Trade Union Official

Typical Salary

£30,000 To £80,000

Typical Hours

33 to 35 a week

evenings attending events or appointments

How To Become a Trade Union Official

You can get into this job through:

a university course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role
applying directly
training with a professional body

College / University

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. You could study any subject though common ones include:

social science
politics
economics
law

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Apprenticeship

You could do a trade union official higher apprenticeship.

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

Routes into this Career

You could start as a learning rep in a local union office. This would help you to get experience and an understanding of the workings of the union at ground level.

You may be able to apply directly if you've got a background in adult education or training and development.

It can also help if you have experience in the voluntary or public sector, or experience of tackling issues around equal opportunities, economics, or health and safety.

For many jobs at national head office level, you'll normally be qualified and experienced in a specialist area like:

employment or general law
economics
trade union legislation or organisation
media
research
education and training

Other Routes

You could do work-based training courses through Unionlearn or the General Federation of Trade Unions. Training like this could be useful when you apply to become a full-time paid official at a union's branch or regional office.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of human resources and employment law
knowledge of English language
analytical thinking skills
the ability to use your initiative
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
excellent verbal communication skills
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

At a regional level you may:

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

At the national head office you may:

develop national policy
carry out research
develop learning programmes for members
work in media relations
negotiate with employers organisations, political parties and government
represent the union at conferences

Working Environment

You could work in an office.

Career Path & Progression

With experience, you could become a regional secretary of your union or move into a post at national head office. You could also move into politics as a councillor or MP.

Volunteering Opportunities

There's a lot of competition for full-time jobs, so relevant paid or voluntary experience could give you a head start when you apply for work. Relevant experience could include:

advice work
student or local politics
mediation and negotiation jobs
campaigning

Tips & Information

Further information

You can find out more about working and training as a trade union official through the Trades Union Congress.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.