About Rail Union Learning

ASLEF, RMT and TSSA also known as the rail unions have been working in partnership since 1999, in order to provide new learning and training opportunities in the rail industry across England, Scotland and Wales.

We have provided thousands of new learning opportunities for members at work. Together with employers, education providers and the TUC, we have overcome the barriers to learning faced by our members, in particular shift work and provided high quality learning and training for all. We have also attracted people who have not learnt for a long time, including those who have not done any learning since school or didn’t even like school.

The Rail Union Learning Programme was established in April 2004, in order to improve our capacity in order to bring more learning into more workplaces in the industries where we have members including buses, shipping and travel. Above all the Rail Union Learning Programme is striving to make learning fun, enjoyable, local and relevant for more members.

Mission Statement

“The programme will add value to union services by introducing a new and positive service for our membership, which will go on to become an operational service of the union. We (the rail unions) will contribute to a culture of learning in our workplaces by working with identified partners to provide high quality, flexible and effective ‘learning’ opportunities, which meet the needs of all of our members. In turn we will contribute to safer and happier workplaces by supporting and encouraging our members to improve their skills and fulfil their potential, ensuring all members have access to relevant and impartial Information, Advice and Guidance. The programme will establish sustainable structures such as learning centres and a network of rail union learning reps who will continue the work post-programme”

The Learning Representative

Key to our success is our network of Union Learning Representatives (ULRs) or Rail Union Learning Representatives (RULRs) as they are also known in the Rail industry. All (R)ULRs are trained to give confidential advice on all aspects of learning, and are often the first ones to spot training issues, that companies and unions need to work together on.

Our aims

• Establishing a culture of learning in the industries, where we have members

• Breaking down the barriers to learning faced by our members

• Generating a demand for better skills and accreditation throughout the membership

• Building our capacity as learning organizations by developing and supporting a network of (R)ULRs

• Providing new learning opportunities for members who are currently unable to access education and training

• Contributing to safe and happier working environments, by helping members to fulfill their potential

Rail Union Learning covers three countries: England, Scotland and Wales. Please click on England, Scotland or Wales to find out more about Rail Union Learning in your Country.