It has been a busy first semester for the Skills Academy with hundreds of reps taking part in training online, and across the country. The semester will wrap up with the last Live: Lunch & Learn of the year, before the Christmas break. Initially scheduled for Friday 28th November, the session has been postponed until Friday 5th December to allow members to take part in the ICTU day of action in solidarity with the people of Palestine. 

Registration for January courses has now opened. Be sure to register quickly to avoid disappointment as courses fill up fast 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 relevant official. The Skills Academy cannot accept registrations directly from members.  

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

With morning and evening sessions available, this session is the perfect way to start off the new year if you have recently joined the union. 

The induction is a short session to welcome new members and unravel some of the mysteries of Fórsa. Learn the basics of 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.     

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

This course takes place over four full-day sessions which can be completed by reps in any order. Taking place in Cork for the convenience of Munster-based reps the organising module will be held on the Wednesday 7th January, and the Individual Representation module will be held the following day on Thursday 8th January.  

The organising module consists of an in-depth look at organising, practical application of mapping techniques and identifying local leaders. The Individual Representation module is a fully interactive session taking reps through the journey of processing a case, from initially meeting the member to representing their issue to a management team. 

The Cork sessions for the remaining two modules on Equality and Diversity, and Health, Safety and Welfare in the workplace, will take place in April for Munster based reps looking to complete the full set.

Annual Branch Returns – Dublin - Thursday 15th January 

This will be the last session of Annual Branch Returns training before AGM season kicks off. A crucial training for treasurers, vice-chairs, or any committee member taking on their branch’s annual returns. Learn the responsibilities of branch treasurers, and the financial and accountancy obligations on branches. 

Conflict Resolution – Dublin - Tuesday 20th January 

Conflict can often, unfortunately, be inevitable, so learn to avoid escalation by investing in building high-quality working relationships with workplace representatives, members and management.  

Communications Training – Galway - Tuesday 20th January 

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

Ideal for workplace reps and branch officers who want to improve their lines of communication with their members. Learn to use effective tools to reach members, build a branch profile, and craft compelling messages to members.  

RESCHEDULED Live: Lunch & Learn – Grants & Schemes to Buy, Retrofit & Renovate Your Home- Online - 1-2pm Friday 5th December    

Due to the ICTU day of action in solidarity with the people of Palestine, this session has been postponed to the following week. As Fórsa will be participating in a co-ordinated lunchtime workplace walkout on that day, the session has been rescheduled to allow members to participate. 

The session will focus on home improvement to save you money. Titled From Deposit to Dream Home: Grants & Schemes to Buy, Retrofit & Renovate Your Home, the session will feature guest speakers including Mark Solon, Managing Director of Symmetry Financial, and experts from the First Home Scheme, and SEAI. It will be a practical webinar that might just save you money or even be the key to getting that first foot on the property ladder.  

Follow this link to register for Live: Lunch & Learn.

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