It will be a busy few weeks ahead for the Skills Academy with an embarrassment of riches on offer. With courses ranging from the old staples of Fórsa inductions and workplace representative training, to newer offers such as industrial conflict resolution, there is something on offer for everyone. 

Of particular interest to anyone who will be presenting a motion at Biennial Conference is the Public Speaking course on Tuesday 10th February. A fantastic opportunity to put your best foot forward as you advocate for change in May.  

To register for a course: 

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

LAST CHANCE! Live: Lunch & Learn - The importance of the work of Fórsa’s International Committee - Online - 1-2pm Today Friday 30th January 

If you are one of the enthusiastic readers who can’t help but read the Members' News Bulletin immediately, you will still have a chance to sign up to this month’s lunch and learn taking place at lunch time on the day we publish. 

Hear all about Fórsa’s international solidarity work which aims to support unions and human rights across the globe. Richy Carrothers, national secretary for Local Government  and Local Services and the Municipal Employees' divisions, and Michael Smyth, Fórsa’s current treasurer and former president will both speak. 

Registration closes at 11:30am so be quick if you don’t want to miss this session. To register for Live: Lunch & Learn click here. 

Public Speaking - Nerney’s Court - Tuesday 10th February 

This is one not to miss for delegates and branch officers who may be presenting motions at Biennial Conference this year as this session will be geared towards preparing participants for the bright lights of the stage in Killarney. 

Being able to communicate clearly and confidently is a crucial skill for reps to have in their toolkits. So, if you would like to be a better public speaker, this is a golden opportunity, even if you won’t be in Killarney this May. 

Fórsa Induction - Online - Wednesday 11th February - Open to all new members 

A short session to welcome new members to Fórsa and explain the basics. Learn what exactly a trade union is, the structure 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. 

Morning and evening sessions available. 

To register for Fórsa Induction click here. 

Intensive Presentation Skills - Tuesday 17th February and Tuesday 3rd March - Nerney’s Court 

Open to branch training officers, this training will inspire confidence and teach you how to maintain a crowd’s attention while giving a presentation. This 2-day course will give you the skills you need to confidently provide information and induction sessions to new members. 

While intended for branch training officers, other BEC officers can apply if places are left unfilled by training officers, with places being offered on a first-come first served basis. 

Industrial Conflict Resolution (Level 2) Civil Service – Thursday 19th February – Nerney’s Court 

For members who have previously attended the Building effective local IR practices for civil service division course with Brendan Cunningham. This is the next step where you will learn how to handle IR issues when they come to conflict. Learn how to maintain positive working relationships without shying away from conflict and how to use conflict as an opportunity for positive change.  

Branch Chairs and Secretaries Training – Wednesday 18th March – Nerney’s Court 

A crucial training for new branch chairs, vice-chairs, secretaries and vice-secretaries. These can be demanding positions, but knowing what you need to do, when and how to do it will lessen the burden. Learn the responsibilities of each position and develop key skills to make you more effective in your role, and to make life your easier. 

Level 1, WRT – Tuesday 24th – Thursday 26th March – Wexford Union Office 

A fantastic opportunity for workplace reps in the south-east of the country. The Workplace Representatives Training Level 1 will be held in Wexford in late March.  

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, including:

• 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 
• health and safety. 

Communications Training – Tuesday 31st March – Woodford Office, Santry, Dublin 

A fantastic opportunity for branch officers based in the east of the country. 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 and commitment.   

This will be the last chance to catch this crucial training this academic year. A not to miss for branch officers in the east and those further afield who can travel for the day. 

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.