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.
The Careers Expo is great fun. There are happy, smiling people. There are glossy brochures and beautiful displays. People on the stands are friendly and helpful. Of course they are! They are professionals. You aren’t going to buy something from someone who isn’t nice.
Many visitors sign up for thousands of dollars worth of training based on a noisy 5 minute discussion in the crowded Convention Centre.
The Expos are a prime marketing place for all education and training organisation. They spend a lot of money on their displays and get their best, nicest, most professional sales people to tell you about their courses.
Tip 1:
Don’t sign ANYTHING.
STEP 2:
Know that the biggest displays, those closest to the entry doors, and the most professional looking displays have spent the most money on trying to sell to you.
Some are pure information, like the WA Police Force, Construction Training Fund, WA Department of Education – Teaching and Defence Force Recruiting. Others have courses they would like you to know about.
If you are interested in having a Gap Year check out which exhibitors will have information that will interest you. If you are interested in Trades, check out the ones that you must visit.
Make the decision about which ones to visit before you get sucked in by the bright lights and music!
STEP 4:
Figure out three questions to ask exhibitor one before you meet with them. Make sure one of your questions is about price if they are selling courses.
Don’t be surprised if they don’t want to answer you about. You may get answers like “It depends on…… ” and “We have a great loan to cover your costs”.
You could also ask….
How much will it cost?
How long the course will take.
What are the entry requirements.
For contacts with current students.
What successful students are like.
Do they have a mid year intake.
If they have links with industry that provides work placement.
How long it takes their graduates to get a job in the industry.
What sort of work graduates get.
STEP 5 – FINAL STEP
Go to see your career advisor to discuss what you have discovered.
If you don’t know a career advisor go to a Jobs and Skills Centre and talk with them. Its FREE. The Jobs and Skills Centres are based in TAFE colleges but they also have information about unis.
Go back to the places you are interested in. You will end up paying a lot for your course. This is probably the first BIG thing you have ever bought. Make sure you are buying something that is perfect for you.
Testimonial:
Thanks for the latest newsletter Bev, and for all the information and inspiring ideas over the year. Since I have become a part of the (In Focus Careers) network I have grown in knowledge and motivation to really make a difference for our young people.
This could be your big chance to blitz an apprenticeship interview.
Skilled migration has stopped,
Apprenticeship subsidies are high,
Building grants are generous, causing a building boom
Employers are looking for enthusiastic people to take up their jobs.
Therefore, your chances of winning a job are high.
Make sure you don’t miss this window by blowing your interview.
Do you shake hands now?
WA has so little spread of COVID that you can shake hands if you get to the interview stage. However, carry hand sanitizer and use it straight after the interview. Also, make sure you don’t have a pathetic handshake! A wimpy handshake is pathetic but a bone crusher is weird.
Have a firm handshake. Apart from having a decent handshake look at the person, say “Hi. Good to meet you” and smile.
It gives tips on how to give your potential employers a good gut feeling.
If you have a good written application the employer will start off with the feeling that you are going to be good. School leavers can get tips on how to write a good resume and cover letter HERE at Youth Central.
Dress like the employer
Neat casual will probably suit most apprenticeships. Don’t wear a suit. Your employer won’t be wearing a suit.
More Tips
Finding an apprenticeship
An apprenticeship is a job. You can find apprenticeships through family and friends, on sites like Seek.com.au, through a career advisor, a Jobs and Skills Centre or via a pre-apprenticeship.
Getting a job as a trades assistant can help you to get a foot in the door.
Making a good impression
Employers like applicants who have done volunteer or part time work as it showed their enthusiasm and meant they would have some work ready skills.
Work experience in the field looks good on a resume.
Good school results, particularly in metals, maths and engineering are indicators that you might be a good apprentice in a building trade. Taking a folio of photos of projects you have worked on is a good idea.
Get your driver’s license
A driver’s license is important for most apprenticeships. Start working towards your driver’s license as soon as you turn 16.
At the end of the interview say you really want this apprenticeship.
(Know what to say if they ask why!)
