Learning in UNISON Scotland

The UNISON training programme is designed to give new and experienced activists the skills they need to carry out their roles confidently. All courses are free for you to attend, although there may be a charge to your branch.

Training is vital to help improve workers’ rights and to deliver UNISON campaigns to improve pay and conditions, make workplaces safer and promoting equalities.

This year there is a mix of in-person and online events, along with a variety of options for participating in organising stewards and health and safety courses.

UNISON courses are friendly and informal, and designed on the principle that everybody has equal rights to participate in, benefit from, and contribute to them. Participants will often work together in small groups. There are no tests or exams, and learners will not be lectured to or suddenly called on to give answers.

We run two member learning projects; one in the Highlands and Islands, and one in the Lowlands and Uplands. They build transferable skills, improve career prospects, and support fair, sustainable employment and are funded by the Scottish government. 

The projects focus on helping workers who face challenges, such as low-paid women, disabled staff, overseas workers and unpaid carers. By removing barriers to learning, UNISON member learning helps members gain confidence, improve job security and access better opportunities. 

Example of courses running in 2026

• report writing in care
• understanding neurodiversity
• dementia care
• attachment in children
• leadership