Courses available

Initial Support Training with the allocated GMB full time Regional Organiser within 6 weeks of appointment. All types of GMB reps receive this IST session before entering the Regional programme for GMB Reps. All reps receive an information kit at this IST session.

The Regional Programme for GMB Reps


Workplace Organising Representatives Induction Course (10 Days)

This is the “induction” course for ALL newly appointed GMB representatives, including Safety Representatives and Union Learning Reps. The course aims to build basic skills and confidence that all types of GMB Rep will need—and provides essential knowledge of GMB structures and methods.



Union Learning Representatives

more about courses for Union Learning Reps

Advanced Workplace Organising Representatives
(10 Days)

This course offers more opportunity to practice skills in handling disciplinaries and grievances.  Also begins to look more at equal opportunity issues, employment law and collective issues such as negotiating techniques and bargaining.

Courses for Safety Representatives

Advanced Safety Representatives
(10 Days)

This course is designed to further build skills for information gathering and handling, including internet sources, survey techniques and in-depth look at how to approach specific hazards and risk assessments.  Also takes a closer look at useful legislation and building campaigns.

Courses for Union Learning Representatives

Union Learning Representatives
(5 Days)

Following the Induction Course this course deals with the role and rights of the ULR, useful skills , negotiating facilities for ULR activity; Skills for life and Learning as part of the GMB organising agenda

Follow-On Courses for ULR’s

  • Skills for Life:
  • What are Skills for Life?
  • How can SfL needs be identified
  • Best practice in improving SfL

Information, Advice and Guidance:

  • IAG Programmes,and agencies
  • Best practice for IAG
  • The ULR role and skills in IAG

Workforce Development:

  • Workforce Development Programmes
  • The ULR role in WFD
  • Key skills for ULR’s on WFD.

GMB Short Courses (2-3 Days) for Workplace Reps and Safety Reps on Day Release

View the full programme on Programme Dates

  • Contracts of Employment
  • GMB Organisation in Workplaces
  • Diversity and Equality
  • Grievance and Disciplinary Handling
  • Negotiating Skills
  • Health and Safety Refresher
  • Workplace Inspections
  • Safety Committees

Courses for Reps with the General Federation of Trade Unions

GMB Representatives can also access the programme of residential courses of 2-4 days held midweek or at the weekend at various locations across the country. View the GFTU programme or download the GFTU application form which must be returned to the GMB Nottingham Office 6 weeks before the start date. All costs covered.

Courses for Reps at Northern College near Barnsley, Yorkshire

Midweek courses of 2-4 days are available at Northern College at Wentworth Castle. All costs covered. View the full programme on Programme Dates