Course Descriptions

Computer Courses

Computer & Internet Basics

This is a two-day introductory course that covers the very basics of using your computer, familiarization with Windows XP and skills to search on the internet and use email.

Prerequisites for the following computer courses:
Basic computer knowledge or the Computer Basics Course (or equivalent) and a minimum keyboarding/typing speed of 10 words per minute.

Microsoft Word

This is a one-day course that covers the basic use of the word processing program Microsoft Word.  You will learn how to create, open, save and print documents including using many of the features of this program.

Microsoft Word - Mail Merge

This is a half-day course that teaches the participant the basic steps of using the mail merge process to produce multiple letters, labels and envelopes.  You will be able to take these basic steps and use them in other mail merge processes such as mass email or faxing.  Prerequisite:  Microsoft Word course (or equivalent).

Excel Level I

(Introduction to Spreadsheets)

This is a one-day introductory course that covers the basics of using a spreadsheet and its purpose using the Microsoft Excel 2003 program.

Excel Level II

(Advanced Spreadsheets)

In this one-day course you will learn how to create a personal electronic check book, a budget, a sample loan payment schedule and how to make the program work for you on a daily basis.  Learn tricks for creating charts and general user tips while becoming more comfortable working with advanced features of Excel 2003.

Prerequisites:  Excel Level I course (or equivalent).

Access Level I

(Introduction to Databases)

This is a half-day introductory course covering the basics of using a database using the Microsoft Access 2003 program.

Internet and Email

This is a half-day class which will teach you the basics of searching on the internet and how to use email.  You will receive your own email address through Hotmail which you can use at any computer that has an internet connection.

Red Cross Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Courses
Red Cross First Aid.  Prepare for Life. TM 

Standard First Aid & CPR/AED

This is a two day course that will certify participants to Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level "C" for three years from completion of the course.  It is a Red Cross course that is also recognized by Saskatchewan Occupational Health and Safety.  A certificate will be issued to successful participants verifying certification for three years from the date of course.

Due to changes that took effect January 2007 in the standards of both First Aid and CPR training, and the addition of instruction in use of AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators), we will not be offering a recertification class within the present two day full course.  Changes are significant enough that we request all participants take the full course to ensure that they are fully skilled. 

If you took your training prior to January 2007, your present certification is still valid until the expiry date noted on your certificate.  However, we are offering the following CPR/AED upgrade course for those who presently have a valid certificate but wish to become apprised of the new procedures.

CPR/AED Upgrade

If you are currently certified in Standard First Aid/CPR, we are offering  this upgrade course that will apprise you of changes that have taken place with CPR and of how to use an AED machine.  You MUST provide proof of current certification to the instructor at the start of class (original certificate or photocopy of original only) as this is upgrading only.  If you are not able to provide proof, you will be required to attend the full course.   You will receive a wallet certificate verifying that you have completed these new skills.

Shop Steward & Related Training

The UFCW Shop Steward schools are designed to empower stewards in their dealings with managers, reps, and co-workers by helping them understand their Collective Agreements, themselves, and the various tools at their disposal.  There are currently two levels of Shop Steward training offered plus various other courses for Steward to further their skills with (listed below). These courses take place throughout the year. If you would like to sign up for the one of the courses, please contact our office.  We would be happy add you to our ever-growing family of Shop Stewards.

Shop Steward Level I

This course is for new Shop Stewards that have not taken any steward training. You will learn the basic fundamentals of the Shop Steward’s duties and responsibilities, communication and listening skills, about types of grievances, how to identify grievances at your work place and how to properly investigate grievances as well as the structure of UFCW Local 1400 and UFCW Canada.

Shop Steward Level II

This course is a follow up to the Level I Steward training and may be taken any time after the completion of that course.  The course has a strong focus on knowing yourself and your fellow members.  You will learn skills for understanding attitudes, communication, self esteem and leadership, grievance investigation and to understand the inner workings of the workplace setting.

SK Occupational Health & Safety Level I

This is a two day course that examines how ‘Safety begins in the Workplace’.  You will learn the responsibilities, requirements and duties as occupational health committee members and those of your employer.  You will gain knowledge about provincial legislation, and the regulations covering most workplaces as well as how to identify asses and control workplace hazards and how to handle health and safety concerns in the workplace including the right to refuse unsafe work.

Please note:  Preference may be given to members who are currently a Shop Steward and/or a member of your workplace OH&S Committee, however all interested members may apply.

Union Counselor

This is a five day course that trains union members on how to refer their union brothers and sisters to local community services and government programs for help, whatever the problem.  The training covers such topics as family violence, drug and alcohol addictions and workplace stress, just to name a few.  The program is national in scope and is endorsed by the Canadian Labour Congress, District Labour Councils and the local union.  The Union Counseling Program is facilitated by a Labour Associate from the United Way. 

Prerequisite:  Currently a Shop Steward with preference given to (but not limited to) Stewards with Level II training.

Unionism on Turtle Island
 

Misconceptions are often the source of prejudice and stereotyping. This five day course is designed for all workers (Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal) who want to learn more about Aboriginal issues and who want to work in solidarity with their First Nations and Métis Brother and Sisters. The course will provide a comfortable and supportive environment in which to explore your attitudes, ideas and questions.

Historically, relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people have developed along separate and negative experiences. Although advances toward building more positive relationships have occurred in recent years, we need to continue to build awareness and understanding of the historical events that form the basis of the present negative stereo types and racist attitudes.

This course begins the process of providing a basic awareness of Aboriginal people’s history and culture in a positive environment as well as the contemporary issues they are facing today. It will provide factual information, dispel the current myths and misconceptions that surround Aboriginal people and, through analyzing the current political and social Aboriginal experience and learning about the uniqueness of the Aboriginal population, create a better understanding of the shared struggles of Aboriginal people and unions.

When completed, participants will be able to connect new information and theory to what they already understand and build their capacity to become instruments of change.

Workplace Violence & Bullying Prevention
New Course

In this course, participants will learn about different types of violence that may happen in their workplace and discuss strategies to improve your personal and workplace safety. You will identify and assess possible risks factors in your workplace then develop an action plan to reduce the possibility of a violent incident occurring in your workplace.