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Education program

The PSAC is proud to offer its members a union education program that ranks among the best and most comprehensive within the Canadian labour movement. Our various courses provide members with learning opportunities to develop knowledge, skills, and personal confidence. Union education encourages participation and promotes mutual respect and understanding between members and the union leadership. A trained membership is an active membership and active members build a strong union.

Here is a list of upcoming courses in BC.

Any PSAC member in good standing can apply for an education course being offered in BC. In order to maximize participation and minimize travel costs, basic education courses are offered within "catchment areas". Currently the catchment areas are: North BC, Southern Interior, East Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island, and Metro. These catchments are defined by combining the geographic regions that are contained in the BC Region by-laws, S.18(2) and (3).

Fill out an application online or download a course application form (pdf) and mail or fax it back to us if you would like to take a PSAC weekend course.

For more information about our education program, check the frequently asked questions or contact Deanna Kimball, Regional Education Officer (REO), at KimballD@psac-afpc.com

In Residence courses require a more detailed application form which are generally available well in advance of the dates of the course.

Note that all PSAC courses and events are scent free. Weekend courses start at 9AM and end at 4:30PM, unless otherwise noted.

See below for a news and information related to the PSAC Education Program in BC. Visit the national website for more information about the PSAC National Education program.

Joint Learning Program’s 2,000th Workshop Delivered, Including Almost 300 in BC

December 19, 2012 - 9:20am •

On October 31, 2012, the Joint Learning Program (JLP) reached 2,000 workshops delivered. This represents over 40,000 participants from over 50 organizations, around 4,000 organizers, and 4,000 opportunities of facilitation.The demand for JLP has been growing The last 1,000 workshops were delivered in 30 months between April 2010 and October 2012. In comparison the first 1,000 were delivered in 40 months between January 2007 and March 2010. 297 workshops have been delivered in the British Columbia Region.

Advanced Duty to Accommodate: Accommodating Members With Disabilities

October 17, 2012 - 11:10am •

The PSAC is pleased to offer a new advanced course for Union representatives …Advanced Duty to Accommodate: Accommodating Members With DisabilitiesThe course will be held December 7-9, 2012 in Vancouver - course hours are Dec 7th 1-5PM, Dec 8th 9AM-5PM, Dec 9th 9AM-2PM (note this is subject to change).This course is for PSAC union representatives (stewards, local officers, etc.) who have experience and training:

CLC Labour College 2013 - A College for Workers: A Legacy of Leadership

October 1, 2012 - 10:19am •

For 50 years the Labour College of Canada has been a catalyst for leadership in the labour and social justice movements in Canada. Today, it offers a four-week Intensive Program of post-secondary learning for active union members who want to enhance their leadership capacities. PSAC has a limited number of full scholarships available to our members.

PSAC Advanced Course Descriptions

June 22, 2012 - 12:20pm •

Here is a list of advanced courses offered by the PSAC. They are usually held ‘in residence’ and last 3-4 days.

PSAC Basic Course Descriptions

June 22, 2012 - 12:14pm •

Here is a list of basic courses offered by the PSAC BC Regional Education Program. They are generally held on weekends with both 1 and 2 day offerings depending on the course. The courses are divided into 2 categories: those that we offer frequently as a core part of the regional education program and those that we offer in addition to the core courses based on demand and interest from members.

Photos: Union School 2012

April 5, 2012 - 11:50am •

PSAC activists from all around the province gathered in March at PSAC BC's 2012 Union School. This year's School, held under the theme “Our Strength: Mobilizing and Fighting Back!” provided participants with the opportinity to learn, practice and take back strategies and skills to mobilize and in the fight back against federal government cuts and privatization.

PSAC BC Union School - March 23 – 25, 2012

February 8, 2012 - 12:36pm •

Our Strength: Mobilizing and Fighting BackWhat is the Union School? Union Education at its best! Union School is open to all members - it provides you with a unique opportunity to gain more specialized knowledge and skills while networking with other members from across the BC Region so that you can return to your workplaces and locals energized and ready to empower other members!How to apply

Labour College of Canada Program

October 26, 2011 - 10:01am •

A College for WorkersThe Labour College opened its doors to workers in 1963. Today, it offers a four-week Intensive Program of post-secondary learning for union activists who want to enhance their leadership capacities.Who Should Apply?

Important notice re: Advanced Steward Training applications

October 24, 2011 - 3:36pm •

Due to technical difficulties with the fax machine in the Vancouver Regional Office, all applicants to the Advanced Stewards Training are asked to telephone the office (604 430 5631 or 1 800 663 1655) to confirm that the application was received properly and printed out - please do so even if you received a confirmation of receipt.Apologies, and thank you.

Advanced Steward Training - Apply Now!

October 17, 2011 - 5:32pm •

Advanced Steward TrainingHave you been working in your local as a steward and wish you had more knowledge about specific workplace issues? Do you want to develop your skills to better represent your members? Then this is the course for you!