IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION VIC 2022
Career choices Top tips to play to your strengths
POSITIVE OPTIONS FOR YOUR FUTURE CAREER
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Contents 04 06
GENERAL INFORMATION
CONSTRUCTION
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TRAINING INSTITUTES
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TOURISM
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Writers: Jenna Martin, Kirrily Schwarz, Kate Calacouras, Alice Williams, Jessica Kramer, Alyssa Welke
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Disclaimer: The information contained within Step in the Right Direction magazine is given in good faith and obtained from sources believed to be accurate. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. News Corp will not be held liable for any opinion or advice contained herein.
The future of work
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my’s six-year-old son, Edward, wants to be a scientist. He likes experiments and figuring out how things work. Amy thinks a career in science is a great thing to aspire to, especially considering it is such a wide, evolving field. “Right now he thinks science is about adding bicarb soda to things and watching them fizz, but who knows what he might be investigating in 20 years.” Leah Lambart is a career and interview coach and founder of Melbourne-based career coaching business Relaunch Me. She’s fascinated by the “100 Jobs of the Future” project, a joint effort between Deakin and Griffith Universities, looking at the future of work in Australia. “(There are) jobs such as Cricket Farmer (to breed crickets for food production), Memory Optimiser (someone who augments people’s working memory capacity through digital implant technologies and memory erasure) or an Offworld Habitat Designer, who designs habitats on other planets,” she says. “These are jobs that don’t currently exist.” In fact, according to Kevin Alexander, Managing Director of leading recruitment agency Adecco Australia, most jobs of the future don’t currently exist. “Research from a recent Institute for the Future forecast suggests 85 per cent of jobs that will exist in 2030 haven’t yet
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been invented,” he says, “the focus of schools needs to be teaching kids how — rather than what — to learn to prepare for jobs that don’t yet exist.” If cricket farming and memory augmentation all sounds a bit too science-fictiony, take heart: while it’s true we’ll be working with technology in new and unusual ways, traditionally hands-on, ‘pink collar’ professions like healthcare, social work and education will be also be booming. “Our ageing population means we will see a huge demand for healthcare workers, aged care and other allied health professionals,” says Lambart. In terms of other sectors on the up in Victoria and elsewhere, technology and engineering are top of the list. “It’s estimated that Australia will need approximately 11,000 new engineers and 60,000 new technology workers per annum to meet skills demand,” says Alexander, with digital technology expected to represent one in four new jobs by 2025. On the flipside, many current jobs will be gone thanks to AI and automation. But Alexander stresses that it isn’t all negative. “Automation and AI will eliminate some jobs, (but) it will also create new ones and in most cases the two will work together, building a new hybrid workforce,” he says.
To stay-up-to-date and employable, workers need to hone their skills regularly. “There will be a huge requirement for employees to develop digital skills and to be agile so that they can adapt quickly to change,” says Lambart. She also believes that people skills are going to be as important as ever. “Networking and personal branding will be critical for freelancers, entrepreneurs or contractors to ensure that they have consistent work, with many industries moving away from hiring permanent staff.” Finally, the working world needs to get ready to go green. “There is an urgent need to prepare workers, employers and more generally businesses for the jobs of the future, which will include green jobs,” says Kevin Alexander, adding, “people need to be equipped with the right set of skills to fuel the green transition.” When it comes to young people preparing for their future working life, both Lambart and Alexander say the key is to be flexible. “Never stop learning,” says Alexander, “Continual learning throughout your career is paramount to a successful work life.” Lambart agrees. “Don’t feel the pressure to choose a career for life,” she says. “Choose something you believe you will be happy to do for at least 5-7 years. There are many ways to change careers later by topping up your study or by utilising your transferable skills.”
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The skills shortage and what it means for you
The National Skills Commission’s most recent Skills Priority List found that 42 per cent of technician and trade occupations are currently in shortage, compared to 19 per cent of all assessed occupations being found to be in shortage.
