Irish Learning Project

The Union Learning Fund (ULF) for Northern Ireland was established in 2002 to promote activity by trade unions in support of the government’s objective of creating a learning society. The ULF recognises the role that unions play in engaging adults who have been disadvantaged or excluded from education.

The ULF supports union learning projects to transform the lives of their members in developing skills, achieving qualifications and promoting lifelong learning opportunities within the workplace and the community.

The Fund has helped workers and residents on their learning journey with the support of dedicated Union Learning Reps (ULRs). ULRs work voluntarily to make a real difference within their workplaces, local communities and working in partnership help to improve productivity within their businesses, industries and wider economy.

The ULF is managed and administered by ICTU, under an agreement with the Department for the Economy, which directs the level and type of learning activity that should be supported by the Fund.

The BFAWU Learning Services are available to assist workers, residents find the course that they may wish to sign up for. This can be done by contacting the Project Manager, noel.mullen@bfawu.org or by attending one of the Open Days.

There are accredited and non-accredited courses available through different providers.

The following courses are examples that the BFAWU Learning Services in have successfully held; Numeracy, Literacy, ICT Level 1 & 2, Food Hygiene,

Manual Handling Training, Health and Safety course & Excel