Trade Union Studies

TUC Union Reps Stage 1

Level 1 - Certificate

What is Level 1?

This is equivalent to GCSE Grades 3-1 / D-G or O Level grades D-G

Find out what it means to be a union rep, how to represent our members effectively and how to take up both collective and individual issues with your employer. You will also think about the future and how to influence where it is taking you and those you represent.

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Prefer to talk? Call 01226 776000 or email advice@northern.ac.uk and one of our team will get back to you.

Level 1

This is equivalent to GCSE Grades 3-1 / D-G or O Level grades D-G

Find out about progression

Course description

The course helps union representatives to understand their role and responsibilities as a rep. They include working together with members and other union reps; talking to members and dealing with their problems; recruiting members and getting them involved in the union; meeting management to discuss a range of issues at work and keeping members informed about wider union concerns.

Course content

This course will be delivered over 10 weeks in a classroom every week.

Course Content

understand the job of the union rep in the workplace and the wider union
use and make agreements
represent members in discussions with employers
understand how grievances and disciplinaries are handled
understand rights at work
build confidence in your role and responsibilities as a union rep
develop the skills you need to be an effective rep

What can this course lead to?

This course leads onto the Certificate in Employment law (Level 2).

This course could lead onto the Health and Safety Stage 1 (Level 1).

Course session dates

Tailored Learning Objective

Preparation for further learning

Useful information

This course will be delivered at Northern College

When does this start and end?

14 July 2025 - 1 August 2025

What are the entry requirements?

Students must be trade union representatives.

Trade Union Education at Northern College is meaningful, purposeful, accessible and rewarding. There are no exams, or long lectures, the education programme involves practical activities where you will work with your peers. This is an opportunity to step back from your job and your activist work to think and learn. Skills development and confidence building are essential elements of all Trade Union courses.

“Northern College changed my life. A year into studying here I got a job and then became a supervisor.” - Michelle
Learn more about Michelle's story

This sector employs over 35,000 people, in-demand skills and qualities that employers are looking for include problem solving, communication skills and creativity.

Everyone I've met has been great, from the teaching staff to cleaning staff, all really friendly and welcoming. The gardens and grounds are amazing. I'm so glad to be able to study here.

Staying residentially not only allowed me to learn but helped me massively take a simple step out of my comfort zone. My course opened up new opportunities and helped my confidence no end.