


Applications open on 27 March for 2026 commencement!
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About Organising Works
The Australian Organising Works program was established in 1994 to recruit and develop waves of union Organisers – the original disruptors!
Since then, more than 1,000 Organisers have completed the program, playing their part in building a strong and united movement of workers through both challenging and exciting times.
In 2020, the program went on hiatus due to the pandemic. This break in delivery created the opportunity to reflect on the program, to explore every crevasse, and assess what the program of tomorrow needs to look like.
Following the huge success of the relaunch in 2023, Organising Works is back on the ATUI calendar and developing the next generation of union leaders.
Who is the program for?
Organising Works is open to people who are driven by a thirst to change the world.
At the cutting edge of new strategies to build worker power, Organising Works trainees don’t just change workplaces, they change the Australian union movement.
Applications are particularly encouraged from women, people of colour, people with physical and intellectual disabilities and the LGBTQIA+ community.
The ACTU strives to ensure our recruitment process and traineeship supports everyone in our community to take steps to be active in the union movement.
“I was 22 when I started, and it was an incredible privilege to be taught and mentored by such experienced and deeply committed unionists. Organising Works injected new energy and ideas into our movement.
The challenge then, is the same challenge now: growing our movement. Every generation needs to face these challenges and deal with it on their own terms.”
Sally McManus, ACTU Secretary
About the program
Trainees are employed by a union who support them as a new entrant to the role of Organiser by facilitating their participation in the comprehensive 12-month training program.
Trainees receive a mix of face-to-face education, online webinars, and self-paced online learning. Development of experience comes through their role, but also through Campaign Clinics.
Campaign Clinics deploy trainees in live campaigns, where they have opportunities to develop and implement all aspects of campaigning including planning, communications, recruitment, member decision making, mobilisation and engagement strategies.
Campaign Clinics provide opportunities for developing trainees’ learning and experience while providing ACTU affiliated unions with a resource to draw on for intensive campaign situations.
Key Dates
27 March 2025 | Applications open
Resources
Affiliate Flyer
Become a sponsoring union – take on an Organising Works trainee in our next wave of leaders.
Applicant Flyer
Organising Works is a training program developing new waves of diverse Organisers.
Application Pack
All the details of the program and how to apply for the next wave of Organising Works.
Organising Works Review
Throughout 2022, a review was initiated to evaluate the program and plan for future iterations of Organising Works.
Useful Links
Are you a union that is interested in sponsoring one or more trainees in the next wave?
Throw your support behind this important program for the next generation of organisers.
Are you already a union Organiser and interested in training options?
The Australian Trade Union Institute offers courses for Organisers at any level of experience.
Are you an Organising Works graduate and want to share your story and support trainees?
Join the network where you can meet fellow alumni and support future leaders through the journey.