noe aug 11 bulletin
DESCRIPTION
NoE Aug 11 BulletinTRANSCRIPT
Wales TUC Cymru
Y Rhwydwaith Rhagoriaeth Network of Excellence
August 2011 Thank you contributors! Please circulate widely and feel free to copy & paste for your own newsletters.
In this issue: Llanelli Railway Strike 2 Tell us why web stories 3 Prince Introductory offer 4 ITEA & Biscuits 5 Free Play tickets 5 Cancer in the Workplace course 6 Free law course 8 Arfon Dwyfor Training Limited 9 Part Time Degree? 10 Money advice 11 Digital Futures Workshop 12 Your Credit Union 13 CQFW Newsletter 14 And finally, “Dyfal donc a dyr y garreg” 15
If you are not on the Net News circulation list and want
to add your details please contact: Bernice Waugh Network of Excellence Y Rhwydwaith Rhagoriaeth Wales TUC Cymru ebost/e-mail: [email protected] Ffon/Tel: 07917 415601 Same details if you need to unsubscribe.
“A rifle shot rings out. The men by the garden wall stand their ground. “It’s OK,” one shouts out. “It’s only a blank!” There is laughter. “It’s all right – they’ve only got blank cartridges,” someone else yells. Suddenly a live round smashes into the throat of a man sitting on the wall, knocking him backwards onto the grass. Everybody runs. Three men are down, bleeding badly. Two of them are carried into a house and laid out on a table, where they die. On the nearby railway line, the major in charge of the detachment of soldiers orders his men to withdraw.
These events did not take place in Afghanistan, Iraq or some other beleaguered war zone. They happened nearly a 100 years ago in Llanelli”
From the 1911 Llanelli Railway Strike website.
Read more at this excellent website and see Scott Quinell tell the story. http://1911llanellirailwaystrike.org.uk/the-story/
On the website (and the next page) you will find events to commemorate the 1911 Railway Strike Centenary.
We’d love you to attend any or every event if possible. Best wishes, Ray Llanelli 1911 Railway Strike Centenary Committee
“I grew up in Llanelli, and I knew nothing about this. It has very much been hidden from history.” Tim Evans, Chair, Llanelli 1911 Rail Strike Committee
Net News
7.30 pm until 11pm Queen Vic Club, Queen Victoria Road, Llanelli
1911 Llanelli Railway Strike Committee and Llanelli Folk Club have joined forces to
commemorate the Strike’s centenary in August 2011 with a FREE themed “protest” night. It’s
Open Mike as usual, but this night, performers are highly encouraged to sing protest, union, or
railroad songs. Poets welcome too!
Mynediad am ddim/Free entry! Raffle! Raffl! or more info on this event, call Roger Price on 01554 750045. For info on Lllanelli Folk Club, which meets every Wednesday evening, at the Queen Vic, call Dave Elliott on 01554 759162.
Lan lloft /upstairs at Stamps, John St, Llanelli
Dai Matthews yn cyflywno noson cerddori-aeith, canu a cherdd—Cymraeg & Saes-neg.
A night of music & poetry in Welsh & English. Cerddoriaeth gan/music by Yr Alltud, tely-
nores/harpist Delyth Jenkins, canu gwerin/folk songs Liz Evans ac ati/and more.
Cerdd gan/poems by Aneirin Karadog, Dave Hughes ac eraill/and others.
Barddoniath meic agored/Open mic for poets!
Dim ond £2 ar y drws Only £2 on the door Advance tickets from Robin Campbell 01792 422370 & Roger Price 01554 750045—or pay on the door! Proceeds from both events will fund Education Packs for
Llanelli schools, a permanent memorial artwork and other cultural/educational activities
The approximate timetable for the Centenary March
12 noon – assemble at Llanelli Railway Station 12.30pm – proceed down the High Street via the plaque to the fallen on Union Bridge. 1pm – gather at Spring Gardens for commemorative speeches/performance. 1.30pm – continue towards Box Cemetery, with street theatre on the way. 2.15pm – assemble at Box Cemetery. 2.30pm – memorial service, with a performance of a song especially written for the occasion by Cor Meibion.
The whole of the rally will be accompanied by a marching band.
Find out more at http://1911llanellirailwaystrike.org.uk/about/
Sign up soon for Network meetings in September. The north and south meetings get full very quickly.
