Trade union officials represent, train and advise union members, carry out research and develop policy. On a day to day basis advise members and management on legal or health and safety issues, study and interpret legal policy, agreements and procedures relating to work, recruit, train and support local officials and shop stewards, represent union members in negotiations or before industrial court and tribunal proceedings, deal with local disputes and case work, work as a learning representative and much more.

The main routes to get into this role are:

• A university course- there are many different degrees you could undertake in many different areas. 

• An apprenticeship- there are many relevant degree apprenticeships that can support you in becoming a trade union officer. 

• Working towards this role-  you could work your way up in this role by gaining an entry level job. 

• Applying directly- you can apply for trade union jobs directly if you've got qualifications and experience.

• Training with a professional body- you could do work-based training courses through Unionlearn or the General Federation of Trade Unions.

You will usually need 2-3 a levels to undertake a degree in a relevant area. You can study any subject however the more commons ones are:

• Social science

• Politics 

• Economics

• Law 

You may be able to join a national head office as a research officer straight from university, if you've got a relevant degree or postgraduate qualification.

Personal statement help:

https://universitycompare.com/personal-statement-examples/law

https://universitycompare.com/personal-statement-examples/politics

UCAS Courses:

https://www.ucas.com/explore/search/all?query=law

https://www.ucas.com/explore/search/all?query=politics

You could do a trade union official higher apprenticeship. This usually takes around 18 months to complete. Most people following this route have:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

• Experience in related work 

Apprenticeship Finders

https://careerfinder.ucas.com/searchjobs/?Keywords=motorsport&radialtown=&LocationId=&RadialLocation=5&NearFacetsShown=true&CountryCode=

https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

Interview Help 

https://www.globalguideline.com/interview_questions/Questions.php?sc=Unions&id=47427

https://www.mockquestions.com/position/Union+Representative/