Fiona Dunne, Fórsa’s director of membership, training and development, encouraged members to sign up before places run out. Fiona explained that the training programmes are designed to equip members with the skills and knowledge needed to perform their roles to the best of their abilities.  

She also highlighted the broader impact of these courses, stating, “The skills members take away from these training courses not only benefit them in their union role but also greatly contribute to their professional and personal goals outside of their work with Fórsa.” She emphasised that by building confidence and capabilities across different issues, members can strengthen their expertise and expand their opportunities. 

With a variety of training programmes available this spring, there is something for everyone—whether you are new to Fórsa or looking to build on your existing skills. Below are some key upcoming courses designed to support you in your union role and beyond. 

Fórsa Induction, 12th March - Online 

If you want to learn more about what Fórsa does and how you can be more involved with the union, this induction is a great chance to get started! An awareness raising session built to welcome new Fórsa members, this programme is specifically targeted to those who have never received any training previously or are not currently active within Fórsa but want to be more involved. You can sign up for it here.

Level 1 Workplace Rep Training, 25th-27th March – Wexford 

 The only programme of its kind in the south-east region, the Level 1 workplace representative training runs over three days and is an intensely rewarding exercise for newly elected workplace representatives, or those with less than 2 years representative experience (who have attended Fórsa Induction or Fórsa 101 in the past). 

Over the three days, you will cover all the basic skills and information required to confidently carry out your role, and to survive your first year as a workplace rep!  

The course is offered in seven locations throughout the country. The dates are Tuesday 25th March, Wednesday 26th March and Thursday 27th March 2025. You can register here. 

The course covers all the necessary skills and information that new representatives require to give them confidence in this role and get them through their first year. Topics include: 

• Branch structure and roles of the Executive Committee 
• The role and responsibilities of the workplace representative 
• Organising and recruiting members 
• An introduction to health and safety 
• An overview of equality in the trade union agenda 
• Industrial relations, handling members' problems and local representation 

Level 2 Workplace Rep Training Part 3 – Health & Safety, 18th March - Galway 

The second level of our Workplace Rep training is on health and safety. This programme comprises of three parts, all of which must be completed, is aimed at those who have already completed the Level 1 Workplace Representative training.  

Members who have applied to do Level 2 will be required to complete all its modules to be eligible to receive their certificates. 

Applications will close as soon as the course capacity is reached, so if you are interested in this course, we recommend you confirm your place as soon as possible.  

Live: Lunch & Learn: Member Communication, 28th February - Online 

The next lunch and learn session will be held on Friday 28th February on the topic of communicating with members. Our speaker will be Hannah Deasy, Fórsa’s director of member communications. Come join us on this brief online meeting to hear about communication tips and ask questions on effective ways to reach out to your colleagues.  

Hannah will speak about ways to improve how you communicate with members whether you are a branch officer or a workplace rep. She will also talk about how Fórsa’s bi-monthly bulletin is produced, and what communications resources are available to members.

You can register for it here. 

If you have any questions about these programmes or would like to know more, please contact skillsacademy@forsa.ie. 

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.