Women in Trades
Only 1-3% of tradespeople are women. Opportunities to earn the big money during mining and building booms are largely given to men while women are directed into low paid caring jobs in the aged, child and disability sectors.
Women and girls interested in trades may find the Programmed National Energy Technician Training Scheme worth applying through. In 2019 they had 38% females in their trades program.
If you go to a school in Western Australia it probably subscribes to the In Focus Careers Newsletter. You can check, and get a complimentary copy here.
Testimonial
I have found your material invaluable. The information you have put together is thorough – a one-stop-shop in a sea of information that is out there. I have utilised this information on a regular basis with others throughout the school.
(South Metropolitan Government High School.)
My Commitment to West Australian Careers Education
For In Focus Careers to be the conduit to Insanely Great Careers Information for West Australian careers teachers and students I undertake to:
Write 10 insanely great issues of In Focus Careers newsletter each year that focus on the needs of West Australian students and careers teachers.
Search for local, national and international information that could impact on the careers of West Australian students.
Connect you with insanely great careers teachers across the In Focus Careers network.
Listen to and support West Australian careers teachers
If you were hanging out for a flash of inspiration at a uni open day, careers expo or information session… WHAT DO YOU DO NOW??
Year 12s have never had it tougher when it comes to deciding what to do next.
While this is the first time year 12s will leave school, there are experts around who WANT to help you.
This simple summary of the support and main choices available to West Australian school leavers will help you to clarify your decision.
Uni or TAFE Spot the Difference
Many year 12 students don’t really understand the difference between uni and TAFE.
Guess which fashion course is at Curtin University and which is at South Metropolitan TAFE.
In this (course) you will focus on the relationship between garment and body, using a theoretical and contextual framework for understanding national and international trends and the cultural significance and practice of fashion design.
In our course you’ll learn how to produce a unique range of garments and accessories for the marketplace. You’ll gain fashion illustration and drawing skills and learn about digital design, pattern making and garment construction.
If you thought the first one was Curtin you are right. University has a more theoretical approach to learning while TAFE has a more practical focus. Pick the learning style that suits you best for next year.
Career Advice – Take action while all is quiet
The offices of university career advisors have gone quiet. The staff at Jobs and Skills Centres thought they would be run off their feet… but all is quiet there too.
If you are not clear about what to do in 2021 there has never been a better time to tap into the undivided attention of normally busy staff.
Jobs and Skills Centres aren’t just about TAFE. You can do aptitude tests to see what direction would suit you, you can get help with different uni and VET courses, they have a jobs board and you can get help with job application and interview skills. And the help is free.
Each Western Australian university free career counselling. You are under no obligation to enrol at the place where you get your counselling although your counsellor will know more about the university they are working for.
See your school career counsellor. There is no one better placed. They know you. They can talk to your teachers and your parents. They get the full picture and will be able to point you in a good direction.
You can always come to me for an online (and on phone) consultation. (Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.au) I have just started to do this with students online during the lockdown and it is great fun.
Youth Allowance and Scholarships
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.
Uni Pathway
Very few people have a clear idea of what they want to do at university. If you want to go to uni but are not exactly sure what course or subjects to take, apply the same thinking you used in Year 10 when choosing WACE subjects to keep your opportunities open.
Talk to your school career counsellor about what course to apply for and subjects to take.
Go to see a career planner at one or two universities to clarify what course and subjects you wish to take.
Decide on your top choices.
Apply to your chosen university either via TISC or via Notre Dame or your chosen university.
Unsure about Uni for Next Year
If you MIGHT want to go to uni in APPLY through TISC. If you get offered a place you can accept and DEFER for a year.
Apply for a course at your chosen university via the normal TISC or direct application process
When you get an offer contact your university to hold your offer and defer it for a year.
Alternative Pathway to Uni
If you want to go to uni but don’t get the required ATAR score there are many alternative pathways you can take.
Some universities will consider your current scores if you have a year between leaving school and starting university. They consider that the break can result in you gaining maturity that will help you to succeed at university.
