Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Programme contributes to improved performance of workers
Learning Representative Programme contributes to improved performance of workers and organisations
An independent evaluative report released this week into the Learning Representative Programme shows that workplace learning supported by Learning Representatives (Learning Reps) led to improved individual worker and workplace performance.
Established in 2005, the Learning Representative Programme is managed by the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions (NZCTU) and funded by the Tertiary Education Commission. Its main purpose is to train workers as Learning Reps to identify, advocate for, and facilitate, workplace learning amongst their peers, with a particular focus on workplace literacy, language and numeracy issues. There are currently 422 registered Learning Reps, employed across 150 workplaces in 94 different organisations across New Zealand.
Heathrose Research Limited was commissioned earlier this year to conduct the evaluation in a joint initiative by NZCTU and Ako Aotearoa - The National Centre for Tertiary Teaching Excellence. The research intent was to determine the effectiveness of the Learning Reps programme, and to assess its value to a range of stakeholders, including the Learning Reps themselves, their co-workers engaged in workplace learning initiatives, employers and unions.
The researchers found the programme to be extremely effective in meeting its primary purpose - to raise awareness amongst workers and employers of opportunities to access and participate in industry training and literacy and numeracy initiatives; particularly workers not previously successful in the formal education system, who therefore lacked both the confidence and knowledge to re-engage with formal learning.
The report identified the Learner Representative Programme as benefiting both organisational and individual performance. Workers who had been influenced by the programme were found to have a more positive attitude to, and were subsequently more engaged in training, while management commitment to training was also reinforced. Learner Reps encouraged workers back into learning and this not only improved literacy, language and numeracy skill levels for many, but also contributed to better functioning work teams, and in some cases resulted in the workers receiving pay increases.
A number of common factors that contribute to the effectiveness of the programme are outlined in the report:
* Management support, particularly in removing
barriers to Learning Rep activity
* Formal
vertical and horizontal communication systems within
workplaces
* Practical support for Learning Reps
in workplaces
* Union support for the purpose and
the practice of Learning Reps
The evaluation report can be found at Learning%20Repr esentatives%20Programme.pdf
ENDS
New Zealand Council of Trade Unions
Te Kauae Kaimahi
The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi brings together over 350,000 New Zealand union members in 40 affiliated unions. We are the united voice for working people and their families in New Zealand.
Gordon Campbell: On bird flu, AUKUS entry fees and Cindy Lee
Labour Party: Penny Drops – But What About Seymour And Peters?
Government: PM Announces Changes To Portfolios
Family First: Just 1 In 6 Oppose ‘Three Strikes’ - Poll
Labour Party: Budget Blunder Shows Nicola Willis Could Cut Recovery Funding 
Government: Urgent Changes To System Through First RMA Amendment Bill
Peace Movement Aotearoa: Global Military Spending Increase Threatens Humanity And The Planet
