‘No one can doubt the strides we have taken in the past few years in the field of member’s education.’…’Our aim is not only to increase our training for members…but to deepen that training as well.’…’It is our belief that our members deserve the opportunities for the best type and scope of training to enhance their daily lives and we shall constantly seek to achieve that.’

Joe Marino, General Secretary.

The B. F. A. W. U. is fully committed to the ongoing training of its Officials, lay representatives and members generally. Some of the major courses are listed below, with more details being provided on each of their own pages. In all cases, attendance and participation is free to all B. F. A. W. U. members.

Shop Stewards Courses

The Shop Steward is the main link between the Union and its members. Indeed, it is not too much to claim that the Shop Steward is the Union to many members. S/he is the one the member immediately turns to for advice and representation. S/he is the main player in local wage bargaining and problem solving.

Therefore, the members deserve fully trained Shop Stewards to represent them and the Shop Stewards deserve the best in depth training the Union can offer.

Branch Officials Courses

It is essential that all Union Branch Officials be fully trained in their duties. This not only allows the smooth running of the Branches and gives added expertise to the senior lay officials in each Branch, but also ensures that all member’s claims and concerns are dealt with promptly and with skill.

A five-day residential programme covers:

- Branch administration

- Union structure

- Legal issues

- Employment law

This popular, accredited course is constantly updated and is an important factor in the Union’s education programme.

For more information, please contact Head Office.

Health & Safety Courses

All of our members deserve to work in a safe and healthy environment. The Health & Safety at Work Act underpins this right. However, it is essential that the Union provide fully trained Health and Safety Representatives on site to ensure that our members are fully protected.

The Union is in the forefront of health and safety progress at a national level. However, it is at local level that the impact is made. The union offers a first class programme for Health and Safety Representatives to protect members’ health and to ensure safety at work.

Union Learning Fund Basic Skills

The Union Learning Fund is a nationwide project to improve key/basic skills in the baking industry. The B. F. A. W. U., through a Government initiative, has secured funding for the project. Its aims are:

1. The identification of basic literacy and numeracy skills

2. Frontline advice and guidance on improvement of those skills

3. To work with management to enhance those skills

Within the scope of the project we routinely:

- Liaise with Union Officials, Union Members, Management teams, Government agencies and Colleges to provide Basic & Key Skills training to those in our industry who need it.

- Promote the raising of Awareness around Basic & Key Skills as well as keep Basic & Key Skills issues on the training agenda.

- Provide Training