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Union Summer

Union Summer is a three-week internship program that gives young people the opportunity to experience union organising and campaigning firsthand.

Each year, successful interns are placed with a participating union, where they gain practical experience, take part in training and learn about the day-to-day work of the union movement.

Union Summer is aimed at young people who are interested in workers’ rights, social justice and creating positive change. It’s a great opportunity to learn how unions work, how workers organise and how the union movement campaigns to improve the lives of working people and their families.

There are no prerequisites to apply. Experience in union, community, social justice or student activism is desirable, but we are interested in hearing from anyone who is passionate about workers’ rights and wants to get involved.

Applications for Union Summer 2027 are now open!

The next Union Summer program will run from Monday 1 February to Friday 13 February 2027.

Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday 1 November 2026.

Apply via the form below or here.

 

Union Summer testimonials

"Interning at a union is the perfect way to learn directly from unionists about movement-building and get hands-on experience campaigning. You will be supported and welcomed into an environment full of passionate people working to achieve important social change. If you are interested about the union movement in any way, apply now!"
ClaireNational Campaigner, TWU
Claire
"Participating in Union Summer is a massive life changer for me. Being able to work alongside like minded people and being able to help people was a fulfilling experience that I am now grateful to have as a career in now."
JadenOrganiser, PSA
Jaden
"Union Summer was a fantastic experience. I had been involved in plenty of activism before starting the internship but my time at Unions NSW was the most impactful 3 weeks of campaigning I had undertaken. I got to help organise actions with leaders from across the union movement and left with a strong sense of solidarity with workers from diverse backgrounds and professions."
RaulPolicy Advocacy Officer, Uniting Church Australia
Raul
“Union Summer was an incredible opportunity to gain hands-on experience in union organising and advocacy, while deepening my understanding of the history and impact of unions in Australia—something far more significant than many people realise. During the program, I had the chance to intern directly at Unions NSW, supporting their campaign alongside the ACTU for the 2025 federal election, which gave me valuable insight into how unions advocate for change during critical political moments. This internship is an excellent entry point not only for those already passionate about the movement, but also for anyone curious to explore and build experience in this space.”
AmadeneField Organiser, Unions NSW
Amadene