Contact me and I will send the latest WA information on alternative pathways at all WA universities including TAFE colleges.
See a career planner at the university or training college of your choice.
Decide on your best option.
Apply for the alternative pathway of your choice.
TAFE Course
If you are clear about what TAFE course you want to take contact your chosen college to enrol in September.
Talk to your school career counsellor about what course to apply for and subjects to take.
Check out North Metro TAFE courses HERE and South Metro TAFE courses HERE
Go to see a career counsellor at TAFE to clarify what course and subjects you wish to take. Ask the counsellor to advise you about courses that are subsidised by government because of skills shortages. These courses are on the State Priority Occupation List (SPOL) and are cheaper than many other courses.
Decide which course to enrol in.
Apply for a place in your chosen course. Check the college website for online applications.
Apprenticeships and Traineeships
Getting an apprenticeship or traineeship is like getting a job.
Get help from your school career advisor to prepare your CV ready for job applications.
Get references from school before you leave and get copies of them. Get the correct title and contact details of those at school who give you a reference.
Ask your family and friends if they know of any apprentice opportunities.
Search for apprenticeship opportunities on sites like Indeed, Jora and Seek.
Ask your local TAFE if they have any pre apprenticeship programs. They can be tricky to get into as demand is always high. Employers often contact their local TAFE to find a good employee to take on as an apprentice.
Gap Year
The Victorian Government provides free unbiased advice about taking a Gap Year HERE.
Job Hunting
The Jobs and Skills Centres will help you to improve your resume and will even help you to improve your interview skills. You can find jobs there on their Jobs Board.
When you subscribe you join a network of careers experts from across Western Australia who share information that helps teachers, students and families.
If you look up pre apprenticeships you will find a truckload being advertised for Semester 2.
All of the TAFE colleges and lots of other colleges seem to be advertising them so the level of competition for each place may be down.
Most of the pre-apprenticeship programs offered are Certificate II’s.
Students can meet entry with OLNA, NAPLAN, or by completing a Certificate I or II program at school. They can also complete a Certificate I or II in General Education or a similar bridging program at a number of TAFE campuses.
TAFE colleges generally require that students are at least 15 years old. It is an adult learning environment and they will be mixing with adults.
If you get a place you need to work like crazy to impress through any contact with either lecturers or potential employers. There aren’t many apprenticeships going so you need to make a good impression while you have the chance.
In Focus Careers Newsletter
You can find a monthly feast of insanely great careers ideas and support through my In Focus Careers newsletter.
Send for a complimentary copy:
My Commitment to West Australian Careers Education
I want In Focus Careers to be the conduit to Insanely Great Careers Information for West Australian students. I undertake to:
Write 10 insanely great issues of In Focus Careers newsletter each year that focus on the needs of West Australian students and careers teachers.
Search for local, national and international information that could impact on the careers of West Australian students.
Connect you with insanely great careers teachers and industry experts across the In Focus Careers network.
Listen to and support West Australian careers teachers.
Leaving school early IS AN OPTION. It does NOT mean you will never get a job, or that you will live on the streets for the rest of your life.
School isn’t for everyone. It makes some people’s lives a total misery.
In Western Australia the government requires students to get special permission to leave school early by applying for a Notice of Arrangement. You can find details of that HERE.
Don’t Jump Too Soon
Once you have made up your mind to leave it is difficult to change your mind. As soon as you start thinking of leaving talk to a career advisor. There may be alternatives that they can offer through the school or they may be able to organise a smooth transition from school for you.
Once you leave school people who can help you get limited funding so their capacity to help is limited. Stick with your school and get as much FREE help as possible before you leave.
Getting help with your resume is a good start.
Decide What You Are Going to Do When You Leave
If you haven’t got a job lined up or a course to go into you may need help to get that sorted.
Many schools have the Career Voyage program that will help you to nail down a career direction for the near future. If you don’t have access to Career Voyage at school you can do the quiz at one of the Careers Centres in Perth or regional centres or contact them online.
I have done this Coggle brainstorm of a bunch of places you can check out to narrow down what you like.