On the agenda,
Apprenticeship briefing/workshop
Mental Health in the Workplace briefing
Employer Pledge from ADT
Monday 5th Sept YMCA Mendalgief Road Newport NP20 2HF Tuesday 6th Sept WEA Orchard Street Swansea SA1 5UH Thursday 8th Sept Unison room2, Ceredigion County Council, Canolfan Rheidol, Rhodfa Padarn, Llanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth SY23 3UE Friday 9th Sept Glyndwr University Mold Road, Wrexham LL11 2AW All meetings start at 10.30 – tea & coffee from 10am
Net News
Wales TUC need to know why you’re opposing the UK Government cuts.
First of all, thank you if you attended either the Wales TUC Protest in the Park, the March for the Alternative or any of the organised protests in Wales in recent months. They have all sent a powerful message to the UK Government about the strength of our
opposition to their cuts. If you were there, there tell us why. If, like many, you were unable to be there on the day, we hope this new initiative will give you an opportunity to get your voice heard.
While we are clearly winning the arguments that the cuts are wrong, the UK Government are as determined as ever to drive their policy agenda forward regardless of the harm it will do to our public services, our economy and our communities. In order to take the campaign to the next level we’re asking for your individual support to show them why we are right.
Tell us, in just a few sentences, why you’ll be supporting the Wales TUC campaign for a better way. Tell us your story. The more personal to you, the better. Send us your contribution in an email along with a photo, your name, where you’re from and a little bit of background about yourself to [email protected] and put ‘a better way’ in the subject line. We will then post your stories on our website.
We hope to build a powerful picture of how the cuts are affecting all of us and why they must be stopped and we need your support to do it. Please circulate to friends and colleagues who would want to send a clear message to the UK Coalition Government. Kind regards, Chris Christopher Hartwell [email protected] Policy & Campaigns Officer
WEA Workplace Learning in partnership with the Wales TUC have organised workshops
throughout the month of August.
This last workshop of the series is specifically aimed at union activists
The timings are: Morning – 9.30 – 12.30 Afternoon – 1.30 – 4.30
August 23rd
Morning workshop - Bullying and Harassment in the workplace
Defining bullying and harassment and what you can do about it.
Afternoon workshop - Equality and Diversity Defining Equality and Diversity and promoting a positive attitude to Equality &Diversity in the
workplace.
To book your place or for more information, please ring or email Bill Powell Tel: 01443 412 412 [email protected]
A New microsite will help vulnerable workers secure a fair deal at work The TUC is launching a new microsite to help people find out more about their basic rights at work.
Basic Rights @ Work will introduce vulnerable workers – people who have little knowledge of their employment rights, who find it hard to access advice and who do not have the ability to protect themselves against abuses of their rights – to information about employment rights in the UK and how to enforce these rights through statutory enforcement bodies. http://intranet/n_and_c/tuc-17199-f0.cfm
Net News
If you're thinking about getting Prince2 and want to prepare for your certification exam,
subscribing to the National Skills Academy for IT is the place to start. We are a not for profit organisation, set up to help you gain the skills
you need to succeed. Accelerate your career by learning Prince2® at a pace that suits you, wherever and whenever
you like. You'll also be supported by expert Prince2® mentors, accessible 24/7 and have
access to example exams so you can test yourself to see you are ready to qualify.
But that's just a fraction of what you get - along with everything you need for Prince2®, benefits of subscribing to the National Skills Academy for IT include access to a library of tools and templates, exclusive articles and
industry insights, 1,100 other IT professional online courses leading to over 100 other
qualifications and a library of eBooks – all for a £95 introductory price per person for a year.
Please do not miss out on this offer - go to the National Skills Academy for IT.
The National Skills Academy for IT is a vendor neutral, not-for-profit organisation, by employers for employers,
and led by e-skills UK, the Sector Skills Council for Business and Information Technology.
PRINCE2 (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) is a process-based method for effective project management.
