Business Skills for Freelancers

Freelancers, casuals and contractors employed in the media and entertainment sectors are exactly the sort of workers who are often forgotten or passed over when it comes to workplace training. Not any more, thanks to the Federation of Entertainment Unions (FEU) project backed by the Union Learning Fund, which has helped build a network of union learning reps, specifically trained to facilitate the development of new skills and provided comprehensive Information, Advice and Guidance service to ulrs and freelancers.

The project has raised awareness of the need for skills development and improved communication between freelance staff to overcome identified challenges such as lack of information, awareness and isolation, swapping best practice and maximising resources to meet the multi- union freelance needs.

Linda King, NUJ Education and Training Officer and Ulf project manager said “The NUJ has been running professional training courses for freelancers and others for nearly 12 years, thanks to the initial grant from the Union Learning Fund. The good we have been able to achieve, both for those taking their first steps towards careers in the media and for people who needed to adapt their professional skills to keep up with technological change and other developments has all been thanks to the existence of the Union Learning Fund.”

The FEU have  provided a comprehensive IAG service to freelance members across the media and entertainment sectors; delivered key business skills and cross platform training to meet multi union freelance needs and create sustainable skills development.

In addition, the FEU has produced a handbook for freelance staff, launched multi-union courses, run a number of workshops for ulrs and members and sought to embed learning and skills development within its constituent unions at local and national level.