AMWU Women

Are you ready to lead? 

The AMWU Women’s Leadership Development Program (WLDP) is a great initiative for AMWU women members interested in union leadership and activism at a workplace, industry, or broader union level.  

This is a paid training opportunity

Applications are now open - Submit your expression of interest

As an WLDP participant, you will participate in both face-to-face and on the job learning designed to develop and enhance your leadership skills, learn new skills in strategi c campaigning and planning, develop and enhance your communication skills and network and collaborate with other union women. 

During the program, you will be allocated a mentor who will work with you in between the courses to mentor you and further develop your skills as you work on a project back in your workplace. 

Who should apply? 

Ideally, you’ll have some knowledge and experience with the AMWU as a union activist or delegate or have experience in leadership and activism in other areas of your life.  

Below is a set of desirable selection criteria. If you do not meet all any of these criteria, but you demonstrate some of the personal attributes listed, you are still encouraged to apply.  

Desirable experience 

Participants will ideally have experience in one or more of the following areas: 

• Union workplace leadership- e.g. is AMWU delegate, HSR, member of the shop committee etc.  

• A commitment to trade unionism (as an AMWU member or elsewhere) 

• Experience as a workplace or community activist- e.g. have participated in collective action in the workplace, has participated in community campaigns 

• Experience in other forms of leadership- e.g. sporting groups, parents and friends committees etc.  

Personal attributes 

• Commitment to trade union values 

• Willingness and enthusiasm for learning  

• Reflects on own skills, knowledge and experiences  

• Encourages inclusion and fosters diversity in the workplace/community 

• Builds relationships and networks 

• Encourages and supports the learning of others 
  
  
• Ability to work collaboratively with others
  
  
• Ability to manage own time and learning 

Program details 

The WLDP is a 12-month program consisting of face to face learning, webinars, mentoring and project based work. Participants may be eligible for paid trade union training leave or other forms of leave to attend both in person and online components of the course.   

The face-to-face training days will be held in either Sydney or Melbourne. The AMWU will meet the travel and accommodation costs for participants.  

The core program dates and locations are listed below. Participants should be prepared to make themselves available for all dates.  

If you have any questions about the time commitment or would like to discuss what leave arrangements may be available before you apply, please get in touch. 

How to apply 

Interested participants should express a short expression of interest which addresses the following questions: 

1. What are the reasons you are applying for the program? 
2. What are you hoping to gain from participating in this program? 
3. What previous experience do you have as a leader or activist in your workplace or community? 
4. What do you see as key union values? How do you demonstrate these values in your workplace/community 
5. What is one condition/issue/challenge in your workplace you would like to see changed? 

Your EOI can be written either by filling out this form or you may choose to submit an audio or video application which answers the questions.  

The AMWU is committed to ensuring fairness and equity in the selection process- if there is another way you would prefer to submit your expression of interest which suits you better, please get in touch! 

Next steps: 

1. Submit your EOI by Friday 28th March either online here, or via email to [email protected]
2. Following your submission, you may be contacted for further information 
3. Successful applicants will be notified in the week beginning 14 April – we will be in touch with further details about the program and to negotiate your leave/release from work, if applicable. 
4. If you are not selected for the program, we will contact you in the week beginning 14 April to provide feedback on your application, and let you know about any alternative opportunities that may be available to you. 

Good luck! We can’t wait to meet you! 

For further information or to discuss your application, please contact [email protected].