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Unions and Partners – transition to Functional Skills. Judith Swift. Where we are. English and Maths is established and integral to union learning Standing “ core” component of Learning Agreements with employers “ Core offer” in Union Learning centres
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Unions and Partners – transition to Functional Skills Judith Swift
Where we are • English and Maths is established and integral to union learning • Standing “ core” component of Learning Agreements with employers • “ Core offer” in Union Learning centres • Models for learners and e levels who feel Functional skills is too big a leap • ULRs are key – strong partnerships with providers
Successes • Very effective ( unique) promotion and recruitment through ULRs • Training and resources to support • Advocacy to employers • Strong partnerships with providers • Good bedrock to support transition to Functional Skills • Big rebalancing of maths to english – promotions of Maths and maths Champions is working • Good models E levels to L2 – Kirkless and GMB
Benefits of Functional Skills • Learners enjoy Functional Skills – practical application and problem solving • Unions value the context and depth • Unions reluctant to engage with Skills for Life are now engaged • Providers value the expertise of unions in arranging effective delivery of functional skills
Issues • Employers like the framework in theory, but not necessarily the time required • Unions are increasingly providing support for Functional skills in Apprenticeships and possibly Traineeships • Demand for progression pathways in Englsih and maths – not just GCSEs
Thank you Judith Swift jswift@tuc.org.uk