year.  An opportunity not to be missed for Connaught and Ulster based members.  

Resilience Building Workshop - Dublin - Thursday 29th January 

With the new year comes new challenges, make sure you and your branch are able to weather anything the new year throws at you. This session will teach you how to enhance emotional intelligence and awareness of others. It will also provide tools and templates to effectively build personal resilience and reduce stress, so you can stay on top when things get tough. 

Workplace Representatives Training Level 1 - Sligo - Tuesday 24th to Thursday 26th February 

A fantastic opportunity for workplace reps in the north-west of the country. The Workplace Representatives Training Level 1 will be held in Sligo in late January. 

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. 

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.