IBOA Courses
IBOA aims to offer an expanded range of exciting training and development opportunities for members and representatives in 2012. The Union is conscious that in a changing workplace, members need opportunities to develop new skills.
A comprehensive schedule of courses is being developed. The dates for the courses that have already been confirmed can be accessed by clicking this link to the Training Dates section of this website. Please check the IBOA websites regularly for further updates – and if you are interested in signing up, please contact Louise O'Donnell by e-mail to louise.odonnell@iboa.ie or by phoning 01-4755908 from the Republic of Ireland or 02890-200130 from Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
Courses for Members
Computer Training in Northern Ireland
The first IBOA trainees on the computer skills training courses currently being held in Northern Ireland are expected to gain their Level 2 City and Guilds certificate in ICT in the first quarter of 2012.
We now have a top class computer training suite in the IBOA premises in Malone Road, Belfast.
Through our participation in Union Learning in Northern Ireland, we also have access to a number of premises owned by the North West Regional College as well as a panel of ICT tutors. Another ICT course begins in January. Successful applicants who are on the waiting list will be contacted shortly.
At least one more ICT training course will be arranged for the first quarter of 2012. So interested members are advised to sign up as soon as possible.
Interview Skills in Northern Ireland
Other free training courses for IBOA members are also being offered through the Union Learning Project - such as the recent programme in interview skills and techniques for IBOA members in Northern Bank.
Leadership Skills in Northern Ireland
We are also in discussion on the roll-out of a course in leadership skills - which will offer a recognised qualification and will also be undertaken with support from the Union Learning Fund in Northern Ireland.
Great Britain
Although IBOA's partnership with the Union Learning Fund is naturally confined to members in Northern Ireland, we are also actively pursuing ways to develop a union learning culture for our members in Great Britain.
Some suggestions for courses for members based in GB have been made by the IBOA Youth Committee.
Republic of Ireland: Skillnet and other training
Over the past two years many IBOA members have acquired important skills in such diverse areas as communication, computer training, employment law, leadership, conflict management, mediation, career planning, personal development, industrial relations, health and safety.
Some of these courses were particularly invaluable for members whose job roles were changing or who were experiencing some uncertainty over job security.
Much of this training was possible through IBOA's involvement in the Women at Work Skillnet. The current round of funding from Skillnets - which is in turn financed by the State's National Training Fund - is unfortunately coming to a close at the end of 2011, as public spending budgets come under increasing pressure.
However, if IBOA is successful in a new application based upon a merger of two existing networks involving IBOA and six other trade union organisations, it will be possible to offer further training for our members in Republic of Ireland.
Since upskilling is important for the job prospects of members in the immediate future - and with many employers cutting back on their training budgets, a new training network should not only attract support from union members but also secure co-operation from most of their employers.
Courses for Activists
Basic and Advanced IBOA Representative Training Courses
New IBOA Representatives need a basic foundation knowledge in the various elements of the Representative's role and the workings of IBOA. This is provided on the Basic/New Representative Training Course.
Experienced Representatives can avail of opportunities on the Advanced Representative Training Course to develop the communication skills required in their role as well as an understanding of some of the other issues encountered by members. Many of the skills learnt by Representatives can be transferred to other aspects of their work.
All IBOA Representatives should attend an IBOA training course. The Union makes arrangements with the employer for leave for the Rep to attend the training. Any Rep who has been unable to attend a course so far should contact IBOA.
Basic Course for New Reps - 1 day
One-day basic training courses for IBOA Representatives will be held on a regional basis throughout 2012. The course is suitable for anyone new to the role or who has not previously attended an IBOA training course.
Participants will gain the basic knowledge needed to take on this crucial role - as well as sources of further information to enhance their capacity.
Training for Health and Safety Representatives
The issue of health and safety in the workplace is of major importance. Health and safety encompasses a number of different facets – including workplace stress as well as more obvious physical risks such as violence from would-be criminals, fire, exposure to chemicals and gases, and so on. Some of these issues can also be quite technical. So IBOA provides suitable training for IBOA Safety Representatives on all aspects of their role.
IBOA now has a group of well-trained Health and Safety Representatives in most employments. As this is a critical step in ensuring a healthy and safe workplace for our members, the Union is working with employers to develop this further. IBOA is arranging more courses for Safety Representatives who will be notified of arrangements when finalised.
Equality Training
A comprehensive equality course is also in development with an accompanying manual. This is aimed at the Union's Equality Sub-committee and other IBOA activists interested in equality issues.
A pilot course will run in the first quarter of 2012 - covering equality legislation, handling cases and complaints, and pursuing equality issues through collective bargaining.
On-Line Training
The Union aims to pilot an on-line training course for IBOA Representatives in the first quarter of 2012.
The course will include a number of short modules - which, together, should take a maximum of four hours to complete.
The IBOA Youth Committee has volunteered to take part in the pilot and offer feedback so that the finished course will offer the best possible experience for our Representatives.
Of course, this is not a substitute for face-to-face training: it is intended to complement other training options for IBOA Representatives who are keen to learn more.
Training Needs Analysis
We are working with ICTU to develop a comprehensive analysis of the training needs of Union Representatives and officials at all levels. Members and representatives should avail of this opportunity to have their views taken into account in the planning of training provision for the next number of years.
Performance Appraisal Training
This training course helps appraisees make the most of the performance appraisal process. Many employers neglect to train appraisees in performance appraisals. In order to address these shortcomings, IBOA runs such courses from time to time on a bank-by-bank or place of employment basis.
Job Interview Skills and Techniques
This course will assist anyone who is attending at a job/promotional interview. It covers techniques, skills and tips for the interview process as well as an opportunity to attend a mock interview for some practice. It is very suitable for those who have not attended at a job interview for some time and are nervous about so doing. As this course is particularly labour intensive (due to necessity for a panel of interviewers) it is helpful if members/Reps can identify a minimum of 12 participants willing to attend in a particular region.
Course Objectives
To assist IBOA members to make the most of promotional interviews by:
– increasing participants' knowledge of the interview process
– ensuring that participants are aware of the preparatory work involved.
– development of interview skills and techniques, through role-play and feedback.
Course Programme
1. Introductions
2. The Interview
– Types of interview in Banking
– Preparation Tips
– What do interviewers look for
– What are interviewers told to do
– Summary
3. Practical Exercise - Personal Interview Preparation Plan
Written materials for this course are available for IBOA members in the Members Only Section of this website. Please click here.
