Update | Autumn/winter 2010 | 19


With additional units in the following optional pathways:


• Adapting to change;


• Equality and Diversity at Work;


• Financial Capability at Work;


• Progressing at Work;


• Working with Others;


• Writing at Work; and


• ICT in the workplace (in development).


Karen Davies, who helped devise the framework, said:


"GoaW represents an important opportunity for those vulnerable to change, redeployment and redundancy to gain the skills to survive. In the present economic climate, many union members fear for their jobs and need to be prepared for the worst.


However, GoaW is not just for times of crisis. Its aim is to help people become confident about their learning so they can progress in their job. Some people have specific difficulties. They may be dyslexic or they may have poor language skills. Or they are expected to record things by computer, but are not confident with new technology. The learning is in a non-threatening environment, with staff trained to help."


GoaW is a trainer-led programme, however union learning reps, with training, are able to support learners. The tasks are meaningful and related to workplace and everyday settings.


The teaching and learning materials developed by unionlearn are available free. They can be used by employers for in-house and apprenticeship training as well as stand-alone qualifications. Employers can help by providing time and facilities to do the training.


Donald McCombie is the branch education officer for Birmingham Unison. The union is negotiating with the city council to adopt GoaW. He said:


"It is an extremely helpful framework. I am very impressed with it and grateful that all the material is accessible and free. It’s definitely something that union learning reps could be trained to deliver. In the present economic situation, the council will be making lots of redundancies. GoaW is a very helpful framework in this context."


Image: Many people need help with basic IT.

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