The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) has a deep history and reputation of building and deploying the best educated Organisers and delegates across the country. We understand our reputation and our success was not by chance. Our reputation is the product of strategic and determined pursuit of knowledge and the appropriate recognition of our skills, alongside the fight for the right to continue to develop those capabilities.

We have a new strategy and blueprint solidifying our ambition to build and deliver our education capacity stronger and better than ever. To embolden and empower our members and delegates in the workplace and community to discuss and create impactful change in issues that affect their daily lives.

The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) is expanding its National Education Team and is looking for a new National Education Officer to play a critical role in building this transformative power through education and knowledge sharing in economics, politics, strategy, leadership skills, communications, training and organisational development.

An educated worker is an empowered worker. If you want to join us in transforming our workplaces and communities into knowledge centres for action, building solidarity, we invite you to come work with us, apply below now! 

Our Organisation

The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) is a progressive trade Union dedicated to advancing the rights and wellbeing of manufacturing workers and their communities. AMWU members work in the metals trades, printing, paper industry, vehicle industry, food and confectionery industry as well as technical trades and professions.

At the AMWU we are driven by our values. We are democratic, inclusive, fair and respectful; we do what we say; and we work strategically, standing together as one to deliver outcomes for members. We pride ourselves on bold member-led campaigns that effect real change and build workers’ power.

The AMWU is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage applications from First Nations people, women, people with disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and LGBTIQ+ people.

About the Role

The Education Officer role is offered at Level 1 or Level 2 based on experience. An Education Officer Level 2 plays a pivotal role in strengthening union leadership across Australia by designing and delivering adult education programs, coaching, and mentoring tailored to workplace leaders and Officials. With more than 2 years' experience in Union education, your role is to plan and facilitate strong discussion, across economics, politics, social issues, and though leadership. 

If you have the motivation, skills and experience to take up this work as National Education Officer, then we want to hear from you.

We highly value experience in a union or membership organisation, but please apply if your experience has developed elsewhere and you’re able to demonstrate how your skills are transferable. 

Responsibilities

Training Delivery: Design, develop, and deliver training programs to AMWU workplace leaders and union officials, including both classroom and on-the-job training, while ensuring follow-up programs are in place to reinforce learning. 

Coaching & Mentoring: Act as a mentor and coach for workplace leaders and officials, providing guidance to help them develop as effective union leaders.  

Content Development: Develop and adapt training content for a variety of areas, including organising, industrial relations, and campaigning, ensuring its relevance to current issues.

Autonomous Execution: Work independently to plan and deliver training, ensuring all content is aligned with the Union’s educational goals and strategies.   

Travel for Training: Regularly travel regionally and interstate to deliver training programs, ensuring widespread access to educational resources across the Union.

Legal & Compliance Knowledge: Ensure all educational content complies with Industrial Relations Laws and relevant regulations.  

Campaigning Integration: Integrate campaigning and industrial relations experience into training programs to ensure leaders are equipped to deal with real-world union challenges.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary at officer level 6 or 7 of our salary structure ($117,028.83 - $124,072.71)
• The opportunity to engage in meaningful work that leads to real change for working people
• A dynamic and supportive work environment
• Opportunity to work with passionate advocates for workers’ rights
• Generous working conditions including:
  • Monthly RDO
  • Hybrid work from home / office model
  • 12.5% superannuation
  • 17.5% annual leave loading (pro rata basis)
  • Additional Christmas shutdown leave 

Selection Criteria 

Essential

• Deep commitment to union values: justice, inclusion, equality, and social responsibility.
• Minimum 2 years' experience as a union educator focused on leadership development.
• Expertise in adult education, especially participatory learning techniques.
• Significant experience in training design and delivery (both formal and on-the-job).
• Strong coaching and mentoring capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with diverse groups.
• Proven ability to plan and execute independently.
• Ability to travel regularly (interstate and intrastate) to deliver training and engage with union members.
• Eligibility for a Fair Work Entry Permit.

Desirable

• Recent experience in union organising or campaigns
• Exposure to supply chain campaigning and training, with ability to weave these into course content
• Proven understanding of Australian political, legal and civil society contexts