How to become a INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS OFFICER Industrial relations officers manage employment conditions and related issues. Australian Catholic University National • Brisbane Campus Industrial relations officers aim to encourage employees and employers to work towards effective organisational practices. They may represent industrial, commercial, union, employer or other organisations in industrial negotiations. Central Queensland University • Bundaberg, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay and Rockhampton Campuses and Distance Education Industrial relations officers may perform the following tasks: • advise on the operation of industrial awards and agreements • undertake negotiations on rates of pay and conditions of employment for employees and employers • develop and administer policies on different employee classifications, wage structures and related matters • establish and maintain good relationships between employers and employees • examine and attempt to resolve industrial disputes and grievances in the workplace (e.g. by acting as the management representative in discussions with trade unions about the effects of technological change on the duties of employees in a manufacturing workshop) • study and interpret relevant industrial legislation (the laws formulated by parliament to control industrial practices in the workplace) • advise others on the proper procedures for carrying out negotiations and on the special regulations relating to employment and salary agreements • conduct research into particular industrial relations issues (e.g. the effects of changes in work practices on productivity) • represent an industrial group as a representative before industrial tribunals • advise on or develop and negotiate enterprise-based agreements. The work of industrial relations officers varies according to where they are employed. Those working for organisations with a large workforce aim to minimise industrial disputes by acting as a communication link between management and employees. Those working for employer associations or trade unions aim to protect the interests and maximise the benefits of the group they are representing. Personal Requirements: • good communication skills • good conflict-resolution skills • willing to work within rules (legislative and legal). Education and Training: To become an industrial relations officer you usually have to complete a degree at university with a focus on industrial relations or human resource management. To get into these courses you usually need to pass your QCE. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, and mathematics A, B or C are normally required. Applicants may also be required to attend an interview, sit a written test or supply a written school reference. The various universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change. Degree Courses: The following universities offer degree courses with a major in industrial relations or human resource management, 3 years full time or equivalent. Griffith University • Gold Coast, Logan and Nathan Campuses James Cook University • Cairns and Townsville Campuses Queensland University of Technology • Caboolture and Gardens Point Campuses Southern Cross University • Tweed Gold Coast Campus University of Queensland • St Lucia Campus University of Southern Queensland • Toowoomba and Springfield Campuses and Distance Education University of the Sunshine Coast Employment Opportunities: Industrial relations officers may be employed by large private or public sector organisations, employer associations, trade unions or the government. Some may progress to consultant and principal consultant within organisations or work for themselves. Their duties often include human resource management. New graduates may have difficulty in obtaining immediate employment in industrial relations and may have to work initially in a related field, such as human resources. Prospects are better for experienced industrial relations officers who have proven their ability in this area. For Further Information: Australian Industrial Relations Commission (QLD) www.airc.gov.au Australian Human Resources Institute (National Office) www.ahri.com.au Queensland Council of Unions www.qcu.asn.au