This article by Kareena Waters from Industry OneCARD explains her solution to a problem students are experiencing when they apply for jobs.
Students often don’t understand the difference between a VET Delivered in Schools course, and their non VET school curriculum. When potential employers ask them if they have any certificates, the reply is often “No” or “I don’t know”.
Case Study
A construction/mining employer recently decided to engage a couple of school graduates for a Traineeship in Administration.
After screening resumes and interviews, they finally choose a couple of very suitable candidates, only to find that when the Australian Apprentice Support Network (AASN) signed up the candidate into a traineeship, one already had a Cert III Business Admin, and the other had completed most of the core units.
There was no record of these achievements on their resumes, or any reference to the training during the interview or understand the significance and the value of ‘That training we did at school’.
The Gap
There is a gap between what students do, and their understanding of how their work contributes to their resume.
Employer’s ability to engage a student on a traineeship is impacted by what VET in Schools certificates a student has commenced or obtained.
Many students have been issued a Unique Student Identifier (USI) but have no idea what it is, or how to access their portal.
Even though Nationally Accredited Units will be recorded on the student’s USI most employers:
want to view and save the certificates, not the USI transcript, and
want to know about any inductions, safety and other inhouse training from students work placement, and or part times jobs, which won’t appear on a USI.
The OneCARD ™ provides a platform to help employers manage the administrative nightmare of employees’ training and licence records.
Kareena Waters Founder of Industry OneCARD ™ and her team want to provide students, trainees and apprentices a complimentary Industry OneCARD™, to help keep all their certificates, induction records and achievements in one place, and to support the cultivation of good habits around the management of their valuable achievements both accredited and non-accredited.
We have built some great features into Industry OneCARD™ that help when someone is applying for positions, that ensure all records are presented to a recruiter, in a high professional standard.
I wrote the Study Coach to help you to save time and get better marks.
You need great marks to:
get the most out of scholarships on offer and
get into competitive courses.
Each ATAR subject area delivers ATAR success workshops throughout the year. Your teachers will tell you about them and I will put them into the Infocus Careers News as they are scheduled.
Check out study coaches and ATAR revision programs HERE.
There are information evenings throughout the year. Keep up with the Infocus Careers News to find what is coming up.
There are career advisors employed by every university. Think of some questions to ask. Make an appointment and visit them.
Alternative Entry Pathways
Creating a portfolio of your work is just one alternative pathway to university. If you want to try for portfolio entry you will need to start putting your portfolio together.
Check out the alternative pathways to university in Western Australia HERE.
Summary
These tips help you to create a smooth pathway from school to uni:
Get uni credits while still at school
Get Great marks
Check out unis
Check out courses
Check out alternative pathways
Get career news for Western Australians
Get career information curated for West Australians. Subscribe to Infocus Careers News.
When you step outside school for the last time, you will need to take a new direction. This is a time of opportunity.
Even a faint dream can lead you in the right direction. WANTING to believe that you can achieve your dream can be enough to get you started.
Seeing each other will not be automatic. You need to make the effort to maintain contact. Arrange to meet with a wide group of friends during the holidays.
Take a Gap Year
The range of opportunities for overseas travel is limited but they still exist. LetzLive is an Australian company providing Gap Year and Working Holiday programmes for school leavers. Positions are available for their January 2022 intake to New Zealand, The United Kingdom and Thailand.
Western Australia has a shortage of workers. Many employers are paying high wages to unskilled workers. We saw the shortages last year when farmers couldn’t get workers. This led to the Work and Wander program designed to attract workers into picking fruit and vegetables.
Things are more desperate this year. Builders, farmers, restaurant owners. They are all looking for workers.
There has never been a better time to earn good money, learn about life after school, and make clearer decisions about exactly what to study.
If you want a Job, it’s who you know that counts
You need to be connected, visible and credible. See It’s Who You Know That Counts for tips on how to use your networks to get a job.
To get many jobs in Western Australia you need a driver’s licence. If you haven’t started to get one, start now. Go to this site to get started.
Tax File Number
If you want to get paid employment you will need a Tax File Number. You can apply HERE.
Bank Account
If you haven’t got a bank account, you will need one. Go to the MoneySmart site to get financial advice on how to manage money now that it is largely invisible. That site also has a budget planner.
Create a Job Application Portfolio
Put COPIES of your stuff from your school and life in your folio. Put the original in a safe place.
