Last Friday, at the Geelong union office, apprentices, organisers and union affiliates gathered for a relaxing night of information, discussion and refreshments.

Apprentice Officer David Roach said that he had visited around 40 sites in the Geelong area and spoke to three classes at the Geelong Trades School, encouraging apprentices to come along and see what the union could do for them.

The information sessions focused on the benefits and services that union members have access to, but also the importance of Occupational Health and Safety and the history of the AMWU.

Of the 22 apprentices who attended, 14 signed up and others expressed interest in having an organiser come out and speak to them on site.
“A lot of these young workers didn’t realise what the union could do for them” said Mr Roach.

“The night was a great success and a chance to dispel some of the myths that bosses use to try and scare apprentices away from joining the union.
“The times when they really opened up and came and talked to us was when we had the BBQ and refreshments,” said Mr Roach.

As the new AMWU Apprentice Officer, David Roach will continue to hold these informal information sessions for apprentices all over the state.

“We’re looking forward to talking with more apprentices over the coming months in both metropolitan and regional areas such as Albury," said Mr Roach.