PRINCE2 is a standard used extensively by the UK Government and is widely recognised and used in the private sector, both in the UK and internationally. http://www.prince2.com/what-is-prince2.asp
Available from introductory to advanced level, each takes between 1 and 50 hours to study. Complete activities to assess your progress and compare your thoughts with sample answers. Sign up for free to track your progress, connect with other learners in our discussion forums and find the tools to help you learn. Conversations and interviews This unit explores how to ask and answer questions in interviews and conversations. Visualisation: Visual representations of data and information Modern society is often referred to as 'the information society' - but how can we make sense of all the information we are bombarded with? In this unit, you will learn how to interpret, and in some cases create, visual representations of data and information that help us to see things in a different way. http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/?gclid=CLXmz8vXo6oCFYUY4QodDyfSVw
Have you seen the NEW
Take a look today, visit: www.higherlearningatwork.org
Information about funding for higher learning from 2012. The government is consulting on the proposals made in the White Paper: “Higher Education: Students at the Heart of the System”. These include making loans available to part-time learners. For information about funding for higher learning, both full and part time, visit www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance
or for myth-busters, visit Martin Lewis‟s website www.moneysavingexpert.com Martin is heading up an independent task force to make clear information available to learners.
Net News
CAN YOU HELP OLDER PEOPLE TO GET A TASTE OF TECHNOLOGY DURING ITEA AND BISCUITS WEEK 19 – 25 SEPTEMBER 2011? Register now for Age UK's fourth annual itea and biscuits week. The campaign is dedicated to supporting people in later life to learn, over a friendly chat and cup of tea, about the benefits that digital technology can offer them. http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/ict/learn-4172-f0.cfm
From Claire at Quick Reads:
We are hoping to recruit some
who are familiar
with the books and passionate about Quick Reads and literacy and would be willing to share their experiences.
It would be great to include ULRs and learners from Wales and I wonder if you know of any ULRs or workplace learners who have this passion and would be willing to talk to the media about it. If so, it would be great if we could pass on their names and contact details to our fantastic new PR agency, Freud who will be driving this forward.
I can say that we have a really great list of Quick Read titles this year!
Interested? Please contact Linsey Imms [email protected] Tel 02920 3470101.
These free magazines are one way to build an ‘appetite’ for learning in your workplace.
In this issue: ULR Profile; Green skills; Lemn Sissay; Adult Learners' Week; Learning centre; Community learning; Guardian round table; TUC Education round-up...and more. http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/about/learn-4110-f0.cfm
You can order more magazines for your workplace and/or change your current order.
The Wales TUC is putting on a special production of the Ragged Trousered Philanthropist on the 20th of September at the Muni Arts Centre, Pontypridd. There will be no charge for the tickets.
Tickets will be available from union regional offices, although they haven’t been distributed as yet. There’s been good demand though, we are expecting between 200-300 people to show up! From the website: -
“The play is based upon a book of the same name first published in 1914. The book provides a comprehensive picture of social, political, economic and cultural life in Britain at a time when socialism was beginning to gain ground. It was around that time that the Labour Party was founded and began to win seats in the House of Commons. I believe the book proved very popular amongst miners’ institutes at the time.”
Stage review: http://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/review.php/33042/the-ragged-trousered-philanthropists
And, if you miss the free tickets on the 20th you can see the play on 22nd September at the Miner’s Institute in Blackwood. For ticket information and/or bookings call the Box Office : 01495 227206
The Digital Heroes Awards. Apply for a chance to win one of twelve grants of £5,000, as well as a year's free broadband from TalkTalk. http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/ict/learn-4109-f0.cfm
Net News
The build-up to next year’s World Book Night has been launched with the opening of a public ballot inviting readers to nominate their top ten favourite books which they would like to be given away as part of WBN 2012.
The second annual WBN will be taking place on 23rd April 2012 and this is the first of a series of changes and improvements to the WBN format, building on the huge success of the inaugural event and further cementing its position as a key date in the publishing calendar. The public ballot opens on the 25th June, the inaugural National Reading Group Day and runs until the 31st August and readers are invited to submit their top ten nominations via the World Book Night website. This will be tying in with the next phase of the website development, helping bring the World Book Night community together, enabling them to discuss their favourite books, make their recommendations and build a strong, reading community. And from UNITE: - Unions are encouraging all activists and members to get involved in this excellent initiative. In fact, many learner and ULRs have already nominated and it appears that the Ragged Trousered Philanthropist by Robert Tressel is a favoured book.
