There are so many documents, letters, and notes to keep organised just in our daily life. Throw work and study in the mix and now there’s plenty of projects and deadlines to constantly manage! The question becomes how can you stay on top of all these tasks, even with different timelines and deadlines?

Whether you prefer to manage your life digitally or physically, we’ll break down our favourite productivity systems. We’ll also explore ways to incorporate them into your study to help optimise your organisation and improve your planning skills. 

How can organisation tools benefit me?

Organisational systems and planning tools can be valuable in your day-to-day life and can assist you with work and study organisation. By integrating systems and techniques into your study and workflow that enhance your organisation, you can improve your productivity and time management. Leveraging tools that make managing life a breeze will also help to reduce the stress of remembering everything and hoping nothing slips through the cracks. 

Trying out these tools for different projects is a great way to get familiar with the most popular project management tools used by businesses. Giving yourself a basic understanding of these systems before entering a new job can help with the transition into a new role. Removing the stress of learning another new system as you progress in your career can make any change less painful. This will also allow you to focus on the work at hand. 

So, let’s explore the tools that can help you succeed!

Kanban boards 

In a Kanban board, work is displayed all in one place. This allows work to be visible on a project board, split into columns, and makes it easy to view the progress of a project at a glance. Each column represents a stage of work and can be customised by project or planning style. 

How do I use a Kanban board?

Kanban boards are very versatile and can be used for simple day-to-day task tracking or be more detailed to track an assessment or larger project. A basic Kanban board might have these three columns to split the work: 

• To-do.
• In progress.
• Completed.

Each column is filled with visual cards that represent individual tasks. These can be colour coded based on importance, project, or urgency. There are so many customisable options to this model that can allow you to tailor a board to fit your needs.

Incorporating it into your study set-up

Digital

Many online project management programs have a base template using the kanban board, but our favourite is Trello. 

Trello is a web-based planning tool that has the Kanban board at the heart of its design. You can freely move tasks between sections. The system has many integrations that even allow you to add emails and Slack messages as tasks on your board with ease. These templates can be great for keeping track of day-to-day tasks at work as they appear. Or, you can create a new board and customise it to track the progress of an assessment task. 

Tip: Pin the tab to your browser so it’s always there, but not in the way. Use the app to send reminders for tasks directly to your phone when you need them most.

Physical

Sticky notes are a great tool to make this system come to life outside the digital space. Set aside some wall space or get a large cork board and split it into the three sections. Then, write each task or project on its own sticky note (you can even colour code tasks to align with bigger projects!). Now all the set-up is done, simply move the sticky notes along each stage as you work through them.

Gantt charts

Gantt charts are flexible planning systems that enable you to manage, track and view all tasks regardless of their own individual timeline all in one place. They visually represent the lifecycle of a project overtime, including deadlines, status updates, and resource assignment. You can also assign individual responsibility for each task if there are multiple contributors. Gantt charts are typically in a calendar view and shows projects as a horizontal bar chart within the graph, giving you an overview of the tasks at hand. 

How do I use Gantt charts?

Gantt charts are fantastic for managing any project, big or small. They’re particularly useful in organising complex projects with interdependencies and subtasks that a Kanban board or simple to-do list can’t accommodate. If you’re unsure where to start, here are some things to consider:

• Determine the project’s scope: Clearly outline the project and it’s goals, including any key contributors, checkpoints, and limitations. 
• List out all tasks: Break down the project into more manageable tasks that can easily be sorted and distributed.
• Decide on task deadlines: Estimate how long each task will take.
• Note any dependencies: These are any tasks that rely on the completion of others. Ensure you know what they are and where they sit in the project timeline.
• Pick your tool: Whether it’s a versatile online tool or handwriting a chart, choose your tool and input your data. 

Incorporating it into your study set-up

Digital

Microsoft Excel is often the favourite tool for creating online Gantt charts. If the project has multiple contributors, it’s best to use digital tools so you can easily share the plan and track updates in real time.

Physical

Although this system generally works best digitally, where it’s easy to update and change deadlines if required, it is possible to translate this to a physical system. The best way is to get creative with a whiteboard or a grid lined notebook and sketch your own Gantt chart. Organise it to fit your tasks by giving it a weekly or monthly spread.

Tip: Even if you prefer drafting your notes digitally, you can create a calendar or plan on your computer and print it out! Highlight any deadlines and due dates, then pin it to your wall in your study space so you can always see it as you work.

The best apps to help you study smarter

Priority to-do lists

To-do lists are great for keeping track of your tasks, and ticking off a task once complete is always a motivation booster. But sometimes a simple to-do list won’t cut it. This is where you can utilise a priority to-do, one step ahead of a basic checklist. Using a prioritisation method to enhance your to-do list can help you focus on the important tasks first and filter out any unnecessary tasks. 

How do I use a priority to-do list?

Start by writing all your tasks like a regular to-do list, no matter how big or small. Think of this as a catch-all for all tasks. Then you assign a ranking to each task. You can do this using any prioritisation technique you like, for example, the simple ABCDE Method. This is when you assign a priority level ‘A’ through ‘E’, with ‘A’ representing high priority and ‘E’ representing low priority. 

There are plenty of other techniques you can use to determine priority, but here’s of one of our favourites, the Eisenhower matrix. 

Eisenhower matrix

• Once you have your list of tasks, categorise them into four quadrants. These are based on urgency (how soon it needs to be completed) and importance (the impact of its completion on your project or other tasks). The four quadrants: 
  • Urgent and important (do).
  • Important but not urgent (schedule).
  • Urgent but not important (delegate).
  • Not urgent and not important (eliminate). 
• Try to eliminate all unnecessary tasks first, that way you have more energy to focus on the most critical items.
• Then you can work your way through each remaining task easily, emphasizing urgency and importance at a glance. 

Incorporating it into your study set-up

This method is one of the easiest to incorporate into your study set up, as you likely already use some version of it already. Nevertheless, here are some great tools you can use to increase your productivity.

Digital

One of our favourite tools for managing projects and tasks is Monday.com , where you can create an intuitive to-do list with due dates while also assigning each one a priority level. Monday is a much more powerful tool for organisation and automation, but using the to-do list feature is a great start to get familiar with the platform.

Physical

If you still prefer paper based to-do lists, you can always step up your regular lists by highlighting tasks and colour coordinating them based on importance and urgency. 

The bullet journal method

Bullet journalling is a fantastic method of tracking everything, from personal appointments and assessment tasks, to daily to-do lists and reflection. They’re a great catch-all and convenient to have on hand as a reference when planning your life. This method helps you slow down, disconnect from technology, centre yourself, and clear your mind from the mental clutter. It allows you to tackle your days with more clarity and focus in a way that works for you. 

How do I use a bullet journal?

It starts with a simple notebook and a pen. Bullet journals are helpful for showing you a bigger view of your goals and how they fit into the year before they are broken down into more refined timeframes.

The great thing about an empty notebook is you can customise it to work for you. Here’s a quick guide on how you can structure your bullet journal.

• Intention: Start with your intention and use the first page to write down your big goals. It can be a real motivator to check in on your goals every time you open your notebook. 
• Index and key: Next, set aside some pages for an index so you can easily reference the content in your journal. The journal you use should ideally have page numbers, but you can always add them in as you go. The key will show at a glance what symbols you use to label each item. For example, use a dot point (.) for tasks, a circle (o) for events and a dash (-) for notes.
• Future log: The next page is for the future log, great for long-term planning and giving you an overview of important dates, events, and deadlines at a glance. You can split each page into three horizontal sections, leaving each section for one month. That means you should see 6 months, in one view. This should give you enough room to track important dates and leave additional space to add more as needed. Remember to add these pages to your index and you’re good to go!
• Monthly log: Your monthly log starts with the month you’re currently in. This can be a two-page view. If you want to keep it simple, start with a list of dates and corresponding days on the left page, and a summary of monthly tasks on the right. 
• Daily log: Finally, break down your planning by each day. This can be as simple as adding the date and day at the top of the page and listing all tasks, appointments, events, and any notes for that day. This should be short and to the point to help you stay focused.  
• Reflect: At the end of each moth, reflect on your system and tweak it to suit your needs. If anything isn’t completed that month, make a note and add it to the following month.

Remember, you can be as creative or as streamlined when creating each log and page in your book. Anywhere from a detailed and measured calendar page to a simple bullet point list of dates, use whichever technique fits best with your routine. Maybe you want to add gratitude notes at the end of each day, or incorporate a habit tracker to help build healthy habits. The customisation options are endless!  

Incorporating it into your study set-up

Digital

Using a bullet journal should help you step away from technology and take time to write down your tasks. But if you’re set on a digital solution, you can use any online writing tools and free note-taking software like:

• Google Docs.
• Microsoft Word.
• Goodnotes.

