If you’re passionate about workers’ rights, a career as a trade union apprentice may be right for you. Learn about the diverse role and responsibilities of trade union officials, including how you can turn your passion into a career by reading on.
The Role Of A Trade Union Official
A trade union official’s job is to organise and lead campaigns that recruit and retain union members, protect their employment rights, and improve their working conditions. They work with volunteers and other members to achieve these goals while adhering to the union’s overall policy. Also, they may also have the responsibility of leading a team of local volunteer representatives and reporting to senior union officials.
Typical day-to-day duties for this role includes:
- Promote trade union purpose and benefits
- Conduct research to identify strategic leverage
- Plan and manage campaigns
- Recruit new trade union members
- Retain existing members
- Create self-sustaining union structures
- Communicate effectively with stakeholders
- Represent individual members
- Undertake collective negotiations
- Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion
- Champion union’s policies and objectives
- Promote union learning
What qualifications will you need to start?
Apprentices will need a Level 2 qualification in English and Maths to take the end-point assessment. Apprentices who do not have this certification prior to taking the assessment will have to achieve it before taking it.
What skills will I develop?
- Create effective, inclusive membership structures using PESTEL analysis
- Build and maintain relationships for a successful union presence
- decision-making and campaign strategies
- Manage project lifecycles, from planning to evaluation
- Communicate effectively, persuasively, and actively listen to members
- Analyse membership data for retention and recruitment strategies
- Utilise legislation, policies, and codes for various union situations
- Adopt appropriate leadership styles and apply democratic principles
The behaviour and knowledge required for this role:
Behaviour Requirements:
- Demonstrates integrity, impartiality, honesty, and diligence.
- Champions positive behaviours and inspires others to do the same.
- Proactively works with the team and promotes inclusivity.
- Shares knowledge and ideas and empowers others.
- Acts justly and fairly and promotes access and inclusion.
- Takes responsibility for personal development and behaviour.
- Shows resilience and remains motivated in achieving outcomes.
Knowledge Requirements:
- Understand the impact of the trade union movement on society and workers’ rights
- Identify potential stakeholders and target audiences
- Recognise member motivations and trends influencing recruitment and retention
- Understand organising principles and practices for trade union workplaces
- Be familiar with relevant legislation, including employment law and equality
- Understand project management principles and campaign life cycles
Conclusion
Are you interested in becoming a Level 4 Trade Union Official? This apprenticeship offers an incredible opportunity to start a fulfilling career, making a positive impact on workers across the UK. Gain hands-on experience, earn money, and receive industry-recognised qualifications. Don’t miss this chance to kickstart your career! Alternatively, explore additional apprenticeship opportunities that may align with your interests! Find out more here and here.