Email me Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.au if you would like access to the Coggle map so that you can just click on the links.
Study Year 12 at an Alternative College
Look at the available options for completing Year 12 in another setting like Cyril Jackson, Canning,North Lake and Seven Oaks Colleges. There are adult students at these colleges and you may find that suits your style.
There are three levels, certificates I – III. Choose the one that suits your needs.
This certificate often has literacy and numeracy support which can kick start your study in another area. Different colleges will allow you to explore different subject opportunities as part of your study.
TAFE colleges give you access to ongoing support from careers advisors.
Study something else at TAFE
You can build your employability skills and explore career options through Foundation Skills Course. Check out the list of Foundation Skills courses HERE.
Equity Course
There are equity courses that support people with disability and people seeking courses that are aligned with their culture; for example, a qualification specialising in Indigenous Australian tourism. Check the list of courses HERE and ask about opportunities at one of the Jobs and Skills Centres – scroll down this page to find the one nearest to you.
Apprenticeships and Traineeships
If you can find someone who is willing to take you on as an apprentice or trainee, you are on a great path.
You can find apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities through Seek and Indeed. Getting an apprenticeship or traineeship is just like looking for any other job. You need to find the opportunity first, then convince the employer that you would be a great employee. You will need a good resume as a starting point.
When you do an apprenticeship or traineeship qualification you need to sign up so that your training is recognized. You sign up at an Australian Apprentice Support provider. You can find one HERE.
The help that they give will not be as good as the help you can get at school so it is best to try to find an apprenticeship and to contact a provider through your careers advisor.
Government Support
You may be eligible for Youth Allowance. This is hard to get but it is worth checking to see if you qualify HERE.
Leaving school early IS AN OPTION. Leaving school is however risky, and there is a chance you could fall into a hole without a safety net.
The suggestions to help you to leave school early are easier to do with the help of a careers advisor.
If you can’t get help at school, go to one of the alternative schools or TAFE colleges or even a uni, to get free advice or pay a professional career advisor to help to set you onto the right path. That help could put you onto the perfect path to your school free future.
In Focus Careers Newsletter
You can find a monthly feast of insanely great careers ideas and support through my In Focus Careers newsletter.
Testimonial:
I loved this month’s newsletter! There were so many useful links that I’m going to use, like the Logistics Training Council publications and the Future skills Framework infographic on our demographic. So much handy information – I even signed up for the Public Sector Commissions job search so that I can pass opportunities for traineeships onto students. (Northern regional Catholic Education School)
My Commitment to West Australian Careers Education
I want In Focus Careers to be the conduit to Insanely Great Careers Information for West Australian students. I undertake to:
Write 10 insanely great issues of In Focus Careers newsletter each year that focus on the needs of West Australian students and careers teachers.
Search for local, national and international information that could impact on the careers of West Australian students.
Connect you with insanely great careers teachers and industry experts across the In Focus Careers network.
Listen to and support West Australian careers teachers.
You have fewer than 20 contact teaching weeks to go before the ATAR. The April holidays are going to be your last chance to sit back and get organised.
Tip 1 Relax
April is the last relax time you are going to have until your final exams are over.
Plan your time through until the ATAR exams, including relaxation time.
Take that time off…. Guilt free. Total relaxation.
Tip 2 Humanities or Science? Uni or TAFE?
Humanities or science? Which way do you want to go? If you can’t decide go to these sites for help. (If you contact me I will email you a link to this Coggle map so that you can get the links without looking them up.)
If TAFE, get an appointment at your local Jobs and Skills Centre and get the experts to show you opportunities.
Tip 3 Check out the Year 12 Handbook
In Year 12 it is time to check important dates, exam information, double check WACE requirement to make sure you comply. They are all in the Year 12 Information Handbook.
Tip 4 Enrol in ATAR Revision Courses for Mid Year Holidays
Most successful students get at least some revision support from one of the companies that provides mid year ATAR revision programs.
Check with each teacher to see what you need to do to achieve your goal
Ask them for help to achieve that goal.
