ATL

Training for reps

ATL provides a whole range of accredited training courses for new and existing reps.

Being a rep

Being a rep is a two-day residential course aimed at introducing participants to the core skills of the rep role, whether it is in a maintained school, independent school or college. The course covers areas such as: understanding your role, how to access support from ATL, how to represent or investigate a member's problem, and how to recruit new members to ATL. The course is free and is based at high quality local venues. Your travel, subsistence and accommodation (if required) would be paid for by ATL. For more, please visit the training section of our website.

Being a health and safety rep

This accredited course in health and safety deals with issues as varied as stress and bullying in the workplace to asbestos removal and risk assessment. It will help you identify the functions of a union safety rep, the legal provisions available to you, and how to consult with ATL members on hazards in the workplace.

The course is divided into three modules, the completion of which will lead to TUC stage 1 accreditation in health and safety. For more, see the health and safety training section of our website.

Being a union learning rep

This course covers the role and rights of the union learning representative, current issues in education, the principles of continuing professional development and lifelong learning, interviewing a colleague, performance management, building effective partnerships, and negotiating learning and training. For more, see the ULR training section of our website.

Other training

If you are already trained as a workplace rep, ULR or health and safety rep, we also have courses available to enable you to refresh and further develop your skills, eg negotiating skills and presentation skills, amongst others. Check out the training section of our website (accessible from the home page) or download the training brochure in the 'see also' list on the right for more on how ATL can help you progress in your role.

Time off for training

School and college representatives, including health and safety and union learning representatives, have a statutory entitlement to time off with pay, during working hours, for training related to the role.

To help you secure both time off and financial support from your employer, we have produced guidance on your rights to time off, how to request training from your employer and your rights if your request is refused.

If you encounter any problems securing paid time off, please contact the training team at ATL.

Autumn term 2010

Health and safety I
Manchester, 14-15 October
London, 14-15 October
Bristol, 11-12 November
(Reps must attend all three stages of the course, a total of six days.)

Being an ATL rep
Manchester, 4-5 November
London, 11-12 November
Cornwall, 18-19 November
Derby, 2-3 December

Being an ATL rep for supply teachers
Birmingham, 4-5 November

Being an ATL rep in the independent sector
Manchester, 19-20 November

Spring term 2011

Being an ATL rep in the independent sector
London, 4-5 March

Health and safety II
Manchester, 17-18 March
London, 17-18 March
Bristol, 31 March-1 April
(Reps must attend all three stages of the course, a total of six days.)

Summer term 2011

Health and safety III
London, 16-17 June
Bristol, 30 June-1 July
(Reps must attend all three stages of the course, a total of six days.)

To find out more or to apply for a course, please go to our how to apply section.