Union Training and Scholarships
UFCW Canada offers the most advanced labour education programming in North America because our union believes that education is empowering. Accordingly, the UFCW Canada National Council Education Committee works to support the growth of educational initiatives within UFCW and provides recommendations to the National Council on effective educational approaches, courses, and content.
Thanks in part to this work, our union delivers the best personal training, workshops, and printed and digital resources, as well as the world’s most advanced online learning facility – available free of charge to all UFCW Canada members and their families.
As Canada's leading and most progressive union, UFCW Canada is committed to providing members and their Local Unions with up-to-date, relevant information and resources that make a real difference on the job, and at home.
That is why UFCW Canada has qualified facilitators and trainers who develop and deliver hands-on educational programs to Local Unions and members at training and education centres across Canada.
From workshops on health and safety, labour law, collective bargaining, and steward training, to managing a household budget, or even English as a Second Language – UFCW Canada’s education programs and resources are continually upgraded to reflect the current needs of members and their Locals.
As the pioneer for online labour education, UFCW Canada also offers distance learning opportunities through webCampus: the continent's best online education program for union members, offering more than 120 courses to UFCW members and their families.
In addition, UFCW Canada and its Local Unions provide over 25 union scholarships, bursaries, awards, and grants – totalling more than $300,000 – to support UFCW Canada members and their dependants in achieving their educational goals. For profiles on recent scholarship winners, check out our Scholarship Winners webpage.
For more information on courses, scholarships, training resources available to UFCW Canada members and Local Unions, feel free to browse our Union Training and Scholarships section, or contact UFCW Canada directly.
What is union training, and why does it matter?
Union training can involve personal training, workshops, printed and digital resources, online learning, hands-on education, and internships.
It enables workers to upgrade their skills and take pride in their work, which is particularly important in today’s unpredictable, fast-paced, and constantly changing labour market.
Training also supports learning on the job and empowers workers to own their skills – two things that UFCW Canada strongly believes in.
As well, promotions are often based on showing competencies, and upgrading your skills can help you advance in your career.
Finally, union training supports perpetual, life-long learning, which can provide benefits both in your personal life and at work.
Why is ‘life-long learning’ valuable?
As life changes, adopting a path of life-long learning can help strengthen your resiliency as a worker. In addition, fostering a culture of learning setsan admirable example for future generations to follow. Union training supports perpetual learning and can serve to not only bolster your career, but also improve your ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
When it comes to workplace training, what kind of support should workers expect from management?
Your manager should understand what kind of learner you are and adapt their training and development of you accordingly. Expecting a ‘hands-on’ learner to comprehend a manual as easily as a ‘visual learner’ is not a reasonable expectation.
Instead, your manager should work to ensure that you know what is being of asked of you and should periodically check in to see whether you are supported in using your training and understand your job role.
Training that ignores learning styles, is poorly designed, does not support work on the floor, and fails to explore complex issues is not useful training. Your employer should strive to ensure that training meets your needs as an employee, is easily applicable, and supports your role at work.
