PSAC Education

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.

PSAC education involves extensive application of modern adult and popular education techniques. Workshops, role plays, case studies, discussion periods, interactive panels, group projects, and audio-visual aids are a few examples of the methods used to share experiences, solve problems, and strategize for the future.

The Alliance Facilitators' Network (AFN) is also an important and vital part of the PSAC Education Program. Members who receive special training as union facilitators are available to conduct information and education seminars at the workplace and in the Local. These seminars can range in length from one hour to one day, depending on the subject matters and the needs of the Local members.

To ensure union education is accessible, the PSAC helps defray costs members incur when they attend courses. (See your PSAC Regional Representative and/or your PSAC Regional Education Officer for details). For all courses, no matter the length, members may also be eligible for the Family Care Allowance.

PSAC education equips members to be active in their union. In each region, broad based consultations take place with members, Locals, regional committees and the regional leadership to develop the Regional Education Plan. Education Staff, working in partnership with Regional Council Education Committees and other PSAC members, develop programs that respond uniquely, to the special needs of each region and at the same time, provide a global perspective, promoting solidarity at both the regional and national levels of our union.

The PSAC has also made inroads in obtaining employer support for union training. They are recognizing the excellence of the programs we offer, and are seeing the first-hand benefits providing members access to many of our training programs.

Basic PSAC courses range in length from one or two days up to six days for the more advanced training. Courses may also be conducted in alternate formats (for example in a series of evening or lunch hour sessions), depending on available resources and the needs of the membership.