This course will help reps explore issues to be faced if a union member is diagnosed with cancer and find out more about cancer in the workplace, its causes and effects. http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/education/learn-4116-f0.cfm
This course is aimed at a wide range of union reps, union learning reps, project workers, union professionals, organisers and activists to help them deal with the increasingly common situation of employees who are diagnosed with cancer. The course includes: • So what exactly is cancer? • How does cancer affect people? • Assessing your sickness and absence policy • Disability Discrimination Act - case studies • Role of occupational health • Supporting members • Help with the cost of cancer • Understanding rights and responsibilities • Organising a cancer support project, campaign or event
Course dates Bridgend (Bridgend College) 3 Thursdays from 14th June 2012 Cardiff (South Wales WEA) 2 day block – Monday 5th and Tuesday 6th December 2011 Newport (Coleg Gwent) 3 Thursdays from 15th March 2012 North Wales (Coleg Harlech WEA) 3 Thursday from 15th March 2012
For further information about the courses please contact the Trade Union Studies Centre running the course (contact details can be found on page ).
If your union can organise 10 or more students the course can be run on alternative dates at other venues. Contact [email protected] or 029 2034 7010 for further information.
For cancer support at home, over the phone, call the Macmillan Support Line free 0808 808 00 00 (Monday to Friday, 9am–8pm) www.macmillan.org.uk
Net News
The Open University’s The
series is a bite-sized and humorous approach to learning that can be accessed on YouTube and iTunes – using animations with the aim of attracting people through learning journeys that educate while entertaining.
Voiced by Clive Anderson, this is an entertaining romp through 'The History of English' squeezes 1600 years of history into 10 one-minute bites, uncovering the sources of English words and phrases from Shakespeare and the King James Bible to America and the Internet. Bursting with fascinating facts, the series looks at how English grew from a small tongue into a major global language before reflecting on the future of English in the 21st century.’
It is currently filling the Top 10 of educational downloads across the globe on iTunesU. iTunes http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=446081667
YouTube http://www.youtube.com/playlist?p=PLA03075BAD88B909E
“Horrible Histories for adults, really good.” said an USDAW member, but what so you think?
Unionlearn is teaming up with the BBC First Click
campaign to help encourage the millions of people who currently do not use the internet to
understand and enjoy its benefits. There's a wealth of online and offline First Click resources which
could help you help learners.
http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/ict/learn-4001-f0.cfm
Online learning can offer a convenient and effective solution for reps looking to develop their skills and knowledge. Course name Starts Union Reps Stage 1 20th Sept 2011 Equality Reps 7th Nov 2011 Union Learning Reps Stage 1 9th Jan 2012 Next Steps for Safety Reps (Stage 2)16th Jan Green Reps 7th May 2012 Disability Champions 11th June 2012
Please contact Wales TUC Education Team Tel: 029 2034 7010 Email: [email protected]
http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/extrasUL/Education/TUEDbrochures/Wales.pdf
Coleg Harlech Residential College, Snowdonia.
Coleg Harlech specialise in courses for people who feel their options are limited because they have few qualifications.
Students come from many different walks of life; the courses are particularly suitable for mature learners who have been out of education for a while. The most important thing is to have enthusiasm and a desire to move forwards. Tutors are passionate about their subjects, providing support and encouragement to ensure students reach their potential.
Subjects that can be studied full time over 1 year or part time over 2 years:
Music Technology
Social Sciences
Pathway to Nursing Financial support – support for tuition and accommodation costs for learners who have lived in Wales for 3 years, based on household income.
Contact us for full details: 01766 781900 [email protected] www.harlech.ac.uk
Net News
SEMTA ran a pilot this year for a ‘
programme in parts of the UK
to support female employees within the sector (Sciences, Engineering and manufacturing
Technologies) to develop a career plan and provide training to aid career progression.
The programme has now been rolled out in Wales (funded by UK CES). SEMTA will provide a £400 contribution per candidate towards the cost of any training identified.
For more details, please visit the following link: http://www.semta.org.uk/about_us/media_centre/news/women_in_work_in_wales.aspx
Any questions regarding this information? Please feel free to contact me. Rebecca Rebecca Irving Glyndŵr University Wrexham Prifysgol Glyndŵr Wrecsam
Tel/Ffon: 01978 293597 / 07803 0191 89 [email protected]
TUC Education has developed a brand new Equalities diploma which will be rolled out across the UK from September 2011.