Physical

Physically writing down things is a great way to help your mind retain information. Take a moment away from any digital distractions and write down your tasks. You don’t need a fancy, expensive notebook to get started. A piece of paper and a pen is a great start. 

Giving yourself time to separate your tasks and write them by hand can help you plan and prioritise which activities you should work on first, while also helping you remember them better. 

The post How to be an organised student appeared first on College for Adult Learning.

Online courses are a great way to build on your knowledge, learn new skills, and progress your career. The good news is they can also be tax-deductible.

That being said, there are a few rules to know when claiming self-education expenses – centrally, the course that you are enrolled in must be related to your current occupation. If you are studying a course that is intrinsic to your career pathway, read on to learn more about the finer details of what you can and can’t claim.

Am I eligible for the self-education tax deduction?

When it comes to a self-education tax deduction for students, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has set out clear guidelines on the ways in which a course can be eligible. No matter what you’re studying, your self-education should do one of the following:

• Maintain or improve the specific skills or knowledge you require in your current employment activities (as described in your job description).
• Result in, or will likely result in, an increase to your current salary.
• You are a trainee and the course is part of the traineeship.

For example, you are working as a human resources officer and have decided to undertake the Diploma of Human Resource Management (BSB50320) to back up your work-based experience with a qualification. You are improving specific skills or knowledge used in your current employment. Therefore, you’ll be able to claim the self-education tax deduction.

You can’t claim self-education expenses for a course if: 

• It doesn’t have a sufficient connection to your current job.
• You are not currently employed.
• It’s only generally relevant or irrelevant to your current job.
• It helps you to get a new job.

For example, you are a builder’s labourer and want to study the Certificate IV in Project Management (BSB40920). You want to study this qualification so that you can get a new job. As the course does not relate to your current employment and will enable you to gain new employment, you are not eligible to claim the self-education tax deduction.

What can’t I claim?

You can’t claim these self-education expenses:

• Course, conference, or seminar fees paid by your employer or someone else.
• Repayments of study and training support loans – HECS-HELP, VET Student Loans, etc.
• Home office occupancy expenses.
• Accommodation and meals (unless required by your study).
• The first $250 of self-education expenses incurred before 1 July 2022.

What can I claim?

There are many things that you can claim through the self-education tax deduction scheme if you are eligible. Below is a brief overview of some things you can claim:

• Course, conference, or seminar fees.
• Equipment or equipment repairs.
• Software, USB sticks, hard drives or computer accessories.
• Home office running costs – electricity, internet, heating, etc.
• Stationery.
• Textbooks.
• Decline in value for depreciating assets – computer, desk, etc.
• Interest on loans used to pay for self-education expenses.

For example, you bought a laptop for $1,500 on 27 May 2024. You use it 80% of the time to study and 20% of the time for browsing social media and playing games. Since the life of a laptop is three years (according to the ATO), you can claim $1,200 back over the effective life of the laptop (80% of $1,500 = $1,200). 

How much can I get back?

Let’s say you earn $80,000 per year and have to pay $14,788 in income tax. If your course costs $2,995, and you have an extra $500 to claim in studying expenses, you can deduct $3,495 from your taxable income. Therefore, your taxable income will be reduced to $76,505, and you’ll only need to pay $13,739 in income tax.

So: $80,000 (salary) – $3,495 (self-education expenses) = $76,505 (new taxable income). 

Total savings = $1,049.

You can work out what this looks like for you by adding up your self-education expenses and inputting it as an annual tax deduction in the pay calculator tool: https://paycalculator.com.au/ 

How to claim your self-education tax expenses

For more information on claiming self-education expenses, simply head to the ATO website. You’ll find out everything you need to know, as well as free calculator tools to determine your eligibility and the items you can claim back.

While choosing to study can seem like a daunting and expensive undertaking, knowing how it benefits you and what you can claim back will give you the confidence you need.

Ready to take your next step? Contact one of our career advisors today to run through all of our adult education courses and help you choose the right one for you.

What could you be eligible for this tax time?

Find out what self-education expenses you may be eligible for with our tax calculator.

GO TO CALCULATOR

The post Claim your self-education tax deduction on your course appeared first on College for Adult Learning.

Communication is how we express and share our thoughts and opinions with others. Doing this well allows us to understand each other without confusion when we are conversing. It’s also a valuable interpersonal skill you can apply to grow professionally and academically. Developing your communication will help you foster good working relationships, and also spill over to help you in many aspects of your life like work, study, and friendships. 

How to develop effective communication

In clearly demonstrating your thoughts and ideas, and understanding the needs of others, your communication will flourish. From written communication to casual conversation and formal discussions, effectively communicating across all these areas will improve any interaction:

• Spelling and grammar.
• Clear communication.
• Body language and active listening.
• Building social connections.

Anything that gets you interacting with people is great for developing your communication skills and improving your active listening. Both are essential for fostering effective communication as a student and in the workplace. Here are six helpful ways to help you improve your communication.

Use grammar and spelling tools

One of the most valuable tools when communicating is great grammar. Making sure your written language is clear and easy to understand goes a long way when communicating across digital platforms. 

Having a tool to back you up as you’re writing will save you time proofing and help you communicate better overall. Whether it’s important study notes, work materials, or assessment tasks, ensuring proper spelling and grammar will elevate your writing and improve your written professionalism.

This is where grammar tools come in. They are great for giving you tips on spelling, grammar and help improve the flow in your writing. They will point out if a sentence feels too long or if you’ve used the same word too often, while providing some great alternatives.

Tip: Our favourite grammar tools are LanguageTool and Grammarly. They’re easy to use, and they’re both free chrome extensions! These tools will automatically check your grammar and spelling for any errors and highlight them as you write. 

Here are some quick tips to help you with the set-up:

• Create a free account using your email.
• The default language is ‘American English’, so you will need to update your preference to ‘Australian English’.
• Use this how-to guide for Grammarly.
• Use this how-to guide for LanguageTool.

They work in any editable format on your browser, such as Google Docs. If you need them for any apps you use, you can download the tool’s app as well as the browser extension.

Remain clear and direct

Being able to communicate clearly and directly is great for avoiding confusion and constant follow-ups. Here are three aspects of communication you should consider that will improve your overall communication.

Clarity of message

Ensuring that you provide relevant and useful information when sharing your ideas and opinions is a valuable skill. Consider these questions as during planning to help clarify your massage: 

• Are you providing all the information this person will need to do their job? 
• What could their follow-up questions be?
• Can you answer these questions preemptively? 
• If you could only describe the situation in three sentences, what would the most important information to convey be?

 Building these skills can be tricky with no direction, here is a helpful exercise you can try to help improve the clarity in your communication.

Tip: Pick and read a random article or Wikipedia page online, then break it down and find the three most essential takeaways. Write these down and use these notes to explain the article to someone who hasn’t read it before.

This can help you determine if you really covered the most critical aspects and whether your explanation made sense to fresh eyes. Repeating this process with new people and new articles will help you develop your clear communication skills.

Keep it concise

Keeping your communication concise means you get your message across efficiently using the fewest words necessary without sacrificing clarity or detail. In staying concise, you help to enhance overall comprehension, saves time when communicating, while also holding the attention of others. 

Whether it’s written or spoken language, it involves eliminating unnecessary words and repetition, focusing on key points, and using a simple, uncluttered communication style. 

• Active voice: The active voice focuses on the doer of the action, making sentences clearer and easier to understand than passive voice, as it clearly identifies who is performing the action. If you’re unsure of your writing, you can use this passive word checker to help you get accustomed to using the active voice style of writing. 
• Word choice: Prioritise using simple language and steer clear of overcomplicated phrases and long sentences. Avoid the use of acronyms and jargon, as it comes across as less confident. Instead of using phrases like ‘in order to’, say ‘to’, or instead of ‘due to the fact…’, simply say ‘because’.
• Avoid filler words: Eliminate unnecessary phrases and filler words to ensure you remain on topic and focused. If you’re communicating verbally, try to avoid filler words like ‘um’, ‘uhh’, and ‘like’.  

Speed of communication

Keeping communication open and allowing a reliable flow of information means you remain approachable and maintain smooth social interactions. 

Each workplace has their own expectations for how long it should take you to respond to a message. This varies based on if the message is from within your team, from a manager, or from a client. You should take note of the expectations in your work place, but a good rule of thumb is:

• Direct messages and mentions: For urgent messages, respond as soon as possible, ideally within a couple of hours. Otherwise, reply within one business day. If you can’t respond to a message properly in that time, let them know when they can expect a full response from you.
• Emails: Non-urgent emails can wait for a few days. However, urgent emails should get a response sooner, within 24 hours at the latest.
• Meeting invites: Depending on how urgent the meeting is, a meeting invite should be accepted/declined within the same day.

Maintain approachable body language

Your body language does a lot of the talking in social situations, so being aware of how you come across can help improve your overall communication. Keeping your body language open and approachable will encourage honest conversation. 

It’s important to always be conscious of your attitude and non-verbal communication. Here are some things you should consider so you can remain professional and welcoming during conversations and meetings.

• Good posture — Keeping open and inviting body language is a great way to welcome progressive conversation. Ensuring you sit with good posture while leaning towards the person speaking opens you up to more pleasant interactions. 
• Eye contact — Whether you’re talking one-on-one or in groups, making and maintaining eye contact with participants shows that you’re engaged in conversation, and you’re listening. This can make people feel more comfortable talking with you and lead to more constructive conversations. 
• Movement and hand gestures — Get expressive while you talk. By walking up and down throughout a presentation or using hand gestures to enunciate your speech, you can become more engaging and easier to follow. Just be careful not to go overboard, as too much movement can become distracting. 
• Facial expressions — Remember to stay positive, smile, and show that you’re engaged. Facial expressions are valuable nonverbal cues that impact communication through expressing understanding and reiterating your message. 

Networking 

Attending a variety of social and networking events provides you with excellent opportunities to interact with a diverse group of people and develop your social and communication skills. Networking skills are also valuable in the workplace as you can connect with investors, companies, and other professionals to benefit your career progression and your business. 

Here are some great ways to engage with people you normally wouldn’t and learn different communication styles to fit each situation. 

• Sign up to a local sporting club or community group. 
• Volunteer at a fundraising event.
• Attend a formal industry networking event. 
• Reach out to your coworkers and people from different departments.
• If you work in a hybrid environment, set up a catch up meeting with a remote coworker and get used to talking through virtual meetings.

Becoming versatile with your communication skills can help you connect with people across various life experiences with empathy and compassion. Opening yourself to new interactions, even within your own workplace, can help you build your communication and find ways to best communicate for any situations. 

Seek mentorship 

Having fantastic role models and people to support your growth is a great resource to add to your learning journey. There are many sources within your current network who you can turn to for good advice. If you have an important presentation or meeting, ask someone to proofread it or act as a test audience for you. 

Chat with people who you consider to be excellent communicators, and don’t be afraid to ask for their advice or mentorship. People love helping people and sharing their knowledge with you. 

• A manager at work. Managers can be a great source for mentorship as they already have a vested interest in your success. They also have experience with how you currently communication and may provide you with some ideas for improvement.

• A professional career advisor. Exploring feedback from professional career advisors or someone with a communication style you look up to can give you a new, insightful perspective on effective communication.
• A trusted friend within a professional industry. They don’t have to be the same industry as you. Seeking advice from a variety of avenues can open yourself to more growth opportunities in your communication.

Stay open to feedback

Whether you’re giving or receiving feedback, it’s important to remain positive even if the feedback is negative. To become an effective communicator, you need people to know that they can discuss difficult issues with you and even critique your ideas freely in a constructive environment. That’s why you should be appreciative of any constructive feedback and remember to take it seriously. 

You want people to know that you value their opinions. Try to take on what people say with grace and understanding. By reflecting and applying valuable feedback and focusing on what you can do to improve, you show that you’re willing to learn and grow. 

The post How effective communication can benefit your study appeared first on College for Adult Learning.

Preparing for a job interview can be nerve racking, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve applied for a new job. So, how can you calm the nerves and show up confident to your job interview?

In this blog, we will explore what you should do from the lead up to an interview, all the way to following up afterwards. Even if you’re still studying, getting prepared early will help you gain the confidence to put your best foot forward and get a leg up on your competition from the get-go.

What to do before an interview

Researching and practising for an interview will help you feel more prepared and confident to answer any question that comes your way. By preparing in advance, you can get a sense of the company, role, and some questions the interviewer may ask. Here are some things to think about leading up to the interview to feel ready.

Know the company 

It’s important to know more about the company you’re interviewing with. This gives you a better understanding of the company’s offering and culture before going in. It also shows them that you have a real interest in the company, which is appealing to prospective employers. You may find the following helpful.

• Note down the company values. That way, you can tailor your responses and bring examples of your work to demonstrate how you share these values and the company’s vision. The company’s website is a great resource for learning about the company, and it’s history.
• Research the products and services. It’s a great idea to get a better understanding about what the company offers and how they operate. Bring any questions you have about the company into the interview. This shows you’ve done your research, and you’re truly interested in the company.
• Learn about the leadership. Know who the company’s leadership is and anyone who holds respected positions within the company. You can usually find this on the company’s website. Then, you can use LinkedIn to find out more.  
• Look at past and present employee reviews. Websites like Glassdoor are a great place to see employee reviews and get a sense of company culture. 

Know the role

Re-read the job description and conduct some role specific research. This can help you determine salary benchmarking and industry standards. You will also gain a better understanding of what the company might expect from someone in this role. Here are some free tools you can use to help you discover realistic expectations for your role and salary.

• SEEK’s pay calculator for salary trends.
• Indeed’s salary search for searching salaries based on industries and locations.
• Talent.com for more information about different jobs.
• Myfuture for researching careers and roles.

Know your resume

Come to the interview ready to answer any questions about anything on your resume. That way, you can highlight the value you can bring and paint yourself in the best light. Being confident and knowing your resume can also dispel any concerns the interviewer may have about your experience. Remember to bring a copy of your resume! Although most applications are online, it’s a good idea to have a printed copy of your resume or a PDF version on your phone ready to share. This way, if the interviewer needs a copy, you can provide it easily. 

But what if the interview is online?

Here are some things you may forget when preparing for a virtual interview that will help ease your nerves and feel more prepared.

• Make sure your device has enough charge or is plugged in.
• Check your camera is working.
• Check your audio and microphone are working.
• Ensure your Wi-Fi connection is strong.
• Have your resume on hand for reference.
• Have any questions you want to ask readily available.

7 Steps to Writing a Professional CV

What to wear for a job interview

Another stressor when attending an interview is deciding what to wear. You want to look put together and professional, not too casual, yet comfortable. Whether the interview is in person or online, a good rule of thumb is to dress slightly more formal than what you’d normally wear to work. 

The devil is in the details! Take notice of the small things that contribute to your overall first impression. Is your nail polish chipped? Are your shoes clean? Is your bag visibly messy? These small details may not seem like a big deal, but they add up and affect your overall presentation. Ensuring you have a tidy appearance goes a long way to showing that you are organised and put care into how you present yourself. 

But what if the interview is online?

When you’re attending a virtual interview, it’s important to know your background. Ensure the room is well lit, tidy, and not too distracting. If you’re struggling to find a suitable background, consider using a virtual background. Most video conferencing applications have built-in background options you can use that are simple and professional.

How to make a good first impression for an interview

A first impression can make a big impact on how your interview goes. Do your best to avoid any prejudice or negative opinions by considering the following.

Always arrive early

Arriving late can reflect badly on you and make you more stressed for the interview going in! Make sure you allocate plenty of time, just in case anything happens on the road. Being a few minutes early shows that you’re organised and that you value the interviewer’s time. It also gives you the chance to check in, ground yourself, and calm your mind before heading in. Remember to take a deep breath to calm your body and remind yourself that you have prepared for a great interview. 

If the interview is virtual, you should log on to the online meeting a couple of minutes before the scheduled start time. Remember to use positive body language and to smile more. This is essential for online interviews, as the interviewer can only see your head and shoulders!

Build rapport straight away

Small talk can feel pointless at times, but it’s a great opportunity to learn more about the interviewer and find anything you may have in common. This can help you relax and gives you the chance to build rapport straight out of the gate. Talking with the interviewer more casually can also give you an idea of how you could fit into the culture of the company. 

Ask questions

Don’t be afraid to ask the interviewer questions, too. Remember that an interview is also an opportunity for you to learn more about the role and the company. This can help you decide if it’s the right fit for you and if it’s something you’re really interested in. The research you completed in the lead up to the interview can help equip you with any questions you may have about the organisation or the role. This shows your interest in the company and demonstrations your initiative to research and plan. You can ask questions like:

• Are there any training and development opportunities in the future for this role?
• What does a typical day look like in this role?
• How big is the team, and what is the dynamic like?
• What’s the organisation structure, and how does this role fit into it?
• Who will I be working most closely with?
• What employee benefits should I be aware of?

Speak slowly and confidently

Remember: when answering any questions, it’s okay to take some time to think about your responses. It’s also a good idea to try to speak slowly and confidently. This can help you get your point across while also making you easier to understand. 

Salary expectations

If no salary expectations have been set before the interview, this can be an awkward dance in conversation of whom reveals their cards first. This can be an intimidating conversation, but it’s an essential consideration for choosing your next career, so you shouldn’t be afraid to talk about it. Here are some quick tips to help navigate this topic.

• Pick the right time. Don’t bring up salary too early – use the time at the end of the interview to ask about expectations.
• Bring a salary range. Instead of giving a specific number, it’s best to provide a range based on your research. This shows you’re willing to be flexible but gives you room to negotiate and shows market awareness. You can say something like, ‘Based on my research and experience, I’m looking for a salary in the range of [lower end of range] to [upper end of range].’
• Back up your expectations. Focus on the value you will bring to the company based on your skills and experience. Briefly explain why you feel your salary range is reasonable.
• Prepare to negotiate. You may receive an offer or response lower than your expectations. Remain confident and professional, and uphold honesty about your expectations and reasonings throughout the process. It’s okay to be upfront about your minimum salary, thank them for the opportunity, and look elsewhere.

What to avoid during a job interview

Now you know what to do in a job interview. But what should you avoid? Not every topic of conversation is appropriate for a job interview, even in small talk. Here are some things you should avoid while in a job interview.

• Politics, race, religion, relationship or marital status. This isn’t any of their business and shouldn’t impact whether you are right for the job. You are also legally protected by the Fair Work Act against any workplace discrimination based on any of these attributes.  
• Expressing anger over past jobs or managers. This won’t look good and may ultimately lead to the interviewer pinning you as the problem, not your old workplace. If they ask you why you left your old workplace, you can say something like ‘I’m eager to explore a new industry and feel this opportunity and this company matches my values and career aspirations’, or even ‘I’m looking for a better culture fit. In particular, [these benefits or values] are important to me.‘
• Talking about family problems. Leave personal issues at the door so you can stay focused and put your best food forward.
• Leaving any gaps. Make sure you try to answer every question the interviewer throws your way. Even if you’re unsure, take a beat and try to answer with a relevant example anyway. It’s okay to say, ‘I haven’t come across that before, but here’s how I would tackle that.’
• Turning off your camera. If the interview is virtual, it’s important to keep your camera on and maintain a positive online presence. This is essential as many workplaces are now hybrid or online. 

How to follow up after an interview

As the interview concludes, make sure you find out what to expect next. You can ask when to expect an update on the role, and what the next steps are. Knowing the timeline of the company’s recruitment process will help you feel less stressed while waiting for an update. It also gives you a timeline to work with so you know if you haven’t heard anything by that date, you can reach out and ask for an update. Your interest shows that you are proactive and organised, but don’t go overboard – employers may feel annoyed by constant emails and calls.

If the unfortunate happens, and you are unsuccessful, don’t worry! You can use this to help you succeed next time. Reach out to the recruiter and ask for feedback on your application. You can ask questions like:

• Do you have any suggestions or feedback regarding my approach, attitude, or application?
• Do you have any hints on how I could improve my interview skills?

If you are currently studying online with us, you can access the careers’ hub for complimentary job hunting resources. You can also ask your learning coach for help in preparing your resume and for any interview skills advice relevant to your diploma or qualification. 

Implementing these smart job interview hacks will set you up for success in your next interview and help give you the confidence you need to beat the competition. 

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What are interpersonal skills?

Interpersonal skills are personality-based social skills which allow us to interact, communicate, and work with others effectively. They are also called ‘soft skills’. While there is no exam you can take to improve these skills, as you interact and work with more people, you can continuously learn and improve upon them. 

It’s not enough to ‘be good at your job’ to succeed in the modern workplace. We have pulled together a list of interpersonal skills we think people will find helpful as they advance in their careers and develop their skills. 

1. Effective communication

Communication is how we express our thoughts and opinions effectively to others. This allows us to understand what others mean when we are conversing. Developing your communication will help you foster good working relationships, and also spill over to help you in many aspects of the workplace. For instance, in clearly demonstrating your thoughts and ideas, and understanding the needs of others through body language.

How to develop your effective communication

Anything that gets you interacting with people is great for developing your communication skills and improving your active listening. Here are some helpful ways you can grow your effective communication.

• Grammar and spelling tools: Use a grammar and spell checker to make sure your written language is clear and easy to understand. 
• Networking: Attend social and networking events, or sign up to a local sporting club or community group. This provides you with excellent opportunities to interact with a diverse group of people and develop your social and communication skills. 
• Clear communication: Practice being as clear and direct in your communication as you can. Consider – are you providing all the information this person will need to do their job? What are their follow-up questions likely to be, and can you answer these preemptively? If you could only describe the situation in three sentences, what would the most important information to convey be?
• Seek mentorship: Chat with people who you consider to be excellent communicators and ask for their advice or mentorship. If you have an important presentation or meeting, ask someone to proofread it or test audience it for you.

2. Emotional intelligence (EI)

Emotional intelligence is our ability to recognise, understand, and regulate our own emotions, and how we can influence others. There are four key elements to EI that can directly help you in the workplace. These are:

• Self awareness –  being able to identify your own emotions.
• Self regulation – the ability to regulate your emotions, and being able to express them effectively and positively.
• Motivation – being able to inspire yourself and others by maintaining positive attitudes.
• Empathy – acknowledging the emotions of others and making them feel understood.

Developing these skills can help create better relationships and help you manage your own emotions in social settings and at work. This is a valuable tool to have in your arsenal, especially when things get stressful or don’t go to plan. Being able to articulate your thoughts and feelings calmly in a crisis can help build respect from your co-workers.  

How to strengthen your emotional intelligence

Your emotional intelligence tends to strengthen over time as you experience life and deal with difficult situations. This skill improves through inward reflection and is more personal compared to the other skills. 

• Formal training: Learn more about EI through formal training, like workshops and seminars. In doing this, you can reflect on your experiences, and identify how you could have handled them with differently.
• Journaling: This can help you identify your emotions, and understand how you respond to different emotional situations by writing through them.
• Volunteering: Getting involved in a local charity is a fantastic way to connect with people. Doing so will help you engage with others with more empathy through community service. 
• Reading literature: Explore emotional intelligence and self-motivation through reading novels and/or non-fiction on the topic. This is a good way to expand your knowledge.

How to improve work relationships in a hybrid environment

3. Teamwork

How we’re building rapport in a team and collaborate effectively is changing in the modern workplace. Adapting to a team split between in-office and remote work can be challenging but it can also open up more opportunities for growth and team bonding. Being able to motivate a team and work effectively despite the barriers of a hybrid team is an invaluable skill and will put you ahead of the rest.  

The modern worker performs at the top of their respective field, not only through experience and technical skills, but because of their ability to create and maintain quality relationships. Good team working skills give leaders the tools they need to properly motivate teams, understand and solve difficult problems, and communicate effectively among all levels of the business. 

How to improve your teamworking skills

Improving your team working skills can come from working on your leadership skills, working on how you interact with others, or can come from directly working with your team. Developing this skill will help you identify your role in a team and how to navigate the different individual personalities and skills.

• Team building activities: Participating in workshops with your team is great for building trust and respect among team members. Activities such as office trivia, or virtual escape room, are perfect examples that help showcase the skills of each individual. 
• Set clear expectations: Determine what your ‘role’ is in a team and discern how everyone in the team fits in while taking their personalities and skills into account. Being clear with what role everyone in the team has is important for establishing an effective team. One resource you can use to help you understand how you may work best in a team is using the Belbin Team Roles. These are team roles that are groupings of behavioural attributes that are beneficial to effective team work. 
• Stay open to feedback: Accepting feedback and constructive criticism from people you work closely with is very valuable. Learning to take it on board without viewing it as a personal attack is essential to personal and professional growth. 
• Set team goals: Having shared goals and a collective vision to work towards gives a team purpose and value. Celebrating milestones along the way can also boost team morale.

4. Conflict management 

Conflict management and resolution is an essential skill for everyone, not just in the workplace but in every aspect of life. These skills come very naturally to some, but handling difficult conversations with card can be stressful. Developing this skill will help you communicate professionally with difficult clients, solve problems among your team, and help you advance your career by expressing concerns respectfully.  

How to improve your conflict resolution

• Practise solving small conflicts: Tackle a tricky situation head-on. Whether that’s dedicating time to complete a task you’ve been actively putting off, or reaching out to a friend or family member to discuss an issue with their behaviour that’s been bothering you. 
• Focus on the issue, not the people: Separating the problem from the people can help you get an objective opinion. Remember to stray away from personal attacks when developing a solution.
• Seek out common ground: There isn’t always a clear solution to every conflict. Finding space for parties to compromise and both come out happy is a great skill to develop. This means avoiding the mindset that you must ‘win’ every argument.
• Formal training: If you’re looking for something more formal, there are some great workshops you can participate in to learn helpful tools to manage disputes and conflicts.

5. Reliability and adaptability

Change is scary. But it’s how you respond to change that makes all the difference. In a constantly changing work environment, it’s important to be able to adapt to your surroundings and continue to work your best under these circumstances. 

By adapting calmly and effectively with changing conditions, teams, and projects, you set a great example for others. This will further solidify yourself as a reliable modern worker and teammate. Continuing to produce reliable results – despite changing environments – becomes invaluable as you climb the career ladder. 

How to become more reliable and adaptable in the workplace

Growing your reliability and adaptability in the workplace isn’t always straightforward. These skills develop over time and mainly come from life experience. However, there are still some techniques you can incorporate into your routine to help show your flexibility.

• Practice punctuality: Being on time or early to meetings, events, and interviews is one of the easiest ways to show your reliability. Try setting your alarm earlier, or packing everything you need to the night before. You can also use digital calendars with reminders, and get in the habit of scheduling time in your calendar to prepare for commitments and meetings.
• Focus on your follow through: We sometimes make commitments we can’t keep. Not because we don’t have the capacity to do it, but simply because we forget. Practise your project and task management by immediately writing down any commitment you make in a meeting or during conversation to help you remember.
• Take accountability: As much as we hate making mistakes, they can happen. It’s important to own up to them instead of making excuses. This will help to build trust, and people will appreciate your honesty and initiative as you work towards finding a solution.
• Embracing a growth mindset: This is the belief that your abilities, knowledge, and talents can be improved over time.  A growth mindset allows you to be open to new challenges and learning opportunities. Learning to embrace this mindset means you’ll be become more open to change and can help you adapt to new things with ease. 
• Go back to study: Looking to trusted training providers to complete a diploma focusing on interpersonal skills or to advance your career is a rewarding learning opportunity. By taking on a new challenge, you show you’re able to adapt to various working environments, helping you build resilience in the workplace.

How to get ahead in your career

These interpersonal skills are some of the most valued skills in new hires, as they aren’t as easily attainable as technical skills. Since these skills are highly transferable across both the professional space and in personal life, it is very advantageous to continuously build upon them.

Demonstrating these skills effectively during an interview and through your work will immediately put you ahead of other candidates. Managers prefer to promote employees who understand both the complexities of a role and can relate to others effectively. The easiest way to do this is by continuously improving your soft skills throughout your career. Highlighting your want to constantly grow in all aspects of your professional career shows how you value your personal growth and professionalism, which is vital for success in the workplace. 

The post What interpersonal skills do you need to get ahead at work? appeared first on College for Adult Learning.

Let’s explore eight time management hacks you can use to organise your life better for study and work.

1. Use an anti-procrastination list

This is a practical tool to combat the hundred random thoughts that can distract you from important tasks. The anti-procrastination list is ideal for setting boundaries between your work and play time.

Here’s how it works:

• When working, keep a notepad next to you with the heading ‘anti-procrastination list’ to remind you of its purpose.
• Any time you’re tempted to procrastinate, write the idea on the list instead.
• Once you’ve completed your work, you have a list of activities you can do in your free time.

2. Use a timer or the pomodoro technique

Maximise your effectiveness while working or studying by placing an egg timer or hourglass on the desk in front of you. The timer acts as a ‘higher power’ that watches over you while you focus on getting work done. You can apply this hack to short, focused bursts or longer periods of productive time. You may even use the timer on your breaks to ensure you’re not getting distracted or eating into work time.

A variant of using a timer is the pomodoro technique. Here’s how it works:

• Grab a timer (either a physical one or a pomodoro or phone app).
• Decide which task you will work on – it’s better to pick one and single-task if you can.
• Block out distractions – shut the door, switch on an app like Freedom or disconnect from the internet.
• Set the timer for 25 minutes.
• Work only on that task until the timer ends.
• Set the timer for 5 minutes and take a break.
• Start again and repeat the process 3–5 times.

5 Top Apps to help you Study Smarter

3. Create a weekly study plan

One of the hardest tasks to complete after a long day’s work is deciding what to cook for dinner. By taking a short amount of time each week to meal prep, the decision is made simple. A meal planner is also an astute way to ensure you only buy what you need at the shops. Apps such as MealBoard and Paprika even save your recipes in a recipe manager app.

You can apply these same principles to study by:

• Taking 20 minutes on Sunday or Monday to plan for the week ahead.
• Blocking out study periods in your calendar.
• Deciding which tasks you’ll focus on and what you want to achieve in the week.
• Breaking your goals down and assign bite-sized goals to each study session.
• Keeping all your study notes in one place so that you can pick up where you left off.

4. Maintain a healthy sleeping schedule

If you wish to remain productive while awake, ensure you aren’t sacrificing your sleep. While the choice to sleep sacrifice is tempting, it is detrimental as sleep debt accumulates. Apps such as Bedtime (part of the Clock app for iPhone) and Sleep Cycle can help you gain the six to nine hours of sleep needed to reach peak potential during the day. Continue using the app on the weekend to maximise your results. Aside from working less efficiently, sleep deprivation can predispose issues such as high blood pressure and a weakened immune system. Sleep is important!

5. Prioritise your to-do list to increase efficiency

Essential for tackling the mountain of work at the start of a week, prioritising allows you to avoid matters that aren’t urgent. There are a few different prioritisation strategies you can try:

• Eisenhower’s decision matrix – classify each task as:
  • Important and urgent (do these first).
  • Important but not urgent (schedule these in your calendar or do them second).
  • Urgent but not important (delegate, automate or eliminate these if you can).
  • Not important and not urgent (don’t do it).
• The burner list.
  • Grab a blank piece of paper.
  • Make two tall columns.
  • Put your most important project on the front burner (the left column).
  • Leave the rest of the left column empty.
  • Put your second most important project on the back burner (the top of the right column).
  • Halfway down the right column, make a ‘kitchen sink’ for miscellaneous tasks.
• The reverse snowball or eat that frog.
  • Complete your hardest or biggest task first.
  • Then knock off medium tasks.
  • Finally, finish up with small tasks.

6. Set up a dedicated study area

Crucial when working at home, having a designated study area will assist you in reducing distractions. Ideally, this area should not be used for any other activity as the goal is to condition yourself to associate the space with focused work. Make sure the area is pleasing to be in and has plenty of natural light.

7. Avoid striving for perfection

Perhaps the easiest trap to fall into is trying to complete tasks perfectly. While being a perfectionist is useful at specific times, it will only slow you down if you try to be perfect all the time. Have faith in your ability to produce high-quality work, even if the result isn’t exactly as you imagined it in your head.

8. Make the most of supportive study apps

By downloading two or three useful apps, you can transform technology from being a previous distraction to a newfound ally. You may find our post on the 5 apps to help you study smarter helpful.

Commit to these time management hacks and organise your life – at work or when undertaking online study – and you’ll never look back.

The post 8 Time Management Hacks to Organise Your Life appeared first on College for Adult Learning.

We can all use better tips and tools to help us study smarter with what time we have. Even with the best intentions, time-sappers such as social media and brain fade are familiar roadblocks that get in the way of study time.

To help you, we’ve found the best study tools and apps that will assist you to study smarter, not harder. Let’s dive in.

Improve organisation with cloud computing

When it comes to writing and sharing documents, creating presentations, and storing files, there are two mainstream options – Google Workspace and Microsoft 365.

Both are free when you make an account and they automatically save changes when logged in online, so losing work never happens. Choosing between the platforms is truly just your personal preference. 

Let’s break down some subtle differences between them to help you find which works best for you.

• Cloud storage: Google Drive offers more cloud storage on their free plan. However, if you need to purchase more storage, Microsoft’s Onedrive is cheaper.

• Documentation: Although Google Docs and Microsoft Word both offer powerful word-processing features to help with your writing, Microsoft’s execution is slightly more advanced, offering more templates, enhancements, and tools.
• Study on the go: As long as you’re connected to the internet, you can access all your documents, regardless of which platform you choose. However, Google is the preferred choice for mobile access as its app is almost identical to the web version, whereas Microsoft Word’s app has reduced functionality. Google also offers better collaboration options if you want to share and edit documents in real-time.

Using Grammarly for better communication

Whether you’re writing an email, blog, business proposal, essay, or assignment, you don’t want to be caught out by incorrect spelling or grammar. 

Grammarly (and spell checkers like it) read through your work and detect common mistakes like word choice, passive voice misuse, wordy sentences, and punctuation to help improve your message and writing. It’s available for free, with the option to upgrade to premium. 

Another great feature is the ability to check a document for plagiarism, which saves you from triple-checking all your sources. 

Note-taking solutions for studying

Pen and paper are great for taking notes, but what happens if you lose them, want to arrange your thoughts in a graph or spreadsheet, or can’t read your handwriting? That’s where online notetaking apps save the day. You can access them across multiple devices at any time.

There are plenty of note-taking apps out there, but Notion and Evernote are two of our top picks for students. As a student with us, you can also access discounts on the paid versions. 

Although they’re both great for making to-do lists, taking notes, and sharing your notes with peers, we found some key differences to help you choose the best one for you.

• Notion is a popular digital workspace, where you can highly customise the platform to fit your needs and study style. Notion can also be used as a powerful planning tool for different assessments. With Notion’s lack of limitations, you can get stuck into the complex workings of the app, perfectly crafting an online study space unique to you. However, the customisation features can sometimes mean you spend more time setting up a page or folder than you plan. 
• Evernote is more than just a note-taking website, it’s also an app, meaning you can access your notes across multiple devices with its cross-platform compatibility. Evernote shines in its organisation features, with a great search tool and customisable folders and tags. Unlike Notion, there is less of a learning curve to get started, meaning you can jump right into note-taking instead of learning how best to use the features available.

Zoom and other video conferencing tools to stay connected

Video conferencing software is great for connecting with fellow students and coaches. Getting familiar with different conferencing tools while studying can also help your career as it’s an important part of the modern workforce.

Each company has its preference for what video conferencing software they use. The most commonly used are Microsoft Teams and Zoom. When studying with us, you’ll get comfortable using Zoom as all your coaching calls and support sessions are held using the platform.

Ultimate Guide To Successfully Balancing Online Study With WFH

Apps to help you study smarter

Using apps to enhance your study is a great way to make the most of your time. We’re lucky to have access to many helpful apps, but finding the right ones for you can be difficult. Whether you use apps to help store study information or need tools to avoid time-sucking social media apps, here are a few more of our favourites for making your study sessions more productive.

1. Pocket

Have you ever seen an interesting article online but not had the time to stop and read it? Pocket is here to help. A Chrome extension and phone app, Pocket saves websites or articles for later – putting your reading material together in one handy location. You can even send articles to a unique email address which automatically saves it to your Pocket account.

2. Quizlet

Flashcards are great for quickly learning lots of different things at once. They can be helpful to build stronger connections in your brain which will help you remember important information from your studies. You can have a small refresher session while waiting for your coffee order or commuting on public transport.

Quizlet is a great app for creating and sharing flashcards to help you study and remember important content from your course. One of the biggest advantages of Quizlet is that it generates tests for you based on the cards in your set. Having your flashcards on your phone also makes your notes more portable and accessible. 

3. Pomodoro study timers

One of the harder parts of undertaking a qualification as an adult is fitting your study around the rest of your commitments. If long study sessions aren’t for you, try changing your study routine with the Pomodoro technique. 

Pomodoro is a study method that involves working for brief periods (usually around 25 minutes) with short breaks (five minutes) between each session, and a longer break (15-20 minutes) after every fourth session. The idea behind Pomodoro is that breaking up your work into smaller, focused periods allows you to be more productive during that time. You can easily customise your work and break times and then be free to focus on your studies while the app or website takes care of all the timing for you.

4. Cold Turkey

How many times has your five-minute break to check Facebook turned into a half-hour-long distraction? Cold Turkey is a free app available for Mac OSX, Windows, and Android devices that allows you to block websites and apps for a set period. Once you set the timer, any notifications from those sources will be waiting for you once your study period is over.

The icing on the cake is that if you attempt to visit a blocked website, Cold Turkey will instead display an inspirational quote on your screen. This is a great tool for staying focused and motivated during study sessions!

Using your study skills in your career

Building healthy study habits using these tools can translate into a more focused workflow in your future career. Current and potential employers will always appreciate technically savvy workers. Building these skills while studying can give you this advantage when applying to the workforce. Combining your education and the digital skills you develop through studying will empower employers to find reasons to promote or hire you above others. 

The post The best apps to help you study smarter appeared first on College for Adult Learning.

Returning to study after having kids or taking a break from the workforce can feel terrifying. It may be years or decades since you’ve last studied and you may feel anxious about if you’ll be able to manage and how you’re going to fit everything in. However you’re feeling – you’re not alone. In fact, you’re probably better equipped for a return to study than you realise.

Tens of thousands of students have returned to higher education later in life. The good news is that the skills you’ve gained as a parent can be exceptionally useful when juggling the demands of study with those of a family, work and life in general. Online study, in particular, is a fantastic way to integrate study into your life and make it work for you. 

In this guide, we’ll help you make going back to study a rewarding experience that will help you grow your skills, rejoin the workforce, advance your career and follow your passion.

Keep your end goal in mind

Get really clear with yourself about what you want to achieve by returning to study. Common motivators for mature-age students include:

• Rejoining the workforce
• Changing careers
• Upskilling
• Pursuing an interest

Without a clear goal, it can be easy to lose focus. Effective goal setting puts you in the driver’s seat with the opportunity to transform your own life into whatever direction you desire. 

Your end goal will inform all the sub-goals and tasks that will help you get where you want to go. When you begin study, write down your learning goals and break them down into months and weeks. You can use these to work out how much time per week you have available for study and how quickly you can get through your units. When you get your assignment or exam schedule, note all important dates in your planner to give yourself plenty of time to complete deadlines.

Create your own support network

Learn to ask for help and share the load. One of your biggest supporters is likely your partner or co-parent. But you may also receive help from relatives, friends, neighbours, parents from school, childcare educators or after-school programs. If you have teenagers or young adults, you may discover that they are your biggest champions and are happy to give you a precious hour or two to yourself in the evenings. 

Whoever your support people are, get them on board and set up specific times each week that they can commit to helping you so that you can plan your study. If you have a friend in the same situation, you could organise a weekly swap. Don’t be afraid to use your support network for other things too like discussing assessments, bouncing off ideas or having a good rant.

Your online student portal, discussion boards, LinkedIn and Facebook groups and sessions with learning coaches can provide you with additional study support. A personal learning plan and the support of an experienced facilitator will offer regular feedback to help keep you on track to meet your goals. Knowing you have this guidance can provide added motivation and focus when you return to study.

It’s also a good idea to create backup solutions for those days when illness, childcare problems or emergencies affect your plans. This can be anything from calling in a reserve support person to plonking your child in front of a screen for an hour. Whatever will take the pressure off you and work with your lifestyle.

Block study in your calendar

Time management becomes essential when you return to study. You may find it works to visually ‘map out’ your week or month to maximise what you can get done in the time you have. This can be done with a calendar, day planner, app or the back of a receipt.  

Remember that study doesn’t have to be a long period of time for it to pay dividends. Learning Coach Di Pierce recommends that students block out 45 minutes, three times a week. You may discover natural blocks of time like your commute to work or the nights when your kids are at basketball practice or guitar lessons. As long as you’re disciplined about sticking to a regular studying time and turning off distractions for those 45 minutes, you’ll be amazed at how much you can get done.

Set up your study environment

Setting up a specific study area will help you quickly get into the right frame of mind. This can be a room, a corner, or if it’s too hard to concentrate at home, a local café or a library. Wherever your study space is, make sure you have a good WiFi connection, a charged laptop, and as few distractions as possible. 

Many apps and software programs can help you make studying easier:

• Tools like Freedom and Do Not Disturb minimise outside distractions.
• Timers can help you focus for a specific period of time.
• Trello and planners help you track important deadlines and projects.

If any questions come up during your study period, write them down and move on. When the timer sounds, you can Google the answer or reach out to a learning coach to discuss it further. 

Self-care and study are not mutually exclusive

Be realistic and above everything else – kind to yourself. One of the golden rules of being a student is that you get out of it what you put in. 

Things you can do to put yourself first are:

• Eat well and stay hydrated.
• Get roughly the same amount of sleep (at the same time) every night.
• Aim high and understand that it may take some time to get back into study. There are no fails here – only competent and not yet competent.
• Stay positive. You can improve your mood by getting out in the sunshine, taking the dog for a walk, going to the gym, or calling a friend for ten minutes. 
• Ask for support early and often. Book coaching calls as often as you need them – you can even pre-book a weekly or fortnightly session to ensure you stay on top of things.
• If you enjoy a sport, keep playing it, even if you can’t play as often. A healthy body means a healthy mind, which you’ll need when you return to study.
• Encourage your friends to drop in now and then for a coffee so you don’t isolate yourself. The relationships you’ve spent years building deserve to keep thriving alongside your new commitments. 
• Give yourself time to ‘switch off’, even if only for a short period.

Adding study to your already busy life will challenge you. However, you can do it and it’s worth the effort. Soon the day will arrive when you’re successfully qualified and ready for your new life chapter. We’ll be here for you throughout your learning journey.

The post Returning to study after kids appeared first on College for Adult Learning.

At some point in your career, you’ll likely butt your head up against the dreaded glass ceiling. There may be many reasons why – your workplace doesn’t offer growth opportunities or professional development, your industry is competitive, your skills have stagnated, or your manager overlooks or undervalues your contributions to the team.

In this blog post, we’ll look at each of these obstacles to career progression and how you can overcome them.

How do you know if you’ve stayed in your job for too long?

Workplaces used to incentivise employees with great benefits when they stayed with the company for a long time. This is no longer the case. The average Australian worker will spend an average of three and a bit years (40 months) in any single job. Moreover, the average job retention goes down the younger the person – someone under 25 will spend an average of 20 months in a job. 

However, some workplaces are starting to catch up and offer comprehensive retention strategies – so how do you know whether you should stay or go?

Consider the following:

• What’s your destination and where do you want to be? Many people think management is the ultimate pinnacle of corporate success, but not everyone is suited to it (or wants a career in management). You may prefer to be a specialist who offers extensive expertise on a subject. Whatever you’re after, make sure you have a good picture in your head.
• What’s your motivation or why? Maybe you enjoy the challenge of mastery, wish to influence an organisation, or want to keep doing what you’re doing but earn more money doing it. Getting clear on your motivations can help you navigate the best pathway to getting where you want to go.
• What options are available for you to achieve what you want in your current workplace?
• Do you have a manager or mentor in your current workplace who would partner with you to help you achieve growth? 
• Would a different workplace make it easier for you to get what you want? If so, which companies would give you the best chance of success?
• Are there any benefits (bonuses, amazing culture, health incentives, etc.) you receive from your current workplace that you’d miss if you moved on?

These questions should help clarify whether you have scope to grow within your current company or if you’re hitting your head against that ceiling and it’s time for a change. 

Tip: If you’re still feeling stuck, try out the ‘Odyssey Plan’ exercise from Bill Burnett’s and Dave Evan’s book Designing Your Life. 

How to progress in your career internally

If you’ve completed the above exercise and decided there’s room for growth within your current organisation, congratulations! Now’s the time to make a plan. Get your manager or mentor across your vision for the future and make a career plan to help you get there. You may also want to check out our blog post on how to get promoted internally (linked below). 

How To Get Promoted in a Large Company

What to do if your workplace doesn’t have promotional opportunities

What if you’ve invested your blood, sweat, and tears for years and become the obvious choice for a promotion, but nothing’s happening? What if your loyalty is ignored each time you ask for a better job with more responsibility? What do you do if you’ve outgrown the business? If any of these questions resonate with you, it may be time to look elsewhere. 

Here are some steps you may want to take to increase your odds of success:

• Research the available positions, career progression pathways and salaries in your industry at your level of expertise. Look at salary guides, job levelling or grading frameworks, and Fair Work Ombudsman award classifications. You can also check out peer-reviewed career information on websites like Glassdoor, Payscale and SEEK. 
• Brush up on your skills and make sure you’re staying current with industry standards and trends. This could be as simple as participating in webinars, LinkedIn Learning or online Masterclasses. Or to differentiate yourself, you may consider formal professional development training. Undertaking a relevant diploma could be the difference between falling short in job interviews and getting that career break you deserve. 
• Modernise your CV and familiarise yourself with current hiring practices. There are lots of great tips online covering how to create a CV that will get you past the software screening so that it lands in the hiring manager’s inbox. If you’re not a confident interviewee, now is also a great time to practice. 
• Reach out to your professional network. Get active on LinkedIn and reach out to contacts in your industry who may be able to help you find work. You may even consider giving your information and job preferences to various recruiters. Just remember not to post anything publicly about looking for work until you’ve given your current workplace notice. 

• If you’re considering a lateral move to a different career or industry, reach out to someone working in your dream job and offer to buy them a coffee in exchange for picking their brain. They may have some valuable insights on how to make the transition smoother or recommendations on people or industry groups you should know.

How to break the glass ceiling 

You’ve invested the time in improving your skills, making connections, and getting to know the ins and outs of your industry. This puts you in an excellent position to break that glass ceiling and progress in your career. 

However, if you’re still struggling to break through, consider what it is that’s stopping you. 

• Is it something out of your control or are you stuck because you’re holding on to a narrow and unrealistic metric for success? In this case, you may need to accept that there are some things you can’t change so you can pivot into changing what’s within your control. 
• It’s also possible you’ve overestimated your currency with certain skills and need to invest in freshening up your knowledge or sharpening your toolkit. 
• Or perhaps you need to get comfortable with self-promotion – particularly if you’re a woman. 
• The last thing to consider is how bias can play into decision-making. You may find you’re facing discrimination or simply that you’re not coming across well to others because of how you present, communicate or get along with people. The good news is there are things you can do about this. Get advice from family, friends, co-workers, mentors, recruiters, employment specialists, or Fair Work representatives. 

Smashing the glass ceiling for good

If after some soul searching you decide to pursue a higher-paying career or transition to a more lucrative industry, we can help. Otherwise, by completing the suggested exercises and implementing these tips, you should be well on your way to smashing that glass ceiling for good!

The post How to progress in your career if you’ve already hit the ceiling appeared first on College for Adult Learning.

Trying to choose the right course for you can be challenging. What if you make the wrong decision? What if you don’t like the content? What if it doesn’t help you get where you want to go? 

Sometimes, even knowing where to begin is a challenge. Analysis paralysis can strike and delay the decision-making process. To help combat this, we’ve developed a quiz to help you identify the courses that will align most closely with your goals and lifestyle. 

Factors to consider when choosing a course

• Flexibility. If you’re looking to continue working while you study or have family obligations, flexible studying options can ease the stress of juggling priorities. Particularly helpful features are online study, self-paced learning, and additional time to complete your course.

• Application to your career. One of the most crucial elements of your decision is focusing on what you wish to gain from your study. Are you formalising what you’re already doing, gaining skills for advancement, or changing careers? What skill sets and knowledge will help you achieve your goal more directly? Look closely at the course descriptions and unit details, study pathways, and possible career outcomes. If you have any questions, reach out to a learning consultant.

• The education provider’s reputation. Read the testimonials and case studies from the learning institution you’re considering. Check the course code is the most current one available and compare their offered student benefits and price points against other providers.

• Alignment with your needs. Sometimes, a checklist or set of guiding questions can help you decide which course is right for you and helps to broaden the scope of your analysis. Questions that are important to you may include:
  • What is the expected completion time?
  • Does the course allow me to work at the same time?
  • Is the course online or in-person?
  • Can I work and continue to earn an income while I study?
  • Will I be able to spend time with my family while I study?
  • Does the course allow me enough time to do the things I enjoy and still complete my course in a good timeframe?
  • Will I be supported throughout this process of learning?
  • Is it within my budget?
  • Can I get course credits for past study or work experience?

Do you have what it takes to go back to study?

If it’s been a while since you’ve studied, you may feel intimidated about returning to study now. The good news is that VET (vocational education and training) qualifications are designed to be practical and funnel you straight into work within the industry. 

Effective students employ many skills you’ve likely already built through work. These include:

• Time management: Pre-planning your week and blocking time according to your study plan will be essential to your success.
• Perseverance: The ability to keep at it and do good work, even when you’ve got a long list of to-do’s.
• Grit and a growth mindset: The belief that your skills are not set in stone and that you can keep improving, learning, and growing.
• Priotisiation and organisation: There may be weeks when you have more coursework or assessments to complete. Knowing when to cut back on outside activities and dedicate time to study instead is an excellent skill that will serve you well.
• Basic computer and internet skills: Nothing too technical is required, but it’s good to understand how to use a computer.

It’s also important to remember that a good education provider will have support options in place to help you if the going gets tough. For example, at the College for Adult Learning, we offer coaching calls, a live support chat, group coaching sessions, and a dedicated support team. You are never alone, even when you’re studying online.

If you can’t decide between courses

If you’re feeling torn between two courses or a qualification doesn’t cover all the topics you’re interested in, consider a double diploma. A double diploma ‘doubles’ up your expertise and allows you to offer potential employers a specialised skill set not likely offered by other applicants. If designed well, a double diploma will have a shorter duration and more affordable price point than studying two diplomas separately. 

Find your perfect Double Diploma

Want to improve your career potential, be qualified quicker and gain a unique skillset?

