Labour College Certificate Program

Please note that the deadline for applications to Labour College has been extended to April 17, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time

Are you committed to building stronger and broader labour and social justice movements?

Do you want a better understanding of the forces that shape workers’ lives? Do you want to be part of an activist network, and build up your research and strategic planning skills? Are you an activist with a demonstrated commitment to playing a leadership role in your union and building the labour movement for the future?

If so, then the new Labour College Certificate Program is for you!

Workers from unions across the country are eligible to attend this post-secondary program. It is offered in English. Francophones from Quebec may attend Le Collège FTQ-Fonds (https://formation-syndicale.ftq.qc.ca/bienvenue-au-college-ftq-fonds/)

Program Aims

• To build leadership skills and provide leadership tools;
• To foster empowerment, self-confidence and new networks of labour leaders;
• To strengthen critical thinking skills;
• To examine working class struggles and human rights issues that affect all workers;
• To create change.

How It Works

Continuing on the success of the previous Labour College programs, the new LCC Certificate Program is built on creating collaborative learning moments and supporting student cohorts from start to finish. The new program offers greater flexibility by blending online and in-class learning.

Three intensive course sessions are offered over 14 months or longer. Each session includes online and in-person learning in addition to independent study. A maximum of two week-long in-person classes are offered each year in BC and/or Ontario.

Schedule for Cohort 9*

SESSION 1: Unions in the Political Economy
May/June 2022 – Online
July 17-22, 2022 – In person, Ontario

SESSION 2: Labour Leadership and Organizing Change
January/February – Online
February 26-March 3, 2023 – In person, B.C.

SESSION 3: Growing the Movement – Inside and Out
May/June 2023 – Online
July 16-21, 2023 – In person, Ontario

An orientation session will take place prior to the beginning of Session 1. The Independent Learning Project (online) will take place between Sessions 2 and 3.

(*) Dates are subject to change and will be finalized 3-4 months prior to the start of each session.

Subjects include:

• Foundations of Political Economy
• Theory and Practice of Unions
• Strategic Thinking, Planning and Project Development
• Research and Communications Skills
• Truth to Reconcili-Action
• Leadership for Movement Building
• Education for Action/Organizing for Change
• Work and Workers in a Global World
• Governance, Laws and Policies

Program Requirements

The LCC Certificate Program requires regular commitment to participating in collaborative work and meeting deadlines.

The LCC Certificate Program is made up of three sessions (or semesters) and an Independent Learning Project (ILP). Sessions occur online and in-person approximately every 6 months.

Workload is greatest during the three course sessions, though some independent work between sessions is required as part of an Independent Learning Project (ILP).

Who should apply?

Union members from CLC-affiliated unions who:

• are or have been active in their union (elected position, active volunteer, committee member, etc.);
• have attended one or more labour education course(s);
• are active in social and economic justice issues in their community;
• are able to make the time over a year or more to attend and prepare for online and in-person courses, and complete the independent learning requirements.

Members of equity-seeking groups: Women workers, workers of colour, workers with disabilities, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, two-spirit, intersex and Indigenous workers are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Applications (for Cohort 9) have been extended to April 17, 2022, at 11:59 p.m., ET, so please do not be discouraged when you see the deadline on the website.

All applicants are encouraged to speak with their union education representative to see if this program is right for them and to identify if financial support is available before submitting their application form.

If you are ready to apply for the next LCC Certificate Program, you can start your application here:  https://clcctc.checkbox.ca/lcc-c09.

If you have questions about the LCC Certificate Program or if you wish to be notified the next time applications are being accepted, please send an email to labourcollege@clcctc.ca.

What about the costs?

The Joe Davidson Education Fund, as outlined in Article 11.04 of the CUPW Constitution, covers the costs for one participant and a second applicant’s costs will also be covered by CUPW.

Please fill out the 12-page application here: https://clcctc.checkbox.ca/lcc-c09.

In Solidarity,