Trade Union OFFICER

USEFUL LINKS

https://www.tuc.org.uk/jobs

https://jobs.theguardian.com/landingpage/2867665/jobs-union-html/

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/introduction-trade-unions#:~:text=can%20get%20help-,What%20a%20trade%20union%20is,are%20independent%20of%20any%20employer.

https://www.gov.uk/join-trade-union

JOB PROFILE

https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/trade-union-research-officer

https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/trade-union-official

Economic Careers

Human Resource Careers

Law Careers

Politic Careers

Sociology Careers

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.

How to become a trade union officer

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.

UNIVERSITY OPTIONS

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.