Merit Training
Last updated: 15 December 2022
AEU Merit Selection Training Requirements
The AEU policy on Merit Selection requires AEU members to complete both DfE Merit Selection Training and AEU Merit Selection Training to be eligible to sit on panels as an AEU Rep.
The DfE move to online only training now means that AEU members who wish to be AEU representatives on panels need to complete the DfE online session followed by an AEU Merit Selection training session. Without attending AEU Merit Selection training, you will still be able to participate as a chairperson, peer panellist, or staff representative, but you will not be eligible to be an AEU Rep. Once both sessions have been completed, AEU members can represent the AEU on merit selection panels as an AEU Rep.
AEU Merit Selection Training is valid for five (5) years. This training can only be extended by attending another AEU Merit Selection Training session - the AEU does not recognise participation on a panel as extending this eligibility. For further details about attending a retraining session with the AEU, please see the information listed below.
Merit Selection Policy and Procedures
The Department for Education Merit Selection Policy and Procedures were updated in 2021, the revised policy and procedures are now available online.
The AEU Merit Selection Policy and Procedures - Schools and Preschools was updated and endorsed in May 2021 by Branch Executive. Please follow this link to see the updated Policy and Procedures document.
A Panel Composition Table used in the training sessions is available by following this link.
A copy of the AEU Panellist Handbook, which includes frequently asked questions (FAQs), is available by following this link.
Please note that the AEU does not provide TRT release funding for attendance at Merit Selection Training sessions or to participate on a panel - the site with the vacancy is responsible for this.
AEU Retraining Sessions
If you trained in 2017 you need to attend a retraining session before the end of January 2023 otherwise your training will be removed from the AEU system as it will no longer be valid. The AEU runs merit selection retraining sessions for our members who are currently listed on the AEU database as being merit selection trained. AEU members, particularly sub-branch secretaries, are expected to undertake retraining in Merit Selection every five years. It is AEU Policy that our reps on panels attend a retraining session every five years to ensure that training is current, we do not recognise "sitting on a panel" as being equivalent to attending a retraining session.
AEU members who previously completed AEU Merit Selection training in 2018 will be due to update their training in 2023. The AEU Events and Training Team will contact you with details about attending training throughout the year. Please keep an eye out in your email inbox (and your junk mail!) for these details.
DfE Training
As of Term 2, 2020, DfE no longer provides face-to-face full day merit selection training sessions. The DfE training is now fully online and can be completed by DfE employees at any time. Please visit the Department's Plink website and search for 'Merit Selection training' (make sure it is the Education and Children's Services Act 2019 session for employees working in schools and preschools not the general public sector training).
AEU members who are sub-branch secretaries, PAC representatives, leaders or potential applicants for positions are strongly encouraged to complete this training online if they have not previously undertaken training.
There are no specified dates for this training as it is done independently and individually at any time.
AEU Supplementary Training
AEU Merit Selection Supplementary Training is currently undergoing some changes to the program over the new year. Check back in 2023 for further details. If you need to attend an AEU Merit Selection Training in the mean time, please book in to any of the available sessions listed below under 'Registrations'.
Registrations:
School Holiday AEU Merit Selection Training session - please click here. This is the last opportunity for AEU members who previously trained in 2017 to extend their AEU training certification. AEU members attending AEU Merit Selection training for the first time can also attend this session once they have completed the DfE Merit Selection training via Plink.
Term 1 AEU Merit Selection Retraining session - please click here. Book in to attend AEU Merit Selection Training on Thursday 2 March.
*The above links are only accessible if you have made a member account. An error message will display if you are not signed in. If you would like to make a member account click the 'sign in' icon at the top right corner of the webpage .
Alternatively you can find the information under the Events and Courses catalogue. Each event page will contain instructions on how to register for the Merit Selection trainings.
Further information on:
DfE Merit Selection Training is available from the Ethical Conduct Unit. Phone: 8226 1342.
AEU Merit Selection Retraining or Supplementary sessions is available from our training department. Phone: 8172 6300.