The diploma is designed primarily for experienced trade union reps whose role would benefit from a wider understanding of equality issues. It is intended to help students understand the equality issues in the workplace, current equality legislation and how it can be applied to their own organisation.
For further information about this diploma contact:
Julie Cook - REO in Wales t 02920 347010 E mail [email protected]
Course provider to be confirmed shortly For First Tier Advisers:
Citizens Advice Bureaux, Trade Union Reps and Advice Providers within the Voluntary Sector
Starting Autumn 2011 in Wrexham One day a month for 6 months during business
hours
The course will increase your knowledge of
Employment Law
Equality Act 2010
Preparation of Employment Tribunal Case
Workings of the Employment Tribunal To register your interest or find out more
details contact Kerry Wakefield on 02920 447725 or at
The BBC Bang Live Cwmbran event consists of an interactive area and stage show. The show is free but ticketed. It's too early to apply for your tickets but if you are keen, please register your interest. The location of the LIVE show is: Cwmbran Congress Theatre NP44 1PL
Show times: 12pm, 1pm, 3pm, 4pm The location of the Interactive Tent (open all day, no tickets required): Cwmbran Shopping Centre, Gwent Square, NP44 1XP http://www.bbc.co.uk/tv/features/bang/aps/?ONEML=stu25m&MEDIA=stu25mr1_eml357
Please visit our website for information on our training programme. sheltercymru.org.uk
Net News
Do you want to have more confidence in your
writing skills? Yes/no/maybe Do you want better speaking and listening skills? Yes/no/maybe Or is it IT or numeracy skills that will help you in work and at home? Yes/no/maybe And what about your colleagues in the workplace.., do they want to ‘up’ their skills? Yes/no/maybe
If you have answered maybe or yes to one, some or all of these questions then ADT will be able to help through the Employer Pledge
The Employer Pledge is part funded by the European Social Fund through Welsh Government. Training is funded to increase employee confidence and skill levels. This can help workers to be more effective in their job role (and outside of work).
Arfon Dwyfor Training (ADT) Limited is an independent training company with a national contract to deliver Essential Skills Wales courses. ADT will deliver Communication, Communication and ICT, and Application of Number courses, through the Employer Pledge, all over Wales.
Training can be done on site in the workplace and, subject to negotiation with the employer, in work time including evening and weekends. Employees can obtain a nationally recognised qualification.
Essential Skills Training can help anyone thinking of completing an NVQ as they will often be required to do Essential Skills as part of the course.
Training is designed around individuals. For example, should they wish to improve work related skills then this can be embedded into the qualification.
What ADT need from you, (and the employer) is a commitment to receive 36 hours of Essential Skills training. Training can be spread to suit the work patterns of different individuals and different employer needs.
So what’s in it for you and your employer? Essential Skills Training can improve efficiency and accuracy in work (and at home) saving time and work. The Welsh economy loses an estimated £16 million a year on errors made due to skills ‘gaps’. Essential Skills Training can fill those gaps.
Please contact us at ADT Ltd for more information about the program or go to our website to find out more. http://www.adt-ltd.com
If you have any questions about the Employer Pledge, the ADT contact details for each area are: - South East Wales - Rhian Gapper, Email [email protected] West Wales – Emma Thomas, Email [email protected] Mid Wales – Mike Harris, Email [email protected]
North Wales – Claire Huband Email [email protected] ADT have been providing excellent training opportunities since it was established in 1983, and have an excellent reputation in the training sector.
North Wales Basic Skills Seminar on Wednesday 12th October at Ramada Plaza Wrexham. Contact Angela Baugh [email protected]
South Wales Basic Skills Seminar on Wednesday 19th October venue to be confirmed. Contact Anne Jenkins [email protected]
Net News
A new website, www.higherlearningatwork.org has been launched to help learners discover the opportunities available to get better qualifications.
There are diagnostic tools to see if you are ready for degree-level studies: traditional entry requirements may not be necessary, your life and work experience will count. There are courses which have bite-sized modules so that you can combine learning with your work and family commitments and bring your knowledge up to date.
Unionlearn is now one of the leading organisations providing information to working people, who are looking for advice on getting access to higher-level studies.
The website will be useful to you if you are a union member or a rep. It is also useful to all other working adults, including apprentices, who are interested in moving on to higher-level learning. You will find a range of resources to help you to advise learners. You can check out ways of working with unions to change lives through learning.
