Trade Unionist

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as a Trade Unionist. A Trade Unionist develops, formulates, and directs the implementation of the trade union and industry policies as well as represent members' rights and interests. A qualified learner will be able to: • Participate in the development, formulation, and implementation of trade union documentation, policies, and procedures. • Build and strengthen the structures and membership of the trade union. • Act on behalf of members and the union in compliance to the trade union constitutional requirements.

Historically the trade union movement spearheaded the struggles for transformation of education and training for skills enhancement and conversion of the experience into meaningful, portable, and recognised education. The recent history of skills development and legislative changes bears testimony for these struggles. Within trade union movement however, the formalisation of skills and occupation-based training was set to develop. This situation is exacerbated by globalisation on the changing socio-economic environment and the pervasive influence of Information Communication Technology (ICT). The result is a trade union movement with cadre ship potentially not attune to engage current socio- economic challenges. This qualification seeks to address skills gaps to enable trade unionist to engage progressively in the interest of their members. Capacitated trade unionists are a critical voice for engagements to represent interest of the poor generally but the working-class stratum. A strong trade union movement will ensure equitable economic growth and limit social conflicts arising from increasing inequalities and poverty. This qualification will enhance trade unionists' skills set to leverage the power of social media, adapt to dynamic work environment, and easily embrace new values and traditions of the current young and vibrant generation. It presents an opportunity for trade union organisations to rebrand and adapt to changing socio-economic environment. Ultimately, the society remains to benefit from empowered trade union movement. The youth entering the changing and dynamic world work will be attracted to trade union organisations that are in tune with evolving social values, embraces a culture of lifelong learning and promote the use of ICT. Infusion of new brand of trade unionist will create opportunities for growth within trade union organisations for skilled functionaries ready for deployment in different fields such as economic planners, trade union educationist as well as leadership positions at various levels of the trade union organisations.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): • Learners will gain access to the qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification. • Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be exempted from modules through RPL. • Learners will be awarded credits for or towards the qualification or part qualification through RPL as provided in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for credits provides for the formal award of credits for, or towards a qualification or part-qualification registered on the NQF. RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record. Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: • NQF Level 3 with three years' membership experience of a trade union.

• Participate in the development, formulation, and implementation of documentation to establish formal policy positions and operational procedures for the trade union.
• Build and strengthen structures and membership for organised and sustainable trade union.
• Act on behalf of members and the union to maximise member security, strong organisation, and member representation.