VIEU Training

Rep Training

Rep training is available throughout the year. It is a fantastic opportunity to get together with other Reps and VIEU officers to update your knowledge and skills. 

Rep training is available at different levels and locations including: 

• Initial Rep Training: For Reps who are new to the role, or feel that they would like a refresher course.

• Experienced Rep Training: For Reps who have some experience in the role and have already completed the Initial Rep Training.

• Independent Rep Training: For Reps in Independent schools, focusing on a broad range of issues that are particular to the needs of Reps working in Christian schools.

• Regional Rep Training: VIEU is holding Rep training in Ballarat, Bendigo, Traralgon, Geelong, Wangaratta and Warrnambool ensuring that country Reps have access to updated and innovative training.

• Rep Camp: A dynamic residential training course for experienced Reps. Places are strictly limited - make sure that you get in early! 

All VIEU Reps in the Catholic sector are entitled to paid trade union training leave for one day per annum, to be taken at a time that is mutually convenient with the Principal. 
For VIEU Reps in the independent sector, VIEU will pay the school's replacement costs for Reps who attend training. 
Please register for your Rep Training Day as soon as possible so that materials and catering arrangements can be organised in advance. 

Initial Rep Training - Starting Up
This course is invaluable for new Reps and will provide knowledge and skills that will regularly be utilised. 
Training is provided on the basics of employment law. The "tools of the trade" will be discussed, including letters of appointment and how to use the awards and agreements that govern your working conditions. Areas covered will include dealing with difficult situations in your workplace and how to negotiate for successful outcomes. Ideas to increase the union membership in your school will be explored in addition to how to encourage other union members to assist you in your role. This also provides a fantastic opportunity to meet the VIEU officers who will support you in your role. 

Experienced Rep Training - Branching Out 
This course is aimed at Reps who have some experience in the role of Rep and have completed the initial Rep training. 
Training is provided across a range of areas including activating the sub-branch in your school and optimising the effectiveness of the consultative committee. Discussion will include how to handle workplace disputes, dealing with parental complaints, and workplace bullying. A refresher session on relevant awards, agreements and letters of appointment will also be held. 

Independent Reps Training 
This course is aimed at Reps who work in Christian schools. 
Training will cover a broad range of matters including current issues, understanding awards, agreements and letters of appointment, dealing with difficult situations in your workplace and dealing with parental complaints. All participants will be contacted prior to training to ensure that the training delivered meets the specific needs of those attending. 

Regional Training 
This course is aimed at all VIEU Reps in Regional Victoria.
Due to popular demand, VIEU will run Rep Training in Ballarat, Bendigo, Traralgon, Wangaratta, Geelong and Warrnambool. This training will be individually designed to meet the needs of the Reps in each region and all participants will be contacted before the training date to identify specific issues that they would like to have covered. This will provide an invaluable opportunity to get together with Reps from your local area, address specific workplace issues and to work with VIEU officers who are there to support you in your role. 
Please note that VIEU will run additional training in other regional areas if there is sufficient interest from members. If you live outside of these regional areas and would like VIEU training provided closer to your school, please contact the VIEU office on 9254 1860.

Rep Camp
VIEU is excited to be again holding Rep Camp, a residential course for experienced Reps that will be held over two days (one night). Training will focus on the role of the Rep, advanced campaigning skills, advocacy, industrial law, and national and international union issues. 
This dynamic and intensive course is designed to ensure that Reps have an opportunity to be exposed to current issues within the union movement. Prominent guest speakers will address participants. All costs will be met by the union.
Please note that numbers for this course are strictly limited and, if necessary, VIEU will select participants to ensure an equitable mix across the three sectors. VIEU will seek expressions of interest in Term 1. 
Date and Venue to be confirmed.

Rep Secondment Project
This exciting opportunity is designed to promote the involvement of Reps in the union movement.
Reps will work with the union on a mutually negotiated VIEU project. The purpose of the secondment project is to enable participants to work with and support the staff at VIEU, whilst furthering the aims of the union. The length of each project is equivalent to ten days, with the timing to be negotiated.
Reps interested in engaging further with the work of the union should register their interest with their organiser in the first instance. Please note that interviews will be undertaken to determine successful applicants. VIEU will cover all replacement costs at CRT rates. 

The Anna Stewart Memorial Program 
The Anna Stewart Memorial Program is a two-week secondment program designed to promote women's involvement in the union movement. 
During the two-week project successful VIEU applicant/s will be placed at the VIEU office and experience the full range of union work. This includes visiting a range of schools from both sectors and enterprise negotiations. In addition, all participants meet at Trades Hall for one whole day and two half days during the project to discuss women, work and union issues.
Please note that an interview process will be undertaken to determine the successful applicants. For more information and an application form, please click here or contact Therese O'Loughlin at the VIEU office.
VIEU covers all replacement costs at CRT rates.
Dates to be confirmed.