The National Trade Union Confederation of Moldova (CNSM) launched, on May 27 this year, the training programme “Training of Trade Union Trainers”, an initiative aimed at developing trade union education and strengthening the capacities of trade union organizations in the Republic of Moldova. The programme is organized in partnership with the Labour Institute, with the support of the Danish Trade Union Development Agency (DTDA).

In his message to participants, CNSM President Igor Zubcu underlined that education and continuous trade union training represent one of the 13 priority areas set out in the CNSM Strategy for 2022–2027, emphasizing the need to strengthen the capacities of trade union organizations and prepare a new generation of trade union trainers.

According to the trade union leader, the programme responds to the current need for well-trained trainers capable of organizing modern, interactive training sessions adapted to the real needs of trade union members.

Igor Zubcu noted that the practical experience gained in trade union activity must be complemented by pedagogical, communication, and facilitation skills in order to ensure the effectiveness of the training process. He also appreciated the involvement of the team of trainers, composed of specialists experienced in adult education and trade union training, who will provide participants with both theoretical knowledge and relevant practical examples.

For his part, Viorel Braga, Director General of the Labour Institute, highlighted the importance of continuous trade union education as an essential element for the development of a modern and strong trade union movement. He stressed that the training of trade union leaders and trainers directly contributes to strengthening the trade union movement in the Republic of Moldova and increasing the capacity of trade unions to respond to current labour market challenges.

The training programme has a total duration of 96 academic hours, structured into four thematic modules, and aims to develop the competencies necessary for designing, organizing, and facilitating trade union training sessions for adults.

The first module of the programme, held from May 27–29, 2026, at the Labour Institute, is dedicated to the fundamentals of trade union training and adult learning. The agenda includes topics such as the role of the trade union trainer, principles of trade union education, the specifics of adult learning, learning styles, and the use of modern teaching tools.

The programme uses interactive and participatory methods, including case studies, practical exercises, and training simulations, with the objective of strengthening an internal network of trade union trainers capable of actively contributing to the continuous development of the trade union movement in the Republic of Moldova.

At the end of the training, participants will develop and present individual trade union training projects, which will be evaluated by the CNSM Trade Union Trainers Certification Commission. Graduates of the programme will be responsible for applying the competencies acquired by organizing training sessions within the trade union structures that delegated them to the programme.

Through the implementation of this programme, CNSM reaffirms its commitment to the development of trade union education, the strengthening of trade union solidarity, and the preparation of a generation of leaders and trainers capable of actively contributing to the protection of the rights and interests of employees and trade union members in the Republic of Moldova.