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backlog of thousands of visa applications for skilled workers has driven businesses across Australia to breaking point as they struggle to fill staff shortages, causing potential delays for major projects. There are currently 140,000 skilled workers wanting to come to Australia, according to new figures released by Home Affairs. The number of skilled foreign workers in Australia is less than half what it was a decade ago and the number of these workers leaving the country exceeded those arriving in April. Melbourne-based recruiter Graham Wynn from Superior People Recruitment said employers across all sectors were grappling with massive skills shortages after the international border closure during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. “I’ve done this business for 13 years, I’ve never seen it this bad,” he said. “This is the worst and most difficult it’s been to find people.” He said it was “across the board”. “Salespeople, technicians, a bit of IT we’re struggling with as well, but even the more basic roles which don’t require any experience like receptionists, we’re even struggling to find those at the moment,” he said. There are currently nearly 500,000
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vacant jobs available across the country, with employers struggling to find staff to fill positions. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that there were 480,000 job vacancies in May; 58,000 more than in February 2022, and more than double the vacancies in February 2020 (227,000). In addition to a higher number of vacancies, a quarter of all businesses reported at least one vacancy in May. This rate was more than double the pre-pandemic level in February 2020 (11 per cent). The largest growth in job vacancies was in Victoria, which increased by 18 per cent over the three months to May 2022, followed by New South Wales (12 per cent). It may sound all ‘doom and gloom’, but for people looking to enter the job market, there are unexpected benefits. There is more choice than ever before when looking for a new job or a new career, and often more money. The critical skills shortage is resulting in some tradies earning six-figure sums immediately after completing their apprenticeship, says WPC Group general manager Andrew Sezonov. The mining sector is also heating up the competition to get jobs filled, with six-figure salaries up for grabs in more than 1700 jobs across the sector,
and some companies even offering a $10,000 sign-on bonus. Even roles for trainee fitters are seeing salary offers of between $75,000 and $85,000. Katrina Lee Jones, director of skills, education and diversity at QRC, said the construction boom had made competition for staff even worse, alongside a move towards more technology-based roles in the industry rather than just people being on the ground. The tech industry is another sector that is crying out for more skilled staff. Companies, such as Amazon, Google, Atlassian and Canva, are paying between $147,000 and $350,000 for graduates, with some salaries including stock options and endof-year bonuses, according to data obtained by News Corp Australia. Some of the eye-watering salaries, which would normally only be paid to chief executives, are seen at trading firms seeking software engineers, with Jane Street paying $350,000, IMC shelling out $260,000 and Amsterdam-based trading platform Optiver offering $250,000. Yet, the median salary of an Australian worker sits at just $62,400, according to the ABS — so there’s no better time than the present to be strategic about what career you train for.
Australia’s best-paid jobs There’s a diverse range of jobs that pay well over six figures around the country.
By Kirrily Schwarz
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f you were going to guess the highest-paying job in Australia, what would it be? A CEO of a giant company? Some kind of medical specialist? A FIFO worker in the mining industry? The answer is actually director-level jobs in the banking and financial services sector, with an average paypacket of $199,651 according to data from employment marketplace Seek. This is closely followed by medical specialists ($194,700), mining equipment operators ($194,603), construction managers ($193,283), and construction project directors ($193,089). This data proves Australia has a diverse selection of well-paid jobs. “The roles in the top 20 are pretty typical,” says Leigh Broderick, senior analytics manager at Seek. “Specialised roles in healthcare, information and communications technology (ICT), construction and mining consistently rank among the highest-paying roles in Australia.” When it comes to growth industries, ICT is undoubtedly one to watch — especially in the current jobs market. A shortage of key workers is driving demand to unprecedented levels. “There are a number of ICT roles that require highly specialised skills
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and are in high demand across a wide range of organisations,” says Mr Broderick. “If the current climate persists it’s entirely conceivable that ICT roles will take the top spots in time.” The top jobs vary widely from state to state, depending on the skills most in demand: VIC:
Psychiatrist — $198,000
NSW: Healthcare specialist — $196,000 QLD: Healthcare specialist — $187,000 WA:
Mining superintendent — $185,000
ACT: ICT solutions architect — $160,000 SA:
Dentist — $143,000
NT:
Construction manager — $138,000
TAS: Occupational therapist — $89,000 Data is based on average full-time and annualised hourly salaries (excluding contract roles) for job ads listed on Seek from January-March 2022 compared to January-March 2021. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, NSW is home to the largest labour force in the country with 32 per cent of the national total, closely followed by VIC at 26 per cent. The employment market has seen
fundamental changes over the past few decades. A recent report from the National Skills Commission, reveals that three decades ago the manufacturing industry was the largest employer in the country, accounting for 14 per cent of total employment. These days, it’s the eighth-largest and only accounts for 6 per cent. It’s a similar story with agriculture. Back in the 1990s, it employed 5 per cent of all workers, but that figure has fallen to 2 per cent as technology and automation have advanced. Technology is undoubtedly a big growth sector. A recent report from RMIT University in Melbourne found that Australia has a major digital skills gap, with 156,000 new tech workers needed to keep pace with changing demands. Right now, 87 per cent of all jobs include some kind of technological skills and that number is expected to rise quickly. However, that’s not the only field expected to see rapid expansion in coming years. RMIT researchers have also flagged software and analytics, robotics, eCommerce, construction, virtual reality, and healthcare as being the fastest-growing industries in the country. One thing is for sure: there will be no shortage of jobs in the future.
