There is a lot on offer this March-April from the Skills Academy. Applications are now open for a wide variety of courses from Communications Training to Industrial Conflict Resolution, to Public Speaking, and more. There is a course available for every need! 

If you see anything that interests you, you can email your branch training officer or the Skills Academy for more information.  

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

There are only a few places left on the Workplace Representatives Training taking place in Wexford this March. An opportunity not to be missed for workplace reps in the south-east of the country to learn everything you need to know on how to not only fulfil your role as rep but prosper. 

Designed for reps with no previous experience or training, the course will take place over three days. The only prerequisite for taking this course is that you are a workplace rep and have previously taken the Fórsa Induction module.  

Over the three days you will learn all the basic skills that you will need as a representative in your first year, including:  

• the role and function of the workplace rep   
• improving interpersonal skills and building good working relationships    
• organising your union work   
• recruiting members and handling problems   
• an introduction to equality and diversity  
• health and safety.   

Live: Lunch & Learn – Staying Safe Online - Online - 1-2pm Friday 27th March  

The dangers of the online world are ever evolving but being aware and up to date can go a long way to keeping you safe online. Guest speakers Kate O'Sullivan, Fórsa’s Director of Digital and Martina O'Leary, Fórsa Data Protection Officer, will take you through what is out there, and what you can do to stay safe in your personal life and as a worker. 

Learn your legal obligations as a worker and how to fulfil them, as well as how to stay safe in your personal internet use. If you have any questions about online safety this is an unmissable opportunity to have them answered. 

To register for Live: Lunch & Learn click here.  

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

Time is running out to take part in the last session of communications training for branch officers this academic year. Don’t miss your chance to learn the most effective tools for keeping your members informed, engaged, and active.  

Time Management – Tuesday14th April - Nerney’s Court, Dublin 

For members who are juggling and struggling, trying, but unable, to fit everything into the day. This session will teach you all the ways to take control of your day and avoid the stress of looming deadlines. 

Public Speaking – Tuesday14th April - Nerney’s Court, Dublin 

Speaking at the Biennial Conference is a daunting task even for the most seasoned of speakers. With this in mind, the Skills Academy has prepared a special season of Public Speaking training geared towards delegates who will be delivering motions this May. 

Learn how to handle those pre-stage jitters, speak clearly and confidently, and make the best of your time in the bright lights of the INEC in Killarney, with a little help from Skills Academy. 

Industrial Conflict Resolution (Level 2) – Wednesday 15th April – Nerney’s Court, Dublin 

The next step in our IR training for members who have previously attended the Building Effective Local IR Practices (Level 1) course with Brendan Cunningham. As there is a bespoke version of this course for members in the Civil Service division, this course is not open to members of that division. 

Learn how to maintain positive working relationships without shying away from conflict and how to use conflict as an opportunity for positive change.  

Branch Training Officers Seminar - Wednesday 15th April – Nerney’s Court, Dublin 

Learn more about the role and meet with other training officers to discuss tips and tricks on how best to use training to benefit your branch. A fantastic opportunity open to branch training officers, and BEC members covering training officer duties.  

Resilience Building Workshop – Tuesday 21st April – Nerney’s Court, Dublin 

Learn how to weather whatever life throws at you. Build your resilience by enhancing emotional intelligence and awareness of others; and learning how to manage stress. 

To register for a course:   

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

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.