At the 2008 Delegates’ Convention, held in April this year, delegates recognised the need for training and development in order to fulfill their role as delegates and to strengthen the union in their workplace.

Three elements of training and development were identified and discussed, including content, delivery and follow-up.

In 2009 Delegate Development Training will further deliver on the expectations of Queensland delegates, providing them with information on the day-to-day duties of a delegate, the need for on-going political action for workplace rights, workplace health and safety, enterprise bargaining agreements, recruitment techniques, objection handling and improved communications skills.

Further improvements to the delivery of development training will also be implemented with face-to-face courses scheduled to be held in both metropolitan and regional centres across the state.

Delegates will also be invited to attend follow-up courses, in an attempt to ensure they are confident in putting their new skills into practice in their workplaces.

Follow-up courses will allow delegates to discuss their experiences post development training and will assist in identifying and capitalising on their strengths in their management of issues in the workplace.

Any areas of weakness or uncertainty can be further discussed to improve understanding and confidence for the future.

All participants to date have contributed positively to the program and have expressed support for continued delegates training in the future.

The first delegates’ development training course for 2009 is scheduled for early February, with follow-up training in early March. Delegates interested in attending this course should speak with their organiser in the New Year.

A complete schedule of additional training courses for 2009 will be made available in the New Year.

Here are just a few comments from delegates who participated in Delegates Development Training in the last few months:

“Having been a union delegate for quite a few years I was really excited for the new delegates at my workplace to go through development training. I really enjoyed learning about the history of our union. I feel our delegates are now better equipped to help our fellow workmates in the future.”
Paula Wolfenden, Kedron Wavell Services Club

“Delegate training has enabled me to widen my knowledge of workers rights and how to deal with issues that arise at work. It was also a good opportunity for delegates to share their experiences and successes. Training is an important part of moving forward as a union and I would encourage all delegates to attend. Building an organised workplace will deliver better outcomes.”
Virginia Hamilton, Tewantin Royal Mail Hotel

“As a new delegate I really appreciated the opportunity to be involved in development training as it has given me a better understanding of my role in the workplace. I’m looking forward to putting some of the skills I learnt into practice.”
Christopher Watson, Kedron Wavell Services Club