Trade Union Official (NSW)

Trade Union Official (NSW/ACT)

Education and Training:

There are no specific educational requirements to become a trade union official. Unions provide on-the-job and formal training. People often enter this occupation after experience in industry. However, entry may be improved if you have a diploma, advanced diploma or degree in labour studies, industrial relations, human resource management or occupational health and safety. These courses are offered at most TAFE institutes and universities in NSW and the ACT. Refer to institution handbooks for further details.

To get into diploma, advanced diploma and degree courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English and mathematics are normally required. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Courses are also offered via distance education. See the Open Universities Australia website (www.open.edu.au) or contact the institutions you are interested in for further information.

Related Courses:

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

There are no courses currently linked to this job for this state/territory. Please try another state/territory.

Employment Opportunities:

Although there is no formal career structure within trade unions, opportunities exist to move from base-level trade union official positions up to president. Skills and experience gained are also transferable to other areas of work, such as industrial relations or politics.

The demand for trade union officials is affected by membership numbers, union involvement in enterprise bargaining agreements and amalgamations. The rules of each union determine the number of paid positions available.