The site gives access to information about funding available to make your learning more affordable and for union members there may be special discounts and bursaries arranged through your union or unionlearn. Ctrl and click to follow this link:
http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/policy/learn-3608-f0.cfm?regional=7
If you want to include a link to the new TU Ed course booklet in any email or newsletters you’re doing in the next few months this is the best link to use: http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/extrasUL/Education/TUEDbrochures/Wales.pdf
The BA Humanities programme is a part-time scheme which is aimed at adults who wish to study at degree level but are unable to do so on a full-time basis. The course is taught at the Singleton Park Campus and in community centres across South West Wales.
Swansea - Townhill, Clydach Neath Port Talbot - Neath, Glynneath, Banwen, Port Talbot Carmarthenshire - Llanelli, Brynaman, Llandybie Pembrokeshire - Narberth, Pembroke Dock, Haverfordwest, Fishguard
Students choose two subjects from a wide variety including: History, Counselling, English, Psychology, Sociology, Philosophy, Statistics, Environmental Studies and many more.
Study in the day and/or evening
No formal qualifications required
Help with childcare costs
Age and status no barrier
Extensive study skills support
Financial support and bursaries available
Apply now for a place on the BA Humanities programme starting in September 2011
It’s time to realise your potential! Please contact Janice Brown for further
information 01792 295499/295935 [email protected] www.swansea.ac.uk/dace
This guide is about progression in the work that you
do to support union learners. It will help you to think about gaining skills and knowledge in advice and guidance, coaching, mentoring and facilitating
learning. http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/advice/learn-4009-f0.cfm
Net News
A new nationwide service has been launched to provide free, unbiased advice to help everyone make the most of their money. The Money Advice Service will help people take the right financial decisions and act on them, by giving personalised advice: -
online at moneyadviceservice.org.uk,
over the phone on 0300 500 5000,
face-to-face across the UK through a national network.
http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/initiatives/learn-3887-f0.cfm
Connected Learners Cymru is a website open to all ULRs and union learners. There is loads of excellent info on this site: - course info, events how to do sections, videos, blogs, photos and comment sections.
Go to this link, register and have a good look around. http://connectedlearnerscymru.ning.com/
What is Social Media? Find out at this social media tutorial workshop: - https://bitly.com/bundles/cl3project/6
Want to know more about using twitter? http://twitter.com/#!/CL3Project
The popular toolkit of Supporting Learners
Guides for all union reps has been updated and is now available to download or as a printed
copy. (Some info applies to England only)
www.unionlearn.org.uk/advice/learn-4000-f0.cfm
Making the most of your money’ is a free, hour-long seminar delivered by specially
trained presenters in your workplace.
The seminar covers everything from budgeting, borrowing, saving and investing, and protecting your family and possessions to saving for retirement.
To support this seminar, we give all the attendees a free copy of our ‘Making the most of your money’ guide.
By bringing the Money Advice Service into your workplace, you will help your colleagues to manage their money better. You will also give them a better understanding of money issues more generally and motivate them to shop around. This can help them save money.
By reducing their financial worries, you will help to cut their stress.
Tel:020 7943 0500 www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk
Fair Hotels pay a fair day's pay for a fair day's work. They accept that hotel workers deserve to be paid a fair wage on which to support themselves and their families. Fair Hotels take their responsibilities as employers seriously. They respect the fundamental human right of workers to a voice at work. They engage in collective bargaining with staff.
A full list of the participating hotels and easy to use booking system is available on the website
Net News
Ty Menai (formerly CAST) Parc Menai, Bangor – 14th September 2011 9.15am – 12.45pm
Digital Technologies are transforming the world. Design and product development processes must keep pace with change.
The increase in uptake of mobile applications, widespread use of digital interfaces and rapid convergence of communication infrastructures means that design considerations are more important than ever to allow the average user to interact effectively with digital technology.
Designing Digital Futures brings together these key areas in an informative and stimulating workshop.
Support and funding through Business Innovation for Product & Service Design
How converging technologies will affect your business
The Science of Human Computer Interaction
Considering the user experience in relation to products and services
Augmented Reality
Attendance is free but it is essential you reserve a place. To register for the event please email: [email protected] confirming the name and contact details of attendees.