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Consider a career in the Wall & Ceiling Industry Association of Wall & Ceiling Industries of Victoria
AWCI VIC at membersvic@awci.org.au or call us on 03 9553 6363
Want to be a wall and ceiling liner? AWCI Victoria is the principal organisation advocating the interests of contractors, suppliers and manufacturers in the wall and ceiling industries in Victoria. AWCI Victoria is highly regarded by both members and the industry it serves, for providing valuable business, technical and product information, education and training and industry contacts essential to operating a successful business.
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hen it comes to deciding upon the right career path for you, adaptability of trades and skills is an area many don’t place enough focus on. Choosing a career which enables you to take what you have learnt and apply it to other areas of the same industry or new vocations all together, is highly desirable. According to Gerard Moran of Association of Wall & Ceiling Industries Victoria, this is one of the many benefits of a wall and ceiling liner. “The flexibility the industry offers people is some of the key feedback we get,” Gerard said. “Members also talk about the opportunities that are presented to them through their trade and the fact that their skills are transportable and have led to opportunities they never thought would come their way.” If you feel a trade as a Wall and Ceiling Liner may be the right fit for you, read on to find out exactly what a role in the industry entails.
What does a Wall and Ceiling Liner do? A wall and ceiling liner is involved in: • Fitting suspended ceilings on decorative plasterboard, plaster glass partitions, fire rating systems, acoustic tiles and composite wall linings to the internal and external on walls, ceilings and facades of domestic and commercial buildings • Installing special ceilings (metal and fibre) • Bridging and bracing various suspension systems As a wall and ceiling liner you will: • Estimate the quantity of materials required by measuring surfaces or
reviewing a work order • Measure room dimensions and estimate the number and sizes of plasterboard sheets required for the task • Plumb and straighten corners, angles and wall and ceiling surfaces • Measure and mark cutting lines on plasterboard • Cut plasterboard, lift and position panels and nail or secure them with glue to walls and ceilings • Prepare corner beads and secure them in position • Set precast ornamental plaster ceilings • Fix precast cornices and panel mouldings, ceiling centres and other plaster fittings prepared with a bonding agent • Operate pump driven spray machines to apply various plaster, fire proofing and sound proofing materials • Apply drywall taping • Mix and apply coats of plaster, cement or similar materials to walls and ceilings, levelling and smoothing using trowels to obtain an even thickness • Fix fascias and soffits
What will you need to be wall and ceiling liner • Reliable transportation or access to reliable public transportation • Manual dexterity • Good sense of balance • Strength and stamina to work with heavy tools and materials • Ability to work at heights • Strength to move heavy ladders or set up scaffolding • Desire to do a precise and
thorough job • Keenness to use tools and equipment to perform tasks requiring precision • Ability to follow established procedures and solve problems by experimenting
What working conditions can I expect? Wall and ceiling liners usually work a 40-hour, five-day week with some overtime required to meet construction schedules. Those who work for themselves would normally work longer hours including weekends to complete the job as quoted. You will work both indoors on interior surfaces and outside on exteriors and facades of a building. You may work in confined spaces, in damp or dusty conditions, you may work on the ground, on elevated platforms or on scaffolds. You may routinely be required to lift supplies and equipment weighing up to 25 kilograms. Some travel may be required to get to work on various sites, including interstate and overseas in some instances.
How do I get a Trade Certificate? A trade certificate can be obtained by successfully completing on the job training at the employers workplace and off the job training with an accredited training provider. For more details on units of competency/ modules that need to be completed during a wall and ceiling liner apprenticeship, go to https://awci.org.au/vic.
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A great school pathway for every Victorian student The Victorian State Government’s new senior secondary school certificates will combine the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) from next year (2023) making sure every young Victorian gets the education they need for the career they want.
