Union learning is lifelong learning. It helps you to get from where you are now to where you want to go. We all have skills gaps. We have things we can do well and things we would like to improve or even learn from scratch.

CWU Education can help you find the courses you want to take – including hobbies, professional qualifications, English, maths and IT. Whatever it is you need to learn, we should be able to help you find it.

New technology, globalisation and the climate crisis are changing the skills we need for work. The CBI reports that 9 out of 10 workers will need to learn new skills by 2030. 94% companies in the UK acknowledge that they have skills gaps but only 37% are confident that they are investing enough to meet their needs. 17% of companies have not invested in education in the past five years, and the workers whose jobs are at most risk get the least investment in training.

Even in the 21st century, income is still a determining factor in education. Around 20% of the British population have difficulties with literacy and numeracy. Others have not yet had the opportunity to gain IT skills. These are systemic problems, but they can affect a person’s confidence and life chances.

We recognise that if you have had a bad experience in education, it can make you reluctant to come back – but give it a try. A lot of us have been in the same position and ended up surprising ourselves by what we have achieved. You are not alone! We have a network of Union Learning Reps (ULRs) across the country; people just like you, who have rediscovered learning in adult life and now devote their time to helping their workmates to do the same.

Examples of some of the courses available through your Union:

Just some more of the FREE accredited Level 2 certificates available via the CWU:

   Principles of Business Administration

   Certificate in Principles of Team Leading

   Certificate in Understanding Environmental Sustainability

   Certificate in Principles of Customer Service

   Certificate in Understanding Retail Operations

   Certificate in the Principles of Warehousing

   Cleaning Knowledge and Skills

   Equality and Diversity

   Event Planning

   Information, Advice & Guidance

   Lean Organisation Management Techniques

   Living in a Fair and Diverse Society

   Counselling Skills

   Certificate in Improving Personal Exercise, Health and Nutrition

   Awareness of Mental Health Problems

   Caring for the Elderly

   Understanding Nutrition and Health

   Specific Learning Difficulties

   Understanding Autism

   Understanding Behaviour that Challenges

   Understanding the Care and Management of Diabetes

   Working with Individuals with Learning Disabilities

Plus many more

COURSE DELIVERY: Online or paper-based (including the ability to scan areas of the paper-based* learning resources to unlock Augmented Reality (AR) content). There is no need to attend college. Assignments are due at the end of each unit. *Not all courses are available as paper-based

ACCREDITATION: All Distance Learning courses are nationally recognised qualifications accredited by NCFE or TQUK awarding organisations.

DURATION: Most level 2 courses are 8 to 12 weeks in duration.

TUTOR: Personal Tutors are assigned to you to ensure that you have the support needed to succeed.

NON-COMPLETION FEE: Although these courses are fully funded, if a learner commits to undertake a course but does not see it through to completion, they will be charged an administration fee.

Course brochures are in your Delivery Offices (usually in canteens or other communal areas). If you can’t find yours, or can’t find a course you want, contact us via Facebook to see if there is something available that will suit your learning goals.