If you work as an education support worker in NSW, it’s essential to understand the industrial award or certified agreement that applies to your position. These agreements outline your rights and obligations as an employee and govern matters like wages, hours of work, leave entitlements, and dispute resolution.
There are two primary industrial instruments that cover education support workers in NSW: the Education Services (Schools) General Staff Award and the NSW and ACT Catholic Systemic Schools Enterprise Agreement.
The Education Services (Schools) General Staff Award covers employees in government schools and TAFE colleges. It outlines pay rates, classifications, and conditions of employment for staff such as teacher’s aides, administrative assistants, and library assistants.
Under this award, education support workers are classified into levels ranging from Level 1 to Level 7, with Level 1 being the lowest level and Level 7 being the highest. Your level will be determined by factors such as your qualifications, experience, and job responsibilities.
The NSW and ACT Catholic Systemic Schools Enterprise Agreement, on the other hand, covers employees in Catholic schools in NSW and the ACT. This agreement covers similar matters to the Education Services (Schools) General Staff Award, including wage rates and leave entitlements.
Under this agreement, education support workers are also classified by levels, with Level 1 being the lowest and Level 11 being the highest. The level and pay rate you receive will depend on your qualifications, experience, and job responsibilities.
It’s worth noting that not all education support workers in NSW are covered by these agreements. Some employees may be covered by other awards or agreements, so it’s important to check which one applies to your position.
If you have any questions or concerns about your industrial award or certified agreement, reach out to your employer or union representative. They can provide you with more information and help ensure that your rights as an employee are protected.