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he Victorian Budget 2022/23 will invest $277.5 million in the biggest reform to the senior secondary system since the VCE’s inception, recognising the increased demand for careers in trades and services. From 2023, the new VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate will replace VCAL, offering students more choices, a higher-quality curriculum and better workplace experiences — preparing students to jump into further study, training at TAFE or work as soon as they leave school. Premier Daniel Andrews said the investment would give every student the opportunity to pursue the career of their choice. “Careers in trades and services are just that — careers — with good pay, and secure jobs. And they’re the jobs we need people doing,” Mr Andrew said. “We know not everyone wants to go to university so we’re making sure every young person has every opportunity to choose the career path that’s right for them.” An investment of $120.2 million will help schools implement the new certificates and provide every student access to a core offering of 12 different Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathways. The reforms will save many Victorian families up to $1000 by cutting outof-pocket costs, with students no longer having to pay for essential learning materials for VET studies. This investment will also see teachers get the professional development they need to implement the curriculum, making sure schools can hit the ground running as they transition to
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the new certificate; the investment will also strengthen the teaching workforce for these new pathways — with funded study to attract 400 extra VET trainers, professional development for up to 1900 teachers and increased funding for jobs, skills and pathways coordinators in schools.
The Victorian Pathways Certificate will replace Foundation VCAL, designed to help students transition either to the VCE, to entry level VET or employment — particularly focusing on vulnerable students at risk of leaving education or students with additional needs.
In addition, every non-government school will be encouraged and supported to provide these new certificates.
Minister for Education James Merlino said: “Study towards the important jobs that build and care for our state has the same value as any other education after school — and more young Victorians than ever before are pursuing careers in booming trades and services”.
To build on the school-based vocational and academic education in the new applied learning stream, a further $69.4 million will expand the Head Start program to every government school in the state — giving all students the opportunity to do an apprenticeship or traineeship in an in-demand sector while completing their schooling. Head Start gives students career planning support, a tailored pathway into the industry of their choice and a fair training wage — all while they’re earning their senior secondary certificate — in key industries like building, construction, community services and health, business, primary industries and technology. The Vocational Major will replace Intermediate and Senior VCAL, preparing students to move into apprenticeships, traineeships, further education and training, non-ATAR university pathways or straight into the workforce. Vocational Major students will undertake specific studies — Literacy, Numeracy, Work Related Skills and Personal Development Skills — as well as 180 hours of VET, their choice of other traditional VCE studies and time in the workplace, which will give them credits towards their certificate.
“Victoria’s a different place to what it was when VCE and VCAL started. For many students, getting industry experience and combining an apprenticeship with school is the best way to set them up for the good, decent jobs they want to do.” The six priority pathways within the core offering will be in health, community services and early childhood education, building and construction, digital and media technologies, hospitality, and engineering — meaning students will have access to training and skills for growing industries. Additional pathways will also be available in automotive, agriculture and environment, hair and beauty, creative industries, sport and recreation, and business. Students will see a revised and enriched curriculum with more choice of subjects and a flexible structure that can be adapted to individual learners’ needs — improving their engagement, developing confidence and challenging them within a program that is accessible and achievable for everyone.
New frontiers in work-life balance
Remote working models have given employees more control than ever.
By Kirrily Schwarz
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ustralia was moving towards a hybrid working model well before the outbreak of COVID-19, says Dr Ben Hamer, Head of Future of Work at PricewaterhouseCoopers Australia (PwC). However, the pandemic hit the accelerator. Fast-forward to 2022 and a new PwC study indicates that Australian knowledge-based workers want to work from home an average of three days per week. Dr Hamer says there are three key benefits that come with this. First, these models give employees greater choice and control over when and how they work, which ultimately increases engagement. Second, it allows more people to enter the workforce, opening up roles to broader groups of people. And third, it promotes much greater diversity and inclusion in the workplace, which means more ideas and innovation.
“People’s ability to choose how and when they work drives up motivation and engagement and therefore productivity,” he says. “There’s something really positive about the choice afforded to individuals when it comes to working from home. It allows them to spend more time with their kids, or more time at the gym, and save money on the commute as well.” There’s no question that hybrid working is here to stay. As a relatively new concept, it’s rapidly evolving, which means now is the time for each workplace, and each employee, to determine what it should look like and how it should work. The corporate 9-5 rulebook has been thrown out the window and the possibilities for worklife balance are endless. For example, hybrid working — which sees employees split their time between their home and their office — isn’t the only option on the table. It’s also possible to work entirely in the office, or entirely remotely, depending on what best suits the organisation and the individual. Want to work from a van while you drive the length of the east coast? Fine. Want to work from a cruise ship in the South Pacific? Also fine. Want
to work from Bali or Vietnam? No worries. Want to go for a walk or hit the gym in the middle of the day? All good. Hit a mental wall and need to have a break? Come back in the evening when you’re feeling refreshed. The trick is striking the right balance with your employer. Technology giant Cisco was recently crowned Great Place to Work’s best workplace in Australia for the second year in a row, which is no mean feat in the midst of a pandemic. “We recognised early that as employees adapted to the future of work, the thing they valued most was control over their time,” says James Comer, Head of HR at Cisco ANZ. “We’ve never believed that officebound roles were the way forward — whether it’s four days a week or four days a year, we believe it should be down to human beings to tailor their own working week, so they can dynamically manage and integrate their personal and professional lives.” The future of work is here and workers have more control over their worklife balance than ever before. There’s never been a better time to create the lifestyle of your dreams.
