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What is Union Summer in July?

Union Summer in July  is a paid 2-week internship run by the Victorian Trades Hall Council. HACSU will be hosting two interns this July. It’s designed specifically to introduce young people to unionism, and give them first-hand experience of what unions do. It’s also an awesome opportunity for young people to contribute to building the union movement in Victoria, and to develop their campaigning and activist skills!

The program combines training, run by the Young Worker team from Trades Hall with guest presenters from a variety of unions, and placement at various host unions.

Participants are also expected to complete a research project during their time with their host union.

What happens in a placement?

Many of the unions who host Union Summer participants will want to involve you in their day-to-day activities as much as possible – therefore, every participants experience will vary a little bit! That said, most of the people who do Union Summer will:

• Visit a work site
• Learn how to have an organising conversation
• Attend a hearing at Fair Work
• Meet with an employer
• Participate in a campaign event
• Meet delegates and rank & file members
• Be given an overview of union’s organisational and structure, including its rules

Participants also spend several days with the rest of their Union Summer cohort and the Young Workers team at Trades Hall.

Research project

As part of the Union Summer program, participants complete a research project. This is a compulsory part of the program.

Projects are completed over the duration of the program, with presentation occurring on the final day.

Participants have the freedom to choose their own topic based on their experiences with their host Union. Previous ideas have included:

• Recruitment of casual employees.
• Approaches to online communication.
• Organising apprentices around OHS.
• Activating and engaging trainees and apprentices at TAFE.
• Developing youth committees in unions.
• Organising young workers in call centres. 

Projects are flexible and will be discussed with participants before the commencement of the program. 

When?

When: July 9 to July 20, 2018

All participants will be paid the full adult minimum wage.

Who should apply?

This program has been specifically designed to develop the skills and abilities of young people, and equip young people with the knowledge they need to make real changes in their schools, workplaces, and communities.

While there are no specific pre-requisites for applying, a proven interest in social justice and workplace issues is always beneficial.

CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION

Check out what previous interns placed at HACSU say about their experience: