An outdated point of view might suggest that it is ‘easy’ to get a job, but unfortunately in this changing job-scape with little or no experience–as most young people who enter the workforce possess–it can be very hard to find a clear pathway into sustained employment. With over one in three young people between the ages of 15–24 years old currently unemployed or unable to find consistent work(1), this is a concerning fact despite being a very qualified generation. International World Youth Skills Day 2019 is upon us, seeking to generate awareness on the importance of skilling our youth through vocational education and training, in order to increase their employment opportunities in today’s workforce
Wesley Vocational Institute (WVI) is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO Code 90091) part of Wesley Mission, which aims to provide quality training programs focused on gaining skills to build careers and create opportunities. Getting started can be the hardest part for young people with some questions of concern arising such as ‘Where do I begin? What will it get me? Will I even be guaranteed a job?’ But a few students who have taken part in the WVI courses share their top tips on the benefits of not only completing the courses, but the opportunities and skills gained by furthering their learning.
Five top tips
Get qualified
Kellie Armitt, a student who completed a CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) course through WVI could not emphasise enough the importance of getting qualified either through obtaining a certificate or a degree.
She said made the point in saying “learning a qualification just puts you one step ahead towards whatever you want to do.”
Be determined and positive
Rachel Lister-Barker, a community service student shares her point of view about finding work.
She says “at the end of the day it’s up to you if you want to keep falling or if you want to push yourself up… there are people out there… that are willing to support you”, like the team at Wesley Mission.
Her honest point of view is encouraging as personal ambition really is the key to finding employment.
Take work placement or internship opportunities
Employers want to see that a potential employee is personable and has had some experience in any kind of role. Jessica Huntington–Taylor, another community service student said that
“learning is key… get all the experience you can because it does help you and you have the skills you may or may not use.”
Rachel Lister-Barker, completed work placement through WVI and as part of her Community Services course, said that
“by doing the placement… my interest in the community service space has enhanced my interest… a work placement was way more educating then just sitting down and doing work”.
Find a teacher or community member who can encourage you
Jerome Sutherland, a man who couldn’t find the right learning environment, said that the
“individual support offered at WVI ended up being one of the best choices I ever made… the class became more of a team rather than a class”. Kellie Armitt also added that you need to find staff at an institute that “truly want to see you succeed”.
Both Kellie and Jerome have now secured employment opportunities.
You can never stop learning
Maddison White shares one final piece of encouragement for young people seeking employment.
She states that “a lot of kids just give up and go into different sides and not care about their education… but that can be very hard for them to get work experience”
explaining the importance of educating yourself and finding different learning solutions to suit individual learning habits. Putting one’s education first, should always be a priority as it leads to exciting employment opportunities and a fulfilling career.
(1)Wesley Vocational Institute is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) through the national training authority, the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). Our RTO code is 90091.