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Opening up multiple career pathways
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Extensive employer networks reach across Victoria — from construction to corporate business to care and support services
arina Russo Apprenticeships (SRA) will work with you to give you an opportunity to earn income and gain skills and qualifications that are beneficial for your future. As well as on-the-job training in a workplace, you will learn under the guidance of a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). By the end of your apprenticeship or traineeship, you will have earned a national recognised qualification that will open up multiple career pathways. SRA offers multiple apprenticeships and traineeships to ensure anyone interested in a qualification will be eligible to do so. Youth apprenticeships are available to school leavers under 21 years old while adult apprenticeships are for anyone over 21. For students still in high school
and aged over 15, a school-based apprenticeship is available to complete while you finish your schooling. Your learning can even contribute to your high school certificate or Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR)! No matter what industry you are interested in, SRA has extensive employer networks across Victoria from construction to corporate business to care and support services. SRA will support you through your entire apprenticeship and will assist you with finding the right fit for your career path, locking in the right RTO and helping you to lodge paperwork, manage all government incentives and keep you on track with mentoring services. One apprentice who has benefitted from partnering with SRA is Bethany. With assistance from SRA, she signed
up to a carpentry apprenticeship with Blue Eco Homes. After starting her apprenticeship, she found some male tradesmen still didn’t believe that construction was a place for women. She started an Instagram to advocate for women and show them that a trade is a career path for everyone. Through her advocacy work, Bethany was asked to join multiple committees, nominated for multiple awards and partnered with Janelle Henson, an SRA Youth Engagement Officer, to promote the Women in Non-Traditional Trades campaign and present at schools to support other young women into trades. Bethany has some words of wisdom for other women wanting an apprenticeship — “If a trade is what you want, get it. Do not let fear get in your way. Push for it every day.”
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WHAT CAN WE DELIVER FOR YOU? You probably already know that trucks deliver everything from your phone, to your clothes and your food...? Australia’s heavy vehicle industry also delivers: • innovation, • sustainability, • technology,
and... diverse and rewarding career paths. It could be your future too. Get on board here:
Truckjobs.online
Much more than just a job
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A career in the heavy vehicle industry could take you all over the world.
ou probably already know that trucks deliver pretty much everything you use every day — your TV, your phone, your furniture, your clothes, your food — even your car arrived on a truck. Australia’s heavy vehicle industry is planning and building the vehicles and technology to deliver our current and future needs, with hundreds of Australian and international companies involved in the manufacture, distribution and support of trucks, trailers, technology and their components. We also deliver innovation, sustainability, technology, and diverse and rewarding career paths. It could be your future too! If you are keen on a trade, there are two different pathways, with lots of other options attached to both: • Heavy Vehicle mechanical • Trailer manufacturing/vehicle body building You might like the logistics side — warehouse control and stock management? Or at university you can’t go past
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Engineering. You could be designing the next amazing truck or trailer or smart safety technology? Of course, there are countless other roles in marketing, finance, administration, HR and much more. It is a great industry to keep developing new skills.
We hope that these wonderful people talking about their own experiences will inspire you to take a closer look at the opportunities on offer in the heavy vehicle industry. Let’s start with Evan Jones. A couple of years ago he was recognised as HVIA National Apprentice of the Year. He is a great example of someone whose journey is already opening doors.
Evan Jones | Qualified technician | VCV Brisbane North No day is the same as the last; I could be doing servicing, diagnostics, major repairs or even some field service work.
Evan Jones We thought it might be interesting for you to hear from a few people who work in different roles in the heavy vehicle industry. There is a consistent theme that has come through from all of them: if you have a “can-do” attitude, and you are willing to throw yourself in and give things a red-hot go, this industry has opportunities that can set you up for life.
I contribute as part of the team, doing my bit to have trucks prepared efficiently and to a high-quality. I teach the younger apprentices the skills I’ve learned over the course of my apprenticeship. If you want a career in the industry, the first and probably most important quality you need is the want and drive to do the work. The heavy vehicle industry has a vast number of opportunities available and even the chance to work anywhere around the country.
within the transport industry is absolutely go for it.
on when starting your career: Grab any opportunities to learn from people who have been in the industry for a while.