This was brought to my attention by a UNITE member. The appalling working conditions of
ship breakers in Bangladesh. Children are used to work in hellish conditions.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lk0xbjamHt0
Plas Pentwyn, Castle Road, Coedpoeth, Wrexham, LL11 3NA 29th September 2011 Lunch 12:30pm Event 1:00 - 3:30pm
Dear Colleague Domestic abuse isn’t a private matter that stays at home when its victims go to work. 1 in 4 women experience domestic abuse and every year it costs businesses £2.7 billion in lost economic output across the UK. It can lead to decreased productivity, absenteeism and increased employee turnover.
Outline of the afternoon This will be an opportunity to hear about effective practice from a number of different perspectives. Speakers include Ann Beynon OBE (EHRC Commissioner and Director BT Wales), Stuart McKenna (Diversity Manager for the Co-operative Group) and Jan Pickles OBE (NSPCC Cymru). You will see how early intervention and taking a number of small practical steps can reduce sickness absence, save money and save lives.
Who should attend? This half day conference is aimed at private and public sector human resource practitioners and trade union representatives.
We hope you can attend this free event Mandy Mandy Bain Tel: 01248 360581
Please respond by 1st September Please email to [email protected] Tel: 01248 360581 Text phone: 18001 01248 360581 Comisiwn Cydraddoldeb a Hawliau Dynol Equality and Human Rights Commission
Net News
Credit union membership in Wales continues to grow, with more than 50,000 members and junior savers enjoying the benefits that belonging to a credit union can bring.
Whether you want the flexibility to save what you can when you can, or save regularly to build that ‘nest egg’, then credit unions may be the sensible option for you.
Being a member of your local credit union brings many advantages: knowing that your money is safe and secure, backed by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme; the idea of your money is staying within your community to benefit your local area, and the opportunity to apply for a loan at a reasonable, affordable and competitive rate of interest.
How to join a credit union? Credit unions exist throughout Wales; you can join a credit union near to where you live or work. To find your nearest credit union, visit www.wales.gov.uk/creditunions or contact the All Wales credit union Helpline on 0800 4960865 (Monday to Friday during normal working hours) or email [email protected]. And don’t forget, many public sector employers offer payroll deduction schemes to make saving with a credit union even easier.
Look out for these briefings at the Network of Excellence meetings in September. See dates for diary on page 13 for the meeting in your area.
New contractual agreements to deliver the Welsh Government’s Apprenticeships, Traineeships, and Steps to Employment programmes, and provide more opportunities to young people start this month, August.
Apprenticeships is the Welsh Government’s flagship programme for learners in employment.
Traineeships is a new scheme to help unemployed young people aged 16 to 18 enter work or learning at a higher level.
The new Steps to Employment programme will assist non-employed adults, not eligible for JobCentre Plus training, back into work.
Deputy Minister for Skills, Jeff Cuthbert, said the new arrangements will support more young people into employment and better meet the Welsh Government’s priorities.
“I am delighted these new arrangements are underway and I hope employers, apprentices and trainees will all reap the benefits from the changes we have made,” said Mr Cuthbert.
“Within the apprenticeship programme we will now be focussing more of the support available on young people and on those sectors identified as priorities within the Economic Renewal Programme. In addition, in line with recent legislation, we require all new Apprentices to be employed.”
“The Steps to Employment programme will meet the needs of adults seeking a helping hand back into employment, and we have aligned provision to reflect the unemployment rates in each local authority area.”
