OPSEU/SEFPO’s Member Development Trainees (MDTs) and Staff Development Trainees (SDTs) were in Toronto late October to mark the halfway point of their program. The participants also learned about a variety of subjects, with staff from the Equity Unit, Negotiations, Pay Equity and the Member Education Unit providing workshops on diversity, collective bargaining, pay equity and work-life balance.
During the four-day seminar, MDTs and SDTs provided feedback on their experience during the first six weeks of the program. The members and staff discussed the highlights of their experience so far, and provided suggestions for program improvement to supervisors and administrators in the Employee Relations Unit and the Communications Division. Each participant commented on the value they were receiving from the program and what an eye-opening experience it has been.
The MDT/SDT program started in mid-September with a weeklong orientation introducing trainees to the various units within OPSEU/SEFPO, and to staff and the work that they do. Since the first week, participants were paired with a mentor and provided job shadowing opportunities. Those who had yet to take the OPSEU/SEFPO Train the Trainer (TTT) program participated in the Staff TTT program in mid-October.
What is the Membership Development Trainee Program?
The MDT (Membership Development Trainee) program was created to provide opportunities for OPSEU/SEFPO members from all sectors to experience what working at OPSEU/SEFPO would be like. It is designed to develop a pool of qualified and experienced applicants for a variety of staff vacancies that come up from time to time at OPSEU/SEFPO.
The MDT/SDT program goals include:
- Develop skills and experience within OPSEU/SEFPO membership and staff
- Assist in succession planning
- Promote diversity
- Preserve the history of the union
- Build and foster a collaborative environment
The program ends December 9, with additional training and a graduation farewell. The application process to participate in the Fall 2023 MDT/SDT program will take place during the summer of 2023 – so stay tuned!