Learning Representative Programme contributes to improved performance of workers and organisations
An independent evaluative report released this week into the Learning Representative Programme shows that workplace learning supported by Learning Representatives (Learning Reps) led to improved individual worker and workplace performance.
The evaluation has found that the Learning Representatives Programme has been extremely effective in meeting its primary purpose - to raise awareness amongst workers and employers of opportunities to access and participate in LLN and industry training. This has been particularly true for those who had not been successful in the formal education system and who therefore lacked both the confidence and knowledge to re-engage with formal learning. The evaluation found that workplace learning facilitated by Learning Reps led to improved individual and workplace performance.
While implemented in different ways in different workplaces, the evaluation found that the common factors that contribute to the effectiveness of the Learning Reps Programme are:
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Management support, particularly in removing barriers to Learning Rep activity,
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Formal vertical and horizontal communication systems within workplaces,
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Practical support for Learning Reps in workplaces.
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Union support for the purpose and the practice of Learning Reps.
The evaluation found that issues to be addressed to raise the effectiveness of the Learning Representatives Programme, aside from the critical issue of continued and sustained funding are:
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Ongoing clarification of the role of Learning Reps in workplaces,
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Ongoing development and renewal of the role of Learning Reps once a 'learning culture' is established in workplaces,
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Development of a skills pathway for the Learning Reps themselves,
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The ongoing role of unions in Learning Reps activities.
A copy of the full report is available here: Learning Reps Evaluation
Any enquiries can be directed to the Programme Manager Sandy O'Neil or the CTU Secretary Peter Conway
Learning Reps Programme evaluation begins
Heathrose Research has been selected by NZCTU and Ako Aotearoa to conduct an evaluation of the programme, which is now underway.
We are looking forward to sharing the results with our learning reps, employers, the wider education sector, and other stakeholders. read more
TEC's funding changes are a concern for industry training
The NZ Council of Trade Unions has criticised changes it says removes funding equivalent to 55,000 places from industry training and other forms of vocational education.
You can read more about this on the NZCTU, Industry Training Federation andTertiary Education Commission news pages:
Ako Aotearoa to evaluate the Learning Reps Programme
Ako Aotearoa (the National Centre of Tertiary Teaching Excellence) is calling for proposals to evaluate the Learning Representatives Programme.
They are interested in researching what models of learning work best for adult learners, and so they want to know more about the value of our programme for individual learning reps, learners in the workplace, employers and unions.
The closing date for evaluation proposals is: 5.00pm Friday 24 September 2010
Patience and Nicholson's programme makes a difference
Operations manager at Patience and Nicholson in Kaiapoi (North Canterbury), Rick Smith says the Learning Reps Programme, which started up in July 2009 "has already received an enthusiastic response and uptake from a significant number of staff at the company. Some of the major benefits of the programme have been increased production, recognition of problems, fault finding, improved morale and staff retention. It makes a real difference to the way we train and reward skills within the business." *
Rick Smith says the company is using the programme to "increase access to training and thereby upskill our employees. The more knowledgeable they are and the more skills they have, the better they will be able to solve problems and produce quality work." **
Learning Reps at Patience and Nicholson have completed their Learning Reps training and received their certificates in a ceremony last year. As well as helping co-workers with training, they have been helping develop a good relationship with their Industry Training Organisation (ITO), as well as working with the company on implementing a Competitive Manufacturing Initiative (CMI).
(Patience and Nicholson are manufacturers and distributors of precision cutting tools for the domestic and overseas market).
* Northern Outlook, 12 Sept 2009 ** Kaiapoi Advocate, 30 Oct 2009
Migrante Aotearoa and Learning Reps Programme working together
The Learning Reps Programme is now an integral part of the Migrante Aotearoa work programme after more than 100 national representatives of migrant worker communities voted to include it in their annual plan for 2010.
Programme Manager Sandy O'Neil addressed the inaugural congress of the organisation that represents and advocates for migrant workers on Saturday, 5th of December. She highlighted the Learning Reps Programme as an opportunity to inspire communities to get back into education. The Learning Reps are a friendly face in the workplace and advocate for learning to co-workers and employers. They are an important source of information for migrants who may be unaware of workplace qualifications and systems available to support industry learning.
A weekend training programme will be rolled out In Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch from January to March 2010.
Click here for more:
Learning Representatives Programme
The Learning Representatives Programme is part of a range of initiatives to increase the participation of working people in learning at work.
Learning Reps are elected by workers in an enterprise to play a leadership role in encouraging workplace learning. They are trained in the skills that are needed for the role: to provide information on what learning is available, to make learning a group activity, to help co-workers identify their learning needs, and to work with the employer on finding solutions.
download Learning Reps Pamphlet
Sometimes workers:
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are not aware of training opportunities that are available
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do not have a clear career path ahead of them
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do not have the reading or maths skills that are needed to advance themselves
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do not get training in communication or interpersonal skills
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do not get training in the skills that increase their value to the company
Learning Reps help find learning solutions!
For workers the Learning Reps programme is about skills, careers, opportunities and recognition.
For the company the Learning Reps programme is about growth, productivity, quality, morale and staff retention.
For both it is about management and employees working together on training opportunities, and setting up a communications system to support workers who want to get ahead and make a greater contribution at work.
The project is funded by the Tertiary Education Commission, managed by the Council of Trade Unions with the support of Business New Zealand.
A full training programme to NZQA standards is available to support Learning Reps in their new role. Reps learn about the connection between skills and productivity, what is on offer from the ITO or local providers, how to encourage workers into learning opportunities and, in particular, how to take the important first step towards qualifications. Reps learn the fundamentals of adult education and handling literacy issues and how to promote learning as a group activity. Of importance is the session on the personal, structural and institutional barriers to learning and ways to step over the barriers.
"We can get into learning if we all do it together"
- resolution from a seminar for railway employees.
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