Net News
Using the Credit and Qualification Framework for Wales in Recognising Adult Learning Newsletter on Project Progress for TUC Introduction Many of you have been involved in the NIACE project to implement the Credit and Qualification Framework for Wales in areas of adult learning and training through the regional seminars or the TUC conferences. The project has progressed and the time seems to be right to update you with progress and make you aware of how CQFW is being used in many different ways. This newsletter will give you a brief summary of some developments. Pilot Areas The main areas for pilot areas have been chosen with the aim of providing new Quality Assured Lifelong Learning (QALL) units with a wide potential use across a variety of different sectors. Some funds are being provided to support the development time and pilot the use of the units. Support is also being given to encourage organisations to work together to accredit their learning, training and Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Volunteering In a period when there are much more opportunities for volunteering, the project teams felt that an attempt to professionalise volunteering would be of wide interest. In order to make the units useful to the different sectors, it was agreed to base the units on volunteering activities that relate directly to the National Occupational Standards (NOS) of the sector, within which the volunteer is working. A unit has been written at Level 2, 3 and 4 and these are being piloted. Digitalisation One of the first areas completed was the work being done by the National Library in Aberystwyth on the ‘People’s Collection’ to record digital images of Wales within one collection. This is on-line and thus accessible to education, community groups and the wider public. Equipment is available to record the images and the Digitalisation unit
provide training in the recording process for individuals or groups contributing to the ‘People’s Collection’. Information Literacy With the accessibility of a wider base of information on any subject or topic, it can be difficult for learners or anyone to make judgements about the accuracy and validity of information. ‘Information literacy is knowing when and why you need information, where to find it, and how to evaluate, use and communicate it in an ethical manner. (CILIP, 2010)’ Units have been written at Entry level (E1, E2, E3), Level 1, 2, 3 and 4 with delivery and assessment guidance and examples. The units are being piloted in Further Education and libraries. Information Learning Adults access learning in a variety of different ways and often this return to learning for them is an important first step back into learning or training. Many of these learning experiences offer adult learners no recognition of the learning or what they have gained out of the learning. Many adults may not seek formal recognition but for some, formal recognition may be an important first step into a change in their life, job or future career prospects. Being able to have access to that formal recognition is important for these learners. It is also a basis of ensuring a quality learning experience. Units have been written at Level Entry 3, Level 1 and 2 with a suggested Individual Learning Plan to record progress. The units are being piloted in adult community learning. CPD In the seminars, we had discussions with you about the variable quality of short training courses and the potential benefits of accrediting these. This work is being done now starting with ‘Equality & Diversity’ and CPD for the housing sector. Toolkit A toolkit has been produced for organisations who want more information about CQFW and QALL. It provides guidance on how organisation might make use of it, training material and useful contacts.
Net News
Bridgend Richard Young tel: 01656 302511 Email: [email protected]
Cardiff Terri Bishop tel: 01443 412 412 Email: [email protected]
Newport Roy McCabe tel: 01633 466061 Email: [email protected]
Wrexham Nick Taylor tel: 01978 318866
Email: [email protected]
Contact your nearest centre for latest course details. All courses are free – expenses might be paid by your union. You must contact your branch for details of your union procedures to join a TUC course.
, unions and ULRs are able to
contact local Wales TUC development officers for advice, information and support on redundancy and the ReAct 2 scheme.
Mid: Mark Rees [email protected] 07766 250082 North: Barbara Hale [email protected] 07747 775393 South: Deri Bevan [email protected] 07769 971336 and Kevin Williams [email protected] 07747 775658 West: Roger Jones [email protected] 07833 158627
South Monday 5th Sept YMCA Newport West Tuesday 6th Sept WEA Swansea Mid Thursday 8th Sept Ceredigion CC Aberystwyth
North Friday 9th Sept Glyndwr Wrexham
12 Basic skills seminar Ramada Wrexham 19 Basic skills seminar South Wales
7-11 European Study visit 10-11 ULR Conference Newport These are the provisional dates and venues for 2012
South Thursday 2 February Cardiff West Friday 3 February Port Talbot Mid Tuesday 7 February Brecon North Wed 8 February Caernarfon
North Thursday 14 June Bridgend Mid Friday 15 June Milford Haven West Tuesday 19 June Machynlleth South Wednesday 20 June Rhyl
South Thursday 6 September Newport West Friday 7 September Swansea Mid Tuesday 11 September Newtown
North Wednesday 12 September Wrexham
This is from saysomethinginwelsh Welsh Idiom : "Dyfal donc a dyr y garreg"
Literally it means if you keeping tapping you will eventually break the stone, so of course what it's saying is that if you keep plugging away at something you will get there in the end. So keep at it, and slowly but surely you will achieve your goal of becoming a Welsh speaker or indeed any other goal you set yourself. http://www.saysomethinginwelsh.com/home
Unionlearn are giving away five copies of Life’s Too Short, (true stories about life at work), to
each rep who applies. Go to this link to order whilst stocks last!
http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/publications/index.cfm?frmPubID=172
For more information or to join the Network of Excellence please contact Bernice, [email protected]