Louise Azzopardi | assessor | WesTrac
There are so many different opportunities. Just make sure that you apply yourself, you work hard and make sure you love what you do.
Spend time with them, and just soak up as much information as you can. Louise Azzopardi It’s a great industry to be involved in; it’s a big Trainer and industry — just give it a go.
Mike Fowler | Director & GM – On Highway Business | Cummins South Pacific I started my career with Cummins as an apprentice diesel mechanic. Today, leading the engine business for Cummins is really exciting. It’s a role that I always aspired to my entire career.
My first position was as a heavy vehicle mechanical apprentice at Cummins. I found that I really enjoyed training younger apprentices, so I transitioned into a Trainer and Assessor role. We give apprentices the background knowledge and the skills, to have the confidence and the ability to adapt. One of my proudest achievements, I was the first female to ever compete in the National Apprentice Competition. Then I was the first female to win. I felt like I was paving the way for women and making it easier for them to get in. If you are considering a role in the heavy vehicle industry, give it a go. Get in and do the things that make you feel uncomfortable, because that’s where you’re going to learn the most. Do the tasks that you’re a little bit nervous about. Ask questions along the way because everyone will give you a hand.
A typical day for me could mean anything: I could be driving a truck; hosting a meeting; out in the field visiting customers; doing long-term strategic plans or managing the day-to-day business affairs of the company.
Stacey Davies
Starting a career in the heavy vehicle industry — there’s no substitute for a can-do attitude.
Stacey Davies | Network Optimization Manager | Daimler Truck and Bus My role contributes to the company by increasing the number of return customers. If a customer has a great experience, they are more likely to return to purchase a new product. My favourite thing about Daimler is the culture. We have great people, and it really is a great environment to work in.
Mike Fowler
Within the heavy vehicle industry there are just so many opportunities for young people. This has been the best job in my ten-year career, and I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else.
Richard Singer | Regional Executive Manager| Scania Australia One of the things that I’m super proud Rob Smedley of is that I’ve had the opportunity to Rob Smedley | Managing work with people and help Director | Smedley’s Engineers them develop their own careers through additional training and A lot of people come to us support. with really interesting, different problems. Getting the opportunity Watching them have a to solve those — in a creative new successful career certainly way — and developing new things, is makes me proud. a great experience. My message for young people Some qualities you should take
looking at career opportunities
If you develop a plan, and you work towards that plan, I think the sky’s the limit in this industry.
Get on board here: truckjobs.online HVIA is the association representing the heavy vehicle industry. Phone (07) 3376 6266
Richard Singer
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The skills you need to learn today for the career boom of tomorrow By Penny Hamilton
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hile 20 years ago the bluechip jobs included being a doctor, lawyer or engineer, today’s school leavers are applying to be cloud engineers, artificial intelligence developers or social media megastars. So how do Australian schools prepare students with the right skill set for life after graduation when the average Australian will have up to seven different careers during their lifetime? Kevin Alexander, Managing Director of leading recruitment agency Adecco Australia says, “The top skills which employers see as rising in prominence in the lead up to 2025 include critical thinking and analysis as well as problem-solving, and skills in self-management such as active learning, resilience, stress tolerance and flexibility.” These, he stresses, are also transferable skills, meaning you can take these with you and use them in any role and in any sector. “Digital skills will become even more important than they already
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are. Having a general knowledge of digital platforms and digital tools as a minimum will be a prerequisite for any role, regardless of if that role is directly in the tech industry or tech related.”
will continue to increase and demand will remain high for some time.”
“Technology and digital skills are in high demand, right across the board — regardless of industry. We’re seeing candidates on average receiving 2.7 job offers, so those with the skills are in high demand and have the benefit of getting the best job, the best salary and the best benefits.”
“In work-based learning programs, the people trained can get the experience employers are actively seeking and gain the specific skills and credentials they need to enter and succeed in their careers.”
The top skills which employers see as rising in prominence in the lead up to 2025 include critical thinking and analysis as well as problem-solving, and skills in self-management such as active learning, resilience, stress tolerance and flexibility.” He goes on to stress that, “it’s still really important to note that skills in the “pink collar sector”, such as age care workers, nurses and teachers who have human to human contact and are care focusses
However, no matter the industry, Alexander believes work-based learning is still the best way to learn new skills.
