Certificate of Higher Education in International Labour and Trade Union Studies

Summary

The challenges faced by trade union representatives the world over have always called for a range of skills and knowledge to be deployed. A combination of experiential learning and specific union provided training has frequently been the method by which generations of trade union representatives have ‘learned their trade’.

Recently, changes such as globalisation, privatisation and the introduction of a range of new management techniques at the workplace have made the role and functions of trade unions more complex and more demanding. At the same time, trade union goals have expanded to reflect broader changes in society, for example, the pursuit of equal opportunity and the need to make sustainable economic development a reality.

The growth in influence of the European Union and the increasing use of the law to regulate labour relations have added further dimensions that have widened the demands placed upon trade union representatives.

Thus, today’s trade union representative needs to have some knowledge of labour relations, economics, law, politics and psychology in order to thrive. They also need to be skilled in negotiations, problem solving, advocacy, communication and presentation.

To provide an appropriate educational response to these changes is of itself a major challenge. Working with a range of trade union partners, Ruskin has developed modules within the Cert HE programme that blend theory and practice in these knowledge and skill areas.