Education and Training

About our training

Training includes your rights as a representative in terms of what you can and can’t legally do in your role. Usually only one sub branch representative will be released from a branch for each course, though it is possible to apply for more to attend.

What does the training include?

A typical day-long course looks like this:

1. Your role as a union representative

• History and Structure of the AEU NT
• Rules of the AEU NT
• How does a sub-branch function?

Morning tea (provided)

2. What are teachers’ working conditions and entitlements?

Understanding laws and agreements:

• Fair Work Act
• Public Sector Employment and Management Act
• Teacher and Educator Enterprise Agreement
• Teacher Responsibilities Guide

Understanding policies and procedures:

• NTPS guidelines and Departmental policies

3. Building support for AEU NT campaigns

• Gonski and school funding
• Indigenous education 

Lunch (provided)

4. Dealing with conflict in the workplace and supporting members

• Establishing a relationship with your principal and senior staff
• Acting as a support person
• Giving advice and when to seek help

5. Legal rights of workplace delegates

• What legal protections exist for sub-branch representatives?
• What are my rights and responsibilities?
• How does the code of conduct apply to me?
• Support document: Commissioner’s Guidelines for Working with Unions

6. Recruitment and membership

• Who can be a member of the AEU NT?
• How to have a conversation about joining
• Keeping your sub-branch list up-to-date
• Non-members and the union

Afternoon tea

7. Communicating and organising in the workplace

• How to run a successful sub-branch
• Strategies for involving members
• Utilising social media and the AEU NT website