Unite pioneers e-education

With adult education undergoing years of painful cuts, Unite is pioneering new online training and education to ensure that working people do not lose out on skills and development.

Research suggests that the budget for adult learning has fallen by over 40 per cent since 2009, and will fall further as colleges switch to providing apprenticeship training.

Unite, which has long called for more apprenticeships, has sought to counter the cuts in learning bringing members and their families access to more than 600 new courses.

By teaming up with leading UK edtech firm, e-Careers Limited, Unite is now able to offer even better and more varied educational support to its members and also shave hundreds of pounds off courses.

Announcing the new e-education scheme, Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said, “Government cuts in education are making it extremely tough for working class families to raise their skills, but continued education is one of the paths to greater development and equality.

“This union will not let our members and their families lose out on the chance to learn. That is why we are proud to be able to bring e-learning to our members and their families giving them an opportunity to broaden their horizons with courses to suit all learners covering a huge variety of professions, at a much-reduced cost.

“People can study at their own pace, at home or at work but they will not be alone,” he added. “Skilled mentors and trainer are on hand, and will even make sure that learners can sit their exams at home.

“This really is a pioneering way to learn and another demonstration of our commitment to our members. We are determined that Unite’s members and their families will not be priced out of learning and development.”

Thanks to this new partnership, Unite will be able to offer its members a range of career-boosting, independent training options, designed to support the professional development of Unite members within or beyond their current job roles.

The courses also offer online mentoring and support from UK-based tutors and 24 hour expert support Monday to Friday. The courses are open to members and their families, with interest free payment plans to make learning accessible and affordable. Learners can even sit invigilated exams at home.

e-Careers has successfully educated more than 400,000 individuals over the past five years alone, with its most popular courses being in Project Management, I.T. and Accountancy.

Jonathan Ward Business Development Director for e-Careers added, “Unite’s commitment to providing affordable and accessible learning opportunities and career pathways for its members has really driven this project. I am delighted about e-Careers’ new partnership with Unite, and feel the new e-learning platform will bring a wealth of opportunity to its members on a national scale.”

Examples of the new online and accredited courses include Prince2 Project Management, Accountancy and Book Keeping and I.T courses certified by Microsoft and Cisco – with many e-learning opportunities for continued professional development, help with CV’s or even to start business.

For more information about Unite’s new e-learning visit www.unitetheunion.org/education