In just three easy steps, compare the best double diploma option for you and your goals.

FIND THE COURSE THAT SUITS YOU

The post How to choose the right course for you appeared first on College for Adult Learning.

As hybrid and remote working emerges as a ‘new normal’, we have more options than ever to customise how we learn. Online and in-person learning offer different benefits, features, and drawbacks. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the differences so you can decide whether online or face-to-face learning better suits your needs, preferences, and lifestyle. 

The benefits of studying online

There are many benefits to studying online, chiefly flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and personalisation, although there are many others. This mode of learning will particularly suit those working full-time, who live remotely, or who have busy schedules. It’s also ideal for career changers and people with learning difficulties or disabilities. 

Flexibility 

Online learning’s primary benefit is its high level of flexibility. Learning online eliminates geographical barriers, which is particularly helpful for those who live in rural areas, rely on public transport, or have commitments that make commuting difficult. It also allows you to study from the comfort of your own home, a cafe, or the sidelines of your kid’s basketball practice. 

Additionally, many online RTOs (registered training organisations) offer self-paced learning which allows you to study any time from anywhere with an internet connection. This can make a massive difference in your ability to fit study into your life as you can study in the evenings, on the weekends, on your lunch break, or any other time that suits you! It also allows you to study more intensively to complete your qualification quicker or to take longer if you have less time to dedicate to your studies.

Cost-effectiveness

Online learning typically costs less than traditional on-campus learning due to the reduced running costs. It also saves you all the peripheral costs of face-to-face studying like commuting, textbooks, parking, and lunches or coffee from campus. 

It’s also easier to work while studying online, which means you can retain your full-time or part-time work and study around your work rather than cramming work hours around your study.

Personalisation

If you’re looking for increased personalisation or customisability, online learning may be better positioned to support your needs. For example, at the College for Adult Learning, we offer learning coach calls with an industry expert who can walk you through unit content, assessment requirements, and answer any questions you may have. We also have customisable study planners, live chats, and other support options. 

Potential drawbacks of studying online

The flipside to the enormous benefits of self-paced learning is that it requires you to ‘self-start’ more so than face-to-face learning. If you struggle with self-discipline or motivation and wish to study online, it’s a good idea to equip yourself with tools to help you succeed. For example, some students find it helpful to pre-book fortnightly coaching calls to keep them on track and motivate them to complete coursework. Others find a ‘study buddy’ who can keep them accountable and foster feelings of connection. 

Additionally, if you prefer a high level of in-person interactions, you may find online studying more isolating. While you can access discussion boards and group coaching sessions through online study, face-to-face learning certainly offers more opportunities to build relationships with instructors and fellow students. 

Online learning of course also requires basic computer skills and reliable internet access, which may be intimidating if you’re tech-shy. That being said, face-to-face learning also increasingly requires technology competency, which means this isn’t a barrier to entry as much as it may have been in the past.

The benefits of face-to-face learning

Face-to-face learning also has its perks and many people thrive on the social and in-person element of this mode of learning. Learning on campus particularly suits extroverted learners and people who have the time to devote and immerse themselves in full-time study.

Direct interaction and real-time feedback

If you’re a people person, you may find that face-to-face learning suits you better. It’s true that being in the same room as other learners where conversation flows and ideas are workshopped can be more engaging than learning from a screen. However, with the joys of technology – virtual classrooms, coaching calls, and discussion groups can mimic this interpersonal communication.

This face-to-face learning also gives you the capacity to clarify information at any moment. If you’re unsure about something your lecturer just said, you can quickly raise your hand and ask a question. While online learning offers features like live chat and support emails, the speed of response isn’t the same as that of face-to-face learning.

Extra-curricular and social benefits

Studying on campus can help you engage socially with your peers and build relationships. You can also join clubs, campus events, and engage in volunteer work. Campuses also typically feature facilities you can take advantage of like libraries, study spaces, career services, student counselling, and cafes. 

The increased social element of face-to-face learning means that if you find it hard to interact with people outside your bubble, being on campus helps force you outside your comfort zone. It also can act as a kind of immersion to intensify your focus on studying.

Potential drawbacks of studying face-to-face

Studying face-to-face undeniably offers more opportunities for interpersonal interaction and campus benefits. However, these same benefits come with constraints. Other students can help or hinder your ability to focus depending on personalities, learning needs, and disruptive behaviour. Similarly, the amazing campus facilities have a literal cost that translates to more money spent on your studies than you’d pay for studying online. 

Your flexibility is also impacted as your education provider will set your study days and times and it’s your responsibility to arrange your other commitments around those times, commute to campus, and arrive on time.

Which learning format will work best for me?

In the end, whether you choose online or face-to-face learning will come down to your circumstances. If it’s important you continue working full-time while you study, online learning is the obvious choice. If you’re a parent, the flexibility of online learning may trump face-to-face learning from a practical standpoint. Whereas if you find yourself in a position with more time and fewer commitments, you can make your choice based on your preferences and learning style.

Another thing that becomes clear through this analysis is that the gap between online and face-to-face learning is closing. Studying on-campus will require you to flex more technical skills and online learning will feature personal interaction that wasn’t possible a decade ago.

At the end of the day, the best learning style is the one you feel most confident will help you achieve your best result.

How to study for your learning style

The post Online versus face-to-face learning: which one suits you? appeared first on College for Adult Learning.

We all work and communicate differently, so it makes sense we all have distinct ways in which we prefer to learn. There’s a well-known methodology called the VAK learning styles, which classifies learners based on the primary sense they rely on – visual, auditory, or kinesthetic. (You can also check out its newer cousin VARK, which separates visual learning into visual or read/write.) The idea is that once you identify and understand your preferred style, you can implement meaningful study techniques and start to reap the rewards.

Let’s explore strategies you can use to make studying easier and more effective for your learning style.

Tips for visual learners

If you’re a visual learner, you learn best through your sense of sight and pay attention to how things look or are visually represented. Your preferred learning mediums are videos, charts, diagrams, imagery, demonstrations, and reading/writing. You like to picture things, get perspective and sense whether something ‘looks’ right – or doesn’t. 

If you’re a visual learner, these tips may help you better absorb your course content:

• If a video doesn’t make sense after the first watch, view it again with subtitles enabled or download a transcript so you can read the content through. 
• Take notes as you go and use colour-coding to make the information more digestible. 
• Visualise key concepts you need to learn into doodles or diagrams. Print them out, colour them in, and stick them around your house so you can learn passively.
• When you’re working through a case study, close your eyes and imagine how the scenario plays through like a movie in your mind. 
• If you’re feeling stuck, get out a notepad or a whiteboard. Sketch out your problems, write it all out, or use mind mapping.

How To Study When You Have No Time

Helpful hints for auditory learners

If you’re an auditory learner, you learn best through your sense of hearing. You may be sensitive to the sound of voices, get easily distracted by noise, repeat things to yourself or move your lips while you read. Your preferred learning mediums are verbal explanations, podcasts, audiobooks, videos with the volume raised, and music. You can hear if something doesn’t ‘sound’ right.

These tips can help you make the most of your preferred learning style:

• Record your notes or key concepts on the recorder app on your phone or computer. Listen back to them on your daily walk or commute.
• After a reading session, debrief with a colleague or family member. Even if that means explaining what you’ve just learned to your fur baby, using your own words can help challenging or new information to stick.
• Participate in online discussion groups where you can ask and answer questions and compare notes with other students. 
• Start a study group where you can have brainstorming sessions with others. 
• If you’re a current student, join a unit group session with a learning coach over Zoom (you can book a session through Spark Learning Hub). It’s a great way to get insights from other people and hear what they’re going through and what wisdom they have to share.
• If a video is too distracting, close your eyes and just listen to what the people in the video are saying.
• Highlight large sections of text you have to read and use text-to-speech technology so that a screen reader reads to you. 
• Try a little music in the background when you study. You may want to adjust the volume or listen to instrumental music if you find yourself getting too distracted by the lyrics. 

Methods to try for kinesthetic learners

If you’re a kinesthetic learner, you learn best when you’re moving or using your hands. You may find it hard to sit still and enjoy taking things apart and putting them back together. Your preferred learning medium is to learn by doing and you like getting a ‘feel’ for things.

You may find learning easier if you:

• Take frequent short breaks.
• Walk while you listen to a video or audio file and read while you’re on the exercise bike.
• Use a fidget spinner, tap a pencil, or do something with your hands while you’re learning. 
• Put things you learn into practice as soon as you can. Apply the principle to your current workplace or home.
• After an hour of sitting at your desk, take a movement break. 
• Get cracking on the assessments sooner rather than later. They’re designed to be practical and apply