“As the youth population represents today about 17 per cent of the global population, meaning 1.2 billion people, and is expected to grow to 1.3 billion by 2030, it is necessary to provide the youth access to training for the thousands of new jobs expected to appear by the same timeline.” The key, he says, is to never stop learning. “People lose around 40 per cent of their skills every three years so without upskilling, they become obsolete in under a decade, so the skills that helped you land your first job won’t help you get your future job. Recruiters and hiring managers are finding that past experience is not the best predictor of future job performance. Particularly in an age where so many new roles require a new array of skills.”
Creating employment for everyone By Kate Calacouras
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inding a fulfilling job in a supportive environment is a goal many of us are chasing.
But for those with an intellectual disability, securing a position in an organisation where they can thrive can be even more challenging. Phil Hayes-Brown is the CEO of Wallara, a not-for-profit social enterprise dedicated to creating fulfilling opportunities for those living with an intellectual disability. He said many Australians don’t recognise the capabilities of those with a disability, but their work is making a huge impact on our society. “If you walk down the aisle of Bunnings or other big retailers, there are thousands of products that are packaged by an adult with a disability. And you just don’t know.” He said Wallara has a strong association with St Kilda Football
Club, with his team doing everything from working as groundspeople to managing their merchandise. “We are trying to create work for people who might find it difficult to work otherwise. I’m proud that St Kilda football club chose us to be in their supply chain. Our guys love footy, and I’m really proud of the service we run.” As well as creating more jobs at Wallara, the organisation has a longterm goal of helping their employees find good jobs in the open market. “We run two cafes. Our guys love working in hospitality. As much as I’m proud of providing employment within supported environments, we are working to build up our guys so they are ready to go into open employment.” He explained the process of getting his team into open employment involves not just training the staff, but potential employers too. “I want (open employment) to be
more inclusive … we will educate employers about what that might look like. It might be four hours a week or 35 hours a week. We want to see our clients experience that. “Wallara can come and help with transition. The open employer gets support. Their hand is going to be held.” Mr Hayes-Brown explained that although not all of the 16,000 Australians working in supported environments will want to find a job in open employment, it was still crucial that they had the opportunity to work. “We employ around 160 people in paid roles. Some of these people worked in open employment before, and they were bullied. Now they are thriving, they are leaders in our place. “We want to give opportunities to as many people as possible. It can be very difficult for people with intellectual disabilities to get into the workforce and have the dignity of work.”
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DEGREEES AT ANGLISS. FOODS | TOURISM | HOSPITALITY | EVENTS Apply Now. February and July Intakes
RTO No: 3045 CRICOS Provider No: 01505M HEP 9534
Opportunities equal life experiences in Tourism and Hospitality careers Can you picture yourself working at a five star resort, managing restaurants, organising festivals or developing sustainable tourist attractions? Not sure exactly where you want to be in five or 10 years but know that you want your job to lead you toward the moments that make life great instead of working for the weekends? If this sounds like you, you’ll find your course at William Angliss Institute.
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s Australia’s largest specialist training provider for foods, tourism, hospitality and events, William Angliss Institute offers qualifications from certificate level through to degrees and even master programs, so there’s an entry level that’s right for everyone. “Our courses include skills for life we call Graduate Capabilities, a set of 21st century skills validated by industry, which help students keep career options open, while our depth of specialist training, for which we’ve always been known, provides the edge that employers in foods, tourism, events and hospitality seek out in our graduates” said Chris Harris, Director of Education at William Angliss Institute. For Bachelor of Tourism (Marketing) student Vanessa Lauricella, the opportunity to learn marketing in a tourism context is what led her to win the Victorian Tourism Industry Council Student Entrepreneurial Award last year. Vanessa came up with “In Touch Tours”, an idea that aims to increase visits to regional Victoria by offering
nature-based tours for adults and children with autism. Vanessa said her idea was developed from a real-world problem that was given by Parks Victoria in her Tourism Market Research class. Students study accessible tourism as part of the course, equipping them with insight and real-world project experience. “Students are given the opportunity to put their studies on display in front of the industry they wish to be part of and use what they learn to address current issues,” said Associate Dean Higher Education Operations, Andrew Dolphin. “We tailor our assessments and learning to the emerging needs of the industry and that makes our graduates an immediate asset to employers.” As global travel rates rise (domestic tourism rates are forecast to surpass pre-pandemic rates in 2023-24, according to Austrade reports), Victoria is more than prepared, with more than 10 new hotels opening across 2021-22 and more to come. The supporting restaurants, bars, tourism experiences and corporate
events, not to mention the re-ignited major events sector, give reason to be confident that careers in foods, tourism, hospitality and events not only puts you in the heart of the action, but there’s opportunity to advance to exciting leadership roles. “In the past six months we’ve welcomed back the industry’s top employers who seek out our students,” continued Mr Dolphin. “We’ve had employers on campus from Marriott International (which includes hotels like W Melbourne, Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands and our soon-to-be neighbour RitzCarlton), as well as hospitality, food and event teams recruiting for the F1 Grand Prix and Australian Open to name a few. “It’s always great for students to see the diverse range of jobs on offer while getting unique learning experiences and opportunities with our long-standing partners.” With so many related specialist courses there are lots of learning pathways on offer for these experience-based careers. Students have the flexibility to change course direction — often with credit transfers — if they get inspired follow a different career directions along the way. To learn more about courses and careers in foods, tourism, hospitality and events, register to attend Open Day on Saturday 13 August or visit www.angliss.edu.au/openday
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A vision for dance Australian Dance Vision has helped to raise the bar when it comes to dance education.