If you have any great tips for Year 12 survival please send them through.
The monthly In focus Careers Newsletter helps you to see what is possible. Contact me for a complimentary copy.
Testimonial:
Thank you for such wonderful work throughout the year. (XXXX) SHS has found your newsletters to be so very, very helpful. We are so appreciative of your efforts and look forward to the 2019 issues.
(Top Ranking Metropolitan Government School.)
My Commitment to West Australian Careers Education
For In Focus Careers to be the conduit to Insanely Great Careers Information for West Australian students I undertake to:
Write 10 insanely great issues of In Focus Careers newsletter each year that focus on the needs of West Australian students and careers teachers.
Search for local, national and international information that could impact on the careers of West Australian students.
Connect you with insanely great careers teachers across the In Focus Careers network.
Listen to and support West Australian careers teachers
Teachers have lots of sites where they share teaching questions. There is also an Education Department (and Catholic and Independent School) focus on quality of teaching. Is there anything similar for VET?
The closure of VET in Schools Consulting Services has shone a light on how tough life is for VETiS teachers and ALL VET teachers.
I rarely hear VET professionals discusing pedagogy (andragogy, heutagogy). All discussion seems to focus on just surviving under the enormous work pressure, that is at least partially due to the significant compliance demands.
By looking at the Department of Training and Workforce Development latest annual report it looks like there is no teaching or learning expertise in the senior management. You can see that the Executive Director has a significant background in Consumer Protection which sounds like a compliance role. There is financial management and financial compliance expertise and expertise in developing strategic policy and in accounting. Nothing there about teaching or learning.
Even DTWD advisory partners aren’t education experts. The Training Accreditation Council is concerned with compliance and the State Training Board is concerned that the Department is focused on industry needs.
No education best practice gets a look in.
I write a careers newsletter for schools and hear the grievances and barriers faced by VET teachers at the coalface.
I would love to hear from anyone who knows of infrastructure, or sites or even tips that would help those involved in VET delivery to focus more on teaching and less on compliance demands.
Contact me to get a complimentary copy of the In Focus Careers Newsletter:
In 2017 I paid $120 to a plumber to replace a washer on the garden tap. (The tap was stuck. I was going to break the pipe. Stay with me on this!!)
It took him less than a minute and that included going to his van and getting the washer. Then he charged me $120!
So plumbers had the expectation of getting paid about the same rate as a surgeon.
Due to the exorbitant rates charged by plumbers during the boom there was a rush of young guys taking on plumbing apprenticeships. Everyone with capacity to train plumbers took on the apprentices and pumped them out. Now there are unemployed qualified plumbers working as trades assistants and doing cash jobs for family and friends.
Employers were able to attract job qualified plumbers with a minimum of four years post-apprenticeship experience.
What Employers Ask For
Most vacancies required applicants with some specialist experience, such as roof plumbing, undertaking drainage works, fit outs or renovations. Employers often sought applicants with additional accreditation in backflow prevention and a gas-fitting licence.
Employers also required applicants to be solutions focused, demonstrate a high standard of workmanship, resourcefulness, the ability to work well with colleagues and engage professionally with clients.
Sense of humor and sainthood preferred!!
It was standard for applicants to have a drivers licence and their own transport, a police clearance, a White Card and pass a drug and alcohol test.
Applicants were most often deemed unsuitable due to a lack of overall experience in the trade, or a lack of experience in a sub-specialty or particular environment (e.g. mining sector experience).
Applicants whose resumes were poorly presented (for example, not tailored to the job requirements or that failed to demonstrate good literacy skills) were deemed unsuitable, as were those with uneven work histories and poor references.
Applicants who were unwilling to relocate were deemed unsuitable for regional vacancies.
To keep up with all of the latest West Australian career information subscribe to the In Focus Careers Newsletter. Contact me to get your complimentary copy.
The Magic Happens Infographic gives a quick guide to visualise the steps in the 
Now there are unemployed qualified plumbers working as trades assistants and doing cash jobs for family and friends.
Sense of humor and sainthood preferred!!