Amid last week’s heatwave, the Skills Academy celebrated this year’s students at the Skills Academy Summer Certificate Ceremony.  

Eager to begin the next semester, the Skills Academy has opened applications for Workplace Representatives Training Level 2, a not to miss training for reps who have already completed the Level 1.

Fórsa Induction and Live: Lunch & Learn will continue through the summer months. With the date set for July’s Induction session. The topic of Live: Lunch & Learn will be announced later this month. 

Summer Certificate Ceremony 

Cheers and laughter echoed through the halls of Nerney’s court on Tuesday 23rd June, as reps received their certificates at the Skills Academy Summer Certificate Ceremony. 

Certificates were presented to reps who had completed Workplace Representatives Training Level 1 and the Level 2 course, Branch Chairs and Secretaries trainings, and the Leadership Programme this year.   

Fórsa president Martin Walsh, began the ceremony reflecting on how far training had come from his time as a new workplace rep. He emphasised the importance of training and mentoring for ensuring the future generations of leaders within the union. 

He said: “The future leaders of the union are in this room today” and encouraged branches to combine training with further mentoring to ensure graduates fulfil their leadership potential. 

Fórsa deputy general secretary and head of the Civil Service division, Éamonn Donnelly, echoed Martin’s comments, emphasising the importance of bringing new members into leadership roles, saying: “It’s about encouraging new people. If we can enable more people to lift, the load will become lighter.” 

One member from each course spoke on behalf of the participants, telling attendees about their experience. 

Catherine Quirke, of the Munster SNAs branch and chair of the Education division, spoke for the graduating class of the leadership programme. She recalled her first class and how she went from early nerves to feeling safe, supported and encouraged. 

She said: “Everyone left everything outside the door. We could be our true selves. This course has made a big difference for me, and I would recommend anyone to do it.” 

Joanne Dowling of the Dublin Hospitals branch spoke for the class of Workplace Representatives Training Level 1. She described how she learned the importance of listening first and how the training is already helping her as a rep. 

She said: “After completing my training, our official and I helped a member who was at her wit's end to find her voice, and it had a positive outcome.” 

Elaine Quinn of the Garda Clerical branch spoke for the class of Workplace Representatives Training Level 2.  

For Elaine, the presentation skills segment has been lifechanging. She shared how she had been so scared of public speaking she had refused to do a reading at her brother’s wedding. 

Since completing the training Elaine has conquered her fear and spoken in front of groups of members and potential members in workplace after workplace. By her estimate she has now recruited between 60 to 100 new members. 

She said: “I speak from the heart and tell them the importance of being in a trade union. I get a little better each time.” 

Mary Daly of the Cork Health and Local Government branch spoke for the class of Branch Chairs and Secretaries training. Mary had reluctantly found herself in the spotlight with the introduction of the Tusla local committees. With little experience chairing meetings Mary found herself “like a rabbit caught in headlights.” 

Since taking the training, meetings have become less of a trial for her. She said: “I learned about flow and how to move things along and keep things going.” 

Director of membership training and development Fiona Dunne closed off proceedings by praising the graduates for their work and enthusiasm. She said: “The Skills Academy wouldn’t work without you guys.” 

“Thank so much. Keep training, keep telling us what you do, and keep telling us what skills gaps you need to fill” she concluded. 

Fórsa Induction - Wednesday 8th July - Online - Open to all new members     

The first step on any member’s training journey, Fórsa Induction is our little way of welcoming new members and explaining exactly what you have become a part of.  

Learn about how we work, how you fit into it all, what we do for you, and what you can do to become more engaged, have your voice heard locally, and raise issues at divisional and national levels.     

Importantly, if you would like to see yourself on stage receiving a certificate next summer, Fórsa Induction is a prerequisite for Workplace Representatives Training Level 1.  

There are morning and evening sessions available to fit your schedule.  

You can register for Fórsa Induction here. 

Workplace Representatives Training, Level 2 – September – Woodford Office, Santry, Dublin  

Applications have opened for Workplace Representatives Training, Level 2. Where the Level 1 course is designed to give you competence in your role as workplace rep, the level 2 is designed to help you excel. 

The training takes place in three parts over four days. All sessions must be completed. 

Part one (2 days) – the first day focusses on recruitment and organising members in your workplace. You will learn to lead and inspire confidence in colleagues, along with how to be someone your coworkers can trust to rely upon.  

On the second day you will have practical opportunities to develop your individual representative skills. 

These sessions will take place on Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd September.  

Part two (1 day) - covers equality legislation and diversity in the workplace and takes place on Tuesday 3rd November. 

Part three (1 day) - covers health and safety practices, risk assessment, and an overview of legislation and takes place on Wednesday 20th January 2027. 

To register for a course:     

Aside from Live: Lunch and Learn and Fórsa Inductions, 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.