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hen it comes to articulating the true essence of dance, Martha Graham said it best when she stated “dance is the hidden language of the soul”. Such an enriching artform, ensuring your organisation is employing the best possible practices when it comes to helping students hone their craft is imperative. Thankfully, Australian Dance Vision (ADV) has revolutionised the industry of dance education through a clear and unwavering focus. Founded by Sydney dance teacher Penny Lancaster, ADV has evolved to become a premiere provider of professional dance education and syllabus covering classical ballet, jazz, tap and contemporary dance styles. The founding principles of ADV were built upon the premise that there was a real need for a comprehensive assessment program which was Australian owned and developed, plus allowing students to develop at their own pace. “ADV is unique as it incorporates learning worksheets at each level and style of dance, as well as improved multi-facet marking criteria geared to modern pedagogic standards,” Founding Chairman and Curriculum Director Penny Lancaster said. “In this way students gain knowledge of dance history, anatomy, nutrition, physical limitations, alongside musical rhythms, mime, choreography and partnership dance. “This knowledge counts towards their overall mark and whether they receive a Pass, Pass Plus, Commended, Highly Commended, Honours or Honours with Distinction!” The mission of the organisation is unfaltering, and addresses the dancer as a complete person and along with the fundamentals of Classical, Tap, Contemporary and Jazz technique,
young dancers are taught elements of body science, nutrition and personal awareness; as well as dance history, musicality and are encouraged to improvise and choreograph. Students are assessed in a nonthreatening environment which adds to the overall appeal of the ADV syllabus and ensures the confidence of dancers well into the future. Dance teachers welcome this approach as students progress at their own rate and in keeping with their physical, emotional and cognitive development. “The dance-examination “hot house” day can often cause stage-fright in a young person, so they don’t perform at their best on the day,” Penny said. “Consequently, the objective of ADV assessment marking system embodies a moderating scoring input from the teacher based on observation over time of the candidate’s attitude and ability, thus an examinee who stumbles in front of the assessor or is unwell on the day is not unfairly penalised.” ADV employs a novel approach to dance education which, coupled with new concepts of objective technical examination together with music, video and open marking systems, allows students to be taught in a holistic manner as an individual. This versatile approach has been instrumental in cementing Australian Dance Vision’s reputation as an organisation which produces wellrounded, young dancers ready for careers in and beyond pure dance. And while Penny and John have already achieved so much through Australian Dance Vision, they show
no signs of slowing down, with grand plans for the organisation over the next five years and into the future. “The goal is for ADV to grow and for students to continue to love their dance and be inspired and knowledgeable about their art form while, at the same time, preparing students to learn about the realities of the professional life of a dancer and to avoid eating disorders and disappointments along the way,” Penny said. “This way, we build an informed audience from an early age for our wonderful dance companies such as The Australian Ballet and The Sydney Dance Company and others. “I would love to re-introduce the Ballet d’Action Dance company as a model for dance outreach. Bd’A won wide acceptance and acclaim from its audiences and participants as a contribution to dance education via real performance in front of live audiences, thus complementing the somewhat sterile and restricted exposure offered by the simulated “audience” environment of examinations and eisteddfods. “We are already pioneering seamless integration of distance learning via broadband video and communications technologies in readiness for the final roll out of the government’s NBN. “ADV’s policy is to use best-inclass secure technology to tame the tyranny of Australian distance (which equates to cost and restricted opportunities) so that small, rural and regional dance schools and students have equitable access to the same resources as their city-based colleagues.”
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