Union education: What has it done for me?

My journey began nearly nine years ago when a divisional rep tapped me on the shoulder and informed me that the members had put my name forward to become the new rep in my office. We hadn’t had a rep for a few years since the last one retired, so I agreed, and my life as a union rep for the CWU union had begun.

I was full of nerves, lacking real knowledge about the role, and in desperate need of learning. One thing that stood out was that members seemed to think that once I agreed to become the rep, I would magically absorb all the agreements and policies overnight.

The Union suggested that I attend courses run by the CWU to learn about my role. That’s where the fun started for me. I hadn’t had a great time at school and had a particularly bad experience with one teacher, which put me off learning for years. I put up so many barriers to prevent myself from starting to learn again.

Eventually, I mustered the courage to book a course with the CWU, a 5-day residential course called Essential Skills for Reps. The day finally arrived, and I set off on the two-hour drive to the venue. The drive gave me plenty of time to think and talk myself out of going. I feared that my lack of schooling would be exposed, that I wasn’t good enough. Every possible excuse to turn around and go home ran through my mind. Even when I arrived and parked in the car park, I thought of another barrier: everyone had a better car than me, so they must be better.

I sat down at my table with five other reps. Nervously, I turned to the rep next to me and said, “I’m really worried. Can you please help me with my spelling? I’m dyslexic and I’m rubbish at it!” I wasn’t expecting the reply he gave. He said, “Thank you so much! I’m really worried too for the same reason. I can’t spell either, and that has made me feel a lot better.”

It turned out that there were 26 other people on the course, all feeling exactly the same as me, all panicking. That week, I really enjoyed the course. I came away buzzing, with a real insight into what it looked like with reps working together, helping and supporting each other, and working as a team, utilising each other’s skills.

With this positive experience, I eagerly pursued many courses with CWU, TUC, and GFTU, thoroughly enjoying each one. I had discovered a newfound thirst for learning. On one of the courses, I found myself helping some of the other reps with an activity that required using PowerPoint. I knew PowerPoint well from a previous job.

The tutor in the room suggested that I should become a union learning rep, as I was great at showing people how to do things in a calm manner. My imposter syndrome kicked in again, making me doubt my abilities due to my lack of qualifications. However, the tutor really encouraged me to apply for the position, saying, “We need learning reps like you because you show that anyone can start learning with enough encouragement and support.”

Now, I am a union learning rep, and I am really proud of this role. It can make a huge difference to members who are a bit fearful of starting to learn or showing a new rep that support is available.

Hearing members tell me that they’ve completed or passed a course and proudly showing me their certificates fills me with immense pride. It’s a wonderful feeling to know that I played a part in starting their journey. Without CWU Education, I would have never started learning again. They gave me the confidence to believe in myself and to hold my own. I never thought I would have the courage to stand in front of members or reps and speak to them. However, with the support and training from the CWU, I’ve found my voice. If you’ve met me, you’ll know that you can’t shut me up now!

On a personal level, I have now completed three Level 2 qualifications. This is a massive achievement for me and proof that no one should put barriers in the way of learning. Anyone can start their own journey. This year, I was asked by the TUC to run a workshop at their headquarters for Learning at Work Week. This workshop was for all the TUC staff, so you can see I have come a long way. Without CWU Education, I would have never even thought this was possible.

If you are a member and want to learn something new, please speak to one of the excellent union learning representatives across the country who would be more than willing to help. If you are thinking about becoming a CWU representative, again, speak to a union learning representative about training. CWU Education provides all the skills, support, and encouragement to fulfil your potential.