Learning at Work Week 2026
An annual celebration of learning held every May, organised by the Campaign for Learning
This year’s theme for Learning at Work Week is Many Ways To Learn – something that’s particularly true of union learning.
Union learning reps often take a central role in organising Learning at Work Week activities as they provide a great opportunity to introduce staff to the benefits of union learning activities and to launch new learning programmes.
UNISON College is offering a national programme of events – but we encourage learning reps to work with branches and employers to put on your own learning events in your workplace.
Learning at Work Week with UNISON College
UNISON College is supporting Learning at Work Week across the union with a series of online lunch and learn sessions over the course of the week. Each will run from 12 noon to 1pm.
| Date | Activity |
| Monday 18 May | A History of Trade Unions and Education |
| Tuesday 19 May | Using AI as a tool to aid learning |
| Wednesday 20 May | The Right to Write: finding your way past the blocks |
| Thursday 21 May | Problem Solving and Decision Making |
| Friday 22 May | An Introduction to Mindfulness (fully booked) |
Who to work with
The week provides a strong national focal point to raise the profile of the importance of adult learning in the workplace.
It’s possible that your workplace HR or Learning and Development Team may also be planning activities during the week so there may be opportunities to collaborate and share resources.
Learning at Work Week is a great opportunity to recruit new members and get existing members involved in learning, so make sure you’re getting other branch committee members involved to support you, particularly if there are learning activities that link to their roles or the members they represent.
Frequently asked questions
The national dates make a useful focal point, but there’s nothing to stop you running a Learning at Work Week whenever you like!
You don’t have to have a big budget! Many activities you could run are cheap or even free, and your branch and region may be able to help with funds too.
You don’t need a Learning & Development Team! Work with other learning reps in your branch or in your local area.
Learning at Work Week can be fun, but it should have a serious message – promoting the power of lifelong learning.
You don’t have to run Learning at Work Week all week. You could run just one event!