All across Scotland, trained union reps are visiting secondary schools and working with classes and teachers to ensure that young people have an improved knowledge of both their rights and responsibilities in the workplace.
Their work, along with the input of teachers and pupils, has ensured that we have a resource which can be used both by teachers and by trade union school visitors, or by both together, to provide flexible teaching suitable for a range of ages and abilities as part of aspects of the curriculum dealing with enterprise, careers and citizenship.
The emphasis of this resource is on participative learning, involving classes in discussion, negotiation and the forming of opinions. We believe that by providing an enhanced understanding of the workplace we can play a part in equipping young people to be successful, not just in their working lives, but in wider society.
A Better Way to Work in Scotland comes in four units which provide an introduction to basic rights at work; a more detailed exploration of rights and responsibilities in the workplace; an explanation of the role of trade unions; and then encourages pupils to consider the future world of work.
Interested in becoming a rep?
Join our network of Unions into Schools reps by following this link: https://stuc-schools.org/become-a-rep
For further information and to arrange a school visit contact us at schools@stuc.org.uk.
You can also visit our Unions into Schools mini-site for more information.
Reps Training Sessions
Upcoming rep training sessions will be posted here when information is available.
Other Events
Unions into Schools / Community Trade Union Organising and Activism Course
Thursday 4th September 2025
City of Glasgow College
Background:
The STUC is inviting reps, activists, and officials to take part in our Unions into Schools / Community Trade Union Organising and Activism course. This course aims to reflect and enhance the skills of reps in their communitarian role and further empower union activists to take part and organise activity in local communities. The course has been designed by STUC, TUC Education at City of Glasgow College, and Scottish Union Learning with accreditation being administered from Newbattle Abbey College.
Outline of Course:
Accreditation SCQF Level 6
Introductory Day: Thursday 4th September at City of Glasgow College City Campus from 10am-4pm (6 hours)
Community trade union Activity phase September 2025 to January 2026. Participate in 1 Unions into Schools visit & 1 Community trade union event and reflect on activity. Please note reflective learning will be covered in Intro Day.
During this community trade union activity phase there will be 3 online late afternoon/early evening support sessions Oct/Nov/Dec (non-mandatory).
Second face to face day/feedback session/start of reflective journal completion - 10am - 4pm, Thursday 22nd January 2026 at City of Glasgow College. Agenda/activities will include feedback on community action/unions into schools activities, completion of worksheets and going over the reflective journal part of the course.
Completed reflective journals due 23rd Feb 2026 with potential to extend to Mon 2nd March 2026 - Tutor support will be made available.
If you want to take part in this course, please email schools@stuc.org.uk with:
Your name
Where you work
Your job role
Your trade union
Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come basis. To participate in this course attendees must have the appropriate authority from trade union and employer.
