In Birmingham today to help train on the second module of this year's TUC Organising Academy, which is being held at South Birmingham College. This years intake are sponsored by unions including Amicus, NUJ, PCS, Community, Prospect, Community and the TGWU.

Although I could only stay for the morning session, I really enjoyed the session and was able to get a good flavour of the campaigns and projects the Academy Organisers are working on - from in-fill recruitment in the civil service to greenfield work in the private service sector.

This year's group are a really diverse mix - some with a great deal of union experience, and others who make up for their relative lack of experience with a real commitment and enthusiasm. One of the best aspects of my job is watching people come through the Academy and seeing how they develop during the 12 months of placements and training. Having been through the programme myself (some 7 years ago or so now) I know how hard, but also how rewarding, it can be.