Trades unions in this country have a long established commitment to improving education and training for their members. In 2006 this work was given renewed emphasis and direction by the creation of unionlearn a new organisation whose aim is to help unions spread the lifelong learning message to even more of their members.

Two years on and it is plain to see that unionlearn has made significant progress towards this aim. The latest addition to their services being the new, free learning and careers advice line , launched in partnership with learndirect.

Here union members can seek advice on how to further their own careers and education.

Union learning representatives

At the heart of this new initiative are union learning representatives .These are trained volunteers who act as a point of information about learning opportunities for their colleagues at work. Already 18,000 of them have received training.

Unionlearn helps to inform them all about the world of learning and training opportunities, leading the way in providing support and guidance to those in the front line. The unionlearn website is the place to find up to the minute views, news and resources.

In Sussex these new union reps are beginning to make a real difference. Here are some case studies that prove the point:

• Bob Fitzgerald - Fire Brigades Union
• David Mercer - UNITE
• Lou Lucas - Unison
• Adrian Ryan - TUC

If you have examples you would like to share then please contact Adam Stewart (a.m.stewart@brighton.ac.uk) .