You folio can have:
Your resume/CV. Youth Central provides tips for school students. Remember, your resume is not your life story, it is your pitch to a potential employer.
Your application for the job/scholarship/course you are going for. You can get help from a Jobs and Skills Centre to do this.
References from teachers, coaches, mentors
Photos of prizes you have won
Reports
Certificates
Photos of projects (photos of you working on a car, building something, doing community service, art, cooking)
Anything else you can think of that will show you in a good light.
You could go to Uni
Most school leavers go to uni. Universities have promoted the school to uni pathway so well that many students don’t think of alternatives.
Every university has some sort of uni preparation course. These courses are probably better than going straight into a course you are not sure of. They give you the chance to explore life at uni and to check out different courses.
Most of these courses are free and you learn how to do research, write assignments and do referencing. Students who do these alternative pathways typically do well when they envol in a degree.
Check out the different WA alternative pathways,
Pick your uni and enrol in 4 week or one semester course
Work with career advisors while you are at the uni.
Which Uni is Best for You
There are five main universities in WA. Most teach similar undergraduate courses with a few specialist courses like medicine at Curtin and Veterinary Science at Murdoch.
Your decision to study may depend on finances. If you are 18 – 24 and you have supported yourself for 18 months you MAY qualify for Youth Allowance.
Check the Youth Allowance site to see if there are any benefits that you are eligible for. There is an Ask for Help button which could save you hours trying to get through on the phone. If you need to leave home to study don’t forget to ask about travel allowance.
Also check for financial assistance on the Good Universities Guide site HERE.
There are scholarships for so many purposes, not just academic excellence and they are often only available when you start university or TAFE. Search online for scholarships in your field. The Good Universities Guide tries to capture most scholarships on its site.
Ask your career advisor for help searching for scholarships.
TAFE is booming
Lots of TAFE courses are free or low cost in 2022.
Check out the different courses that the VET Award finalists for 2021 were enrolled in. The scope of careers available through TAFE is huge.
A VET course can get you into the high demand cyber security industry or into a specialist health career without getting a degree. There are also apprenticeships and traineeships that you expect to get from TAFE. See:
Go to a Jobs and Skills Centre which is probably on the same campus as your local TAFE. They have diagnostic tools that will help them to point you in the right direction.
Subscribe to In Focus Careers News
Bev Johnson
Infocus Careers is an independent organisation which is solely supported by insanely great subscribers who share information with me, support each other and help me to pay my bills.
I can talk about careers under water so if you would like to chat about how I can help you to improve your career or the services you deliver, give me a ring on 0434056412 or email me at Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.au
Some of Hayden’s fondest childhood memories involve holding a torch as his dad, grandad and pop tinkered under the bonnet of a car. The family connection and the ability to bring something broken back to life is what led the apprentice mechanic to study a Certificate III in Light Vehicle Automotive with North Metropolitan TAFE.
With on-the-job learning at mycar, Hayden has helped induct and teach new team members about safety, work practices and methods of fixing cars, and recognises that technology is moving quickly.
Visiting Kalgoorlie’s ‘super pit’ as a child and seeing all of the machines in action was enough to convince Joann of a career in mechanics. She followed her childhood dream, completing an apprenticeship as a mobile plant mechanic and landed a job with BHP.
Joann was open to every opportunity as she completed the Automotive Technician (Heavy Mobile Equipment) course through the Westrac Institute, and wanted to show that women can work and achieve their dreams in a male-dominated industry.
Stacey-Lee always loved pulling things apart to see how they worked, so much so that at the age of 12 she started building bicycles. After years working in painting, mining, hospitality management and government administration, Stacey Lee’s determination to pursue a career she is truly passionate about has come full circle, completing a Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade (Mechanical Fitter) through South Metropolitan TAFE, and she is just shy of achieving her Diploma in Engineering.
Stacey-Lee has had to battle health issues throughout her studies, making her achievement of winning South Metropolitan TAFE’s Apprentice of the Year 2020 even more special.
Christian Ferrone, Bayswater: Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
Certificate IV Aeroskills – Photo courtesy TAFE Gippsland
A curiosity for how things work and a love of aeroplanes led Christian to pursue a career as a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. Now employed by ExecuJet MRO Services Australia – where he completed his apprenticeship – the course taught him how to safely maintain gas turbine and propeller driven fixed wing aircraft.
Christian completed the Diploma in Aeroskills (Mechanical) with a 95 per cent course average and was in the first cohort of WA apprentices through RTO Aviation Australia.
Now a mentor for other apprentices coming through, Christian knows teamwork is an essential part of the aviation industry.
WA Trainee of the Year Finalists
Bonnie Barber, Bridgetown: Administration
Bonnie knew she wanted to join the mining industry when she was in her final year of school, but she did not know which career pathway to follow with the many options available in the sector.
An administration traineeship through Combined Team Services and working with Talison Lithium gave her the perfect mix of support and resources, and she found the ability to study and work a full-time job attractive.
Bonnie says the Certificate IV in Business qualification and hands-on experience has set her up for a fulfilling career working in a field she is passionate about, and she has now accepted a new position as Human Resource Administration Assistant working in her dream professional field.
Amber Ugle-Hayward, Karrinyup: Government
Wanting to pursue a career that was meaningful, challenging and would make a positive impact on the lives of many Western Australians, Amber applied for the Public Sector Commission’s Aboriginal Traineeship Program, knowing it would give her a ‘foot in the door’ to government. Amber has made the most of her placement with the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, gaining practical knowledge while completing a Certificate III in Government through Aspire Performance Training.
Throughout the traineeship, Amber has proactively sought opportunities to further her career and expand networks, establishing a reputation as a highly competent team member who consistently displays leadership, collaboration, respect and integrity.
Amber says the experience has allowed her to develop her confidence and communication skills to raise awareness of Aboriginal culture within the State Government, and directly influence the department’s internal policies.
Vikki Doecke, Kelmscott: Leadership and Management
Passionate about food and hospitality since becoming a chef in her early 20s, Vikki wanted to stay in the industry but broaden her career. Initially afraid to make the change into management, Vikki says she finally started living life on her terms.
A Certificate IV in Leadership and Management through Stanborough Wemyss Contracting was the perfect training alongside her Assistant Village Manager role with Sodexo, which provides catering and managing services at mine sites.
The course developed Vikki’s leadership skills so much so that she is now Village Manager of the Wintamarra site and thoroughly enjoys applying all of her past experience with her newly acquired skills.
WA Vocational Student of the Year finalists
Maxine Turner, Fremantle: Community Services
Volunteering throughout India and Vietnam helping disadvantaged children and families guided Maxine towards her chosen career. Completing a Diploma of Community Services through North Metropolitan TAFE led Maxine to gaining full-time work at the Department of Communities, Child Protection and Family Support, following a successful work experience stint.
Maxine now gets to carry out her passion for helping those in need on a daily basis, using the skills and knowledge obtained through her course in her role as a residential worker.
Nerine Boulter, White Gum Valley: Aquaculture
Returning to study as a mature age student gave Nerine a passion for learning that she had not experienced before. Her enthusiasm for sustainable aquaculture has been ignited during completion of the Diploma of Aquaculture at South Metropolitan TAFE, where has excelled, nominated for the South Metropolitan TAFE’s Vocational Student of the Year in 2019 and 2020.
Nerine hopes to build her own sustainable, environmentally friendly business, growing and harvesting native seaweed for use in health foods, animal feed, cosmetics, bio-plastics and bio-fuel.
Meg Maroni, Albany: Information Technology
Achieving a better future for her local community by implementing and demonstrating digital technologies led Meg to complete her Certificate IV in Information Technology at South Regional TAFE.
Now employed in the industry as the Technical Support Officer for Little Grove Primary School, Meg applies the skills gained in her studies every day to the upkeep of the school’s physical and networking digital infrastructure, and maintenance of implemented systems and software. Meg also assists teaching staff to design class exercises and assignments to fulfil their digital curriculum, and is now tutoring a student carrying out the same course she successfully completed.
Zoe Tucker, Bayswater: Landscape Design
Twenty years after leaving school, Zoe finally feels like she has found her pathway. Finding traditional work roles not conducive to family life, the single mother of three took the plunge towards a new career and followed her passion, studying a Certificate IV in Landscape Design – a perfect fit for a creative person with a love of plants and nature and background in architecture.
Zoe has not looked back, winning South Metropolitan TAFE’s Vocational Student of the Year 2020 and relishing the opportunity to create greener spaces.
WA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of the Year 2021 finalists
Kevin Wilson, Victoria Park: Graphic Design
Growing up as a Wongai man from the Goldfields region, Kevin has had an interest in art for as long as he can remember. After a few years and a few too many run-ins with police, he decided he could not keep going down that path, so he signed up for an apprenticeship in print finishing at North Metropolitan TAFE, which was just the beginning of his TAFE journey. After completing his Diploma in Graphic Design, he continued on to the Advanced Diploma, becoming more confident in himself, his work and how he speaks about it. Kevin says he feels like he has found his calling in life, and since finishing has gone on to co-found Nani Creative, a graphic design company specialising in design for projects promoting Aboriginal tourism.
Grant Syron, Como: Maritime Operations
Sailing the seas may not be for everyone, but for Grant, pursuing a maritime career was an opportunity to see the world, meet new people and have a new challenge every day. From growing up in a Sydney housing commission, Grant says he had wonderful role models in his hard-working parents, who showed him anything is achievable if you put your mind to it.
After completing the Diploma of Maritime Operations (Watchkeeper Deck) through South Metropolitan TAFE, Grant has gone on to become a second officer, with his qualification allowing him to travel the world working on any ship.
Grant’s hard work and commitment is an inspiration to the whole community, and he has ambitions to take his studies and career development even further, with his long-term goal of becoming a Master Mariner.
Keira Gentle, Ridgewood: Fashion Design and Merchandising
From a young age Keira wanted to design clothes, and after a massive life turn around she decided to take a leap and enrol in a Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising at North Metropolitan TAFE. Juggling full-time study with being mum to her daughter, Keira said she has not looked back and is living her dream daily, with the opportunity to explore her creative side and the routine of study giving her the strength to manage her time and provide balance in her life.
Most importantly, studying the course has sparked her creative side that was always there but needed to be developed and nurtured.
Keira says that connection to creativity has been life changing, and she can now see a future where she can work in an industry that she loves, and has all the skills needed to develop a satisfying and challenging career.
Losing his father at the age of 13, Sterling did not know what he wanted to do with his life, but had the mental push to make his dad proud. Making the most of every opportunity that came his way, he jumped at the chance to take up an apprenticeship through South Metropolitan TAFE and the National Energy Technician Training Scheme (NETTS), completing a Certificate III in Engineering – Industrial Electrician.
His journey in the oil and gas sector has given him valuable life skills as well as experience in a thriving sector. Sterling has been a strong ambassador and role model, assisting younger apprentices and promoting the NETTS program by public speaking at schools.
WA School-based Apprentice of the Year finalists
Courtney Short, Ellenbrook: Commercial Cookery
Chef apprentice
Preparing meals with and for her family has always brought great joy to Courtney, so it seemed a natural fit to pursue her love of cooking at the age of 15, commencing a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery.
Successfully juggling her school work at Mercy College with an apprenticeship through North Metropolitan TAFE, Courtney says the knowledge and skills she has already developed by working alongside chefs at Pan Pacific Hotel (through Hospitality Group Training) are essential for working in the industry.
Now aged 17, Courtney is well on her way to achieving her dream of becoming a chef and she is so pleased she followed a VET pathway.
Taj Morris, Glenfield: Commercial Cookery
Working as a waiter in his nan and pop’s family restaurant gave Taj his first taste of the hospitality industry. With his mother and two uncles all chefs, cooking is in his blood, so it was an easy choice for Taj to do a school-based apprenticeship, taking on a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery at Geraldton’s Central Regional TAFE.
Taj says with a chef qualification he knows he will have many future employment opportunities and feels that the chance to learn practical industry skills while still studying at Nagle Catholic College has prepared him well.
Samantha Winter, Lower Chittering: Government
In Year 10 and unsure of what career pathway to pursue, Samantha heard about the Certificate II in Government through the Public Sector Commission’s school-based traineeship. Seeing it as a great opportunity, Samantha started the traineeship through Aspire Performance Training.
Juggling Year 12 at Bullsbrook College three days a week, a large portion of Samantha’s training is done on the job at Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.
Samantha sees it as a major head start in the workforce, broadening her knowledge, making connections and gaining independence and confidence.
WA Cultural Diversity Training Award 2021 finalists
Marli Nicholls, Carlisle: English as an Additional Language
With knowledge and experience already gained from her home country Brazil, Marli knew that the language barrier was the only thing in her way when relocating to Perth with her Australian husband and their children.
Marli decided to take English classes to start her new life here, enrolling in Certificate IV EAL (English as an Additional Language) at South Metropolitan TAFE, to help her work, connect with people, make new friends and participate in the local community and her children’s school.
Marli says her course has offered her so much more than language skills, gaining self-confidence, time management, teamwork, problem-solving and leadership skills.
Agnes Toluwade, Leeming: Mental Health
Migrating from Nigeria in 2015, the first time Agnes heard about the suicide of a teenager on the news, she was jolted. Determined to take action and contribute to her new home country, Agnes decided to study a Certificate IV in Mental Health and be part of the solution for a mentally healthy Australia.
The course at North Metropolitan TAFE has helped her understand the many issues that impact on mental health and the ways to support people’s recovery.
Agnes has crossed several barriers to pursue her study and hopes that others in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities will see that studying at TAFE offers many opportunities.
WA International Student of the Year finalists
Johanna Faber, Yokine: Travel and Tourism
Johanna has always been passionate about travelling, so when she came to Australia from Germany in 2017 and fell in love with the country, she decided she wanted a career in travel and tourism.
By studying in a different country, Johanna felt it would offer her the opportunity of experiencing travel and tourism first-hand, taking part in a different culture and learning a new language while completing her course – a Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management at North Metropolitan TAFE.
Studying allowed Johanna to gain confidence in communicating in English while learning the many facets of the industry, and she was able to land a job as a travel consultant. While COVID-19 forced the closure of the office, it has not deterred Johanna from working in the industry.
Shalynn Buss, Lathlain: Event Management
Back in Canada in 2014, Shalynn was studying Business Administration to become a lawyer. During her studies she took an introduction to events elective course, which sparked her love of creating something out of nothing that brought people together. Fast forward to July 2020, she finally took the plunge into formalising her passion, starting a Diploma of Event Management through South Metropolitan TAFE.
Experience has shown Shalynn she learns best in vocational settings, continually challenging herself and demonstrating her skills and abilities in real-world scenarios, which lead to winning South Metropolitan TAFE’s International Student of the Year 2020.
Shalynn has been putting her industry knowledge into practice, working for a small wedding and event business, and she hopes to one day own her own wedding planning business.
Aurelie Jammes, Scarborough: Event Management
With a Masters degree in Events, Tourism and Hospitality and experience working around the world, French native Aurelie was employed at a winery in the Swan Valley when she realised she enjoyed in-house events. When COVID-19 hit she did not let losing her job get in the way, taking the opportunity to enhance her knowledge about this part of the industry by starting a Diploma of Event Management at South Metropolitan TAFE.
Aurelie says it was the best decision she ever made, now working as a hotel event operations supervisor. Aurelie is also an ambassador for Go Study, sharing her challenges and achievements as in international student in Australia.
Congratulations ongetting to the finals. Good Luck
Craig Hillman, from Helena College in Darlington sent in his Tips on How to Get the Most from Your In Focus Careers News.
Thanks Craig.
Tips to get the most from In Focus Careers
I read it straight off my screen. It is a skim/scan effort and usually tasks 5 – 10 minutes.
I cut and paste, so…on my second reading I take the relevant info and put it in a word doc.
The information then goes into the Daily Notices on SEQTA and/or to our Community Relations Team for inclusion in the next newsletter.
I prepare handouts for parents during the Parent Information Evenings I deliver.
My Top Tip: Teacher Registration Board Professional Learning Log
I log the reading of your newsletter on the TRBWA Website as Professional Learning, Informal Category, I log it as 30 minutes. I guesstimate it at that length and tick the following boxes:
Professional Engagement
Standard 62 (Engage with professional learning and improve practice)
3 (Engage with colleagues and improve practice)
4 (Apply professional learning and improve student learning)
Standard 73 (Engage with the parents/carers)
Notes Relating to Readings
There is a Documents retained section on the TRBWA website so I tick the “Notes relating to readings …” as well as the “Copies of articles …” and “Conference papers” when I share the information at Parent Nights.
Back Copies
I keep an electronic copy of your newsletter and have been able to go back to find dates and contact information during interviews with students and their parents.
Summary
The In Focus Newsletter is long but the information is rich and really valuable. The in-school opportunities and post-school options for our senior students are extensive. I personally value and thank you for you distilling the vast array of material into bite-size chunks with links to further details when I require them
Thanks again
Craig
Join West Australian career experts
These resources are available to subscribers to In Focus Careers. For a complimentary copy of In Focus Careers News EMAIL: Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.au
In Focus Careers Resources
Please email me a complimentary copy of the In Focus Careers newsletter.
Bev Johnson
Infocus Careers is an independent organisation which is solely supported by insanely great subscribers who share information with me, support each other and help me to pay my bills.
I can talk about careers under water so if you would like to chat about how I can help you to improve your career or the services you deliver, give me a ring on 0434056412 or email me at Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.a
Get a quick overview of the pathways from schools to uni, TAFFE or into a gap year that can lead to work and travel from this PowerPoint. It is an overview of the information I provide in presentations to year 11 & 12 school students. Share it with students and parents so that they get a high level understanding of the options.
Having the ability to bounce back when you have been knocked down. That’s what people mean when they tell you to be more resilient.
Bounce back toy
A better solution would be that people stop knocking you down, give you a hand to learn, support you so you don’t feel knocked down.
I try to stay away from places where I might get knocked down. This has been a bit tricky as a Dockers’ supporter. I could easily despair, or give up on them.
Dockers despair
I have learned not to expect too much from the Dockers. I cheer them on, and to feel joy every time we do have a win. We lose more often, and I bounce by back thinking of ways that they could improve next week, next season, when Fyfe is back in form, when the other team gives us a chance to win!!
Supporting my team when it is down matters to me. It is more important to be a loyal Dockers fan than deserting them for a team that wins more often.
Knowing that my loyalty matters to me helps me to be more resilient when we lose. I have learned how to bounce back after losing without falling into the depths of despair.
On the other hand, if I love or even trust someone, and they aren’t loyal to me, that kills me. My ability to bounce back takes a real battering.
Ten pin bowling strike.
Whenever I get upset I can usually check to see which of my values is being attacked. I don’t think I bounce back any quicker, but at least I understand what the real matter is and avoid that person or that situation in the future.
There are lots of online values clarification tests. You can check out this one. It is okay, but I would try a few different ones to get a clear picture of what really matters to you.
Knowing what matters to you most will help you to set your radar so that you can avoid getting knocked down, and maybe bounce back just by knowing what the hell just happened.
Most of us can’t send our kids to the exclusive private schools or take them to Aspen on skiing holidays, but we can still set up the best life opportunities for them.
In Who Gets to be SmartBri Lee talks about how the Commonwealth government makes sure rich kids in the exclusive private schools, and universities, get the best life opportunities by flooding them via systems that favour those who are already privileged. Even during the holidays, rich kids get further ahead of mere mortals.
There is a lot you can do to build your kid’s opportunities. This is the start of a series called The Resilience Project. Through it I will deliver opportunities that will help us all to be exposed to new experiences so that we can all build our capacity to bounce back and achieve our dream lives.
I believe people do their best. If sitting on the couch playing games all holidays is the best you can manage, so be it. Building interests and growing knowledge and skills is a gradual process. We need to make services and systems attractive and easy to use so that all people can engage at their level to build their resilience.
Primary school we need to expose kids to lots of experiences.
When kids move into high school they need to start taking responsibility for exploring different opportunities.
In senior school young people need to engage with workplaces or volunteer opportunities to learn work capabilities.
Time V Quality Time
You can to build your kids’ resilience just by sitting with them and talking.
And that’s not easy.
You will always have other things to do.
You need to set aside time for being with your kids. Just being, not doing. If sitting on the couch watching TV is the best you can do, so be it. Quality time is great, but my kids just wanted to know I was around. I didn’t have to be playing with them. They thought my being at home from work was enough.
The first step is the hardest
The first step on your daily fitness regime is the hardest. When you are out the door in your joggers, its easier to keep going.
Getting started on new experiences is the hardest. Asking someone if you can join their group is the hardest step. Once you have taken that step they will take some of the load and support you to take the next step. Many people get their joy and fulfilment from helping others. By asking for help and appreciating their support you are valuing their expertise.
Google “volunteer” in your suburb to find more opportunities.
Support Networks
Try to appreciate the power of standing on the shoulders of giants. See the giant in everyone around you. Everyone is better than you at something, and you have so much to offer to others. By connecting with others you can create a constellation of stars who help each other.
Networks deliver remarkable power to boost life opportunities. We all hope our fairy godmother will come along and make our dreams come true. That may not happen but you can surge your opportunities by creating networks.
By exploring the world during your holidays and engaging with your network, you can enhance your opportunities to create the best life opportunities for your kids.
You can get the gist of Who Gets to be Smart in the Sydney Morning Herald or listen to the podcast she made with the Australia Institute to get mad at what is happening, and get ideas of how to make sure your kids have the best opportunities.
Your dream career will come in a whisper, not in a shout.
Stephen Spielberg said that. He started making movies when he was still in nappies!!
Steven Spielberg’s movie BFG
If HE didn’t hear “MAKING MOVIES” shouting at him as his dream career in primary school, what hope is there for the rest of us?
There are lots of quizzes designed to help. None of them is 100% perfect. All of them are good at giving ideas about what we are good at and what direction to look for our dream career.
One of the tests is the Holland Aptitude Test. It identifies 6 types.
The Career Industry Council recently had Ed Hidalgo talking about integrating career development in primary school. His project in California uses the Holland Career Types to help primary school kids to identify their type.
Ed Hidalgo CIO Cahone Valley District Ed. California
Once their type is identified he says you can focus on exposing them to opportunities that match their type.
At first I thought this was too early, but the exposure to one particular type of career isn’t exclusive and it does give the teacher or parent some direction.
Here is an example of how the tests work
I am strongest in Persuading, then in Creating.
Persuading/Enterprising(E) — I would be exploring opportunities in leadership and management. I could try persuading the world that insanely great career development is vital.
Creating/Artistic is also strong in my profile, so I might explore music and drawing. Or I might try writing a blog and a career newsletter!!
The tests point you in a direction where you have your strongest natural abilities.
Dream Big road to the future
They can help you to focus your search for your dream career. Your road might be bumpy but finding your dream career is worth the ride.
For a complimentary copy of In Focus Careers News email:
When you leave Year 12 there are 3 main paths that you can take:
University
TAFE
Other
The Other Way
Taking The Other Way from school takes courage. Your friends will try to get you to follow them. They want you with them. By taking another way you may be challenging them to think twice about the path they are taking.
You parents will worry about you. It’s good to be able to tell them that you have a plan.
Finding what you are interested in is driving your plan. Taking a gap year provides opportunities to meet people, explore who you are, do different things and find what works for you.
You get paid. You can save for a car, or travel. You can afford to go out and to buy cool clothes. You may learn about how to manage money. You will learn and about award rates of pay, overtime, sick leave and holiday pay.
You meet lots of new people from different places and find out about their lives. You will probably make friends for life with people you meet at this time.
You get to leave home without having to pay for rent, electricity and food.
You learn new skills. Trying lots of different roles and learning new skills will help you to decide what you like and don’t like, without spending time and money at uni or TAFE.
You find out about life in the army, navy or air force.
The horticulture industry has relied on people from overseas to pick their fruit and vegies. It turns out the pay and conditions were shocking and Australians initially refused to take up the jobs. Things are getting better so check out the opportunities to travel Australia and become harvest trail nomads.
If you can find a job in a resort or motel chain, take that, it is more likely to pay sick leave, holiday pay and superannuation. Wherever you get a job, make sure your pay and conditions are legit. Ring or email the Fair Work Ombudsman if you need to check.
Work on a Station
Can’t ride a motor bike or muster cattle?
Michael Clinch cattleman and conservationist
Ellenbrae Station, halfway between Derby and Kununurra, sells thousands of scones to tourists who travel up the Gibb River Road every year.
Ellenbrae Station Scones
All of the stations supplement their incomes through tourism.
If you can clean you can probably find a job supporting the station tourism industry. Look for jobs on sites like Seek.
Need Experience?
Once you leave school it is tricky getting work experience as employers aren’t insured to cover unpaid volunteers.
In Western Australia you can apply for volunteer work through Volunteering WA. People put in requests for volunteers to them and they place people and cover them through the Volunteering WA insurance.
The Volunteering WA people said that when you first start with them they are careful of the sort of work they let you do until you have proven yourself.
Free Tips
Check out Youth Central. It’s a Victorian Government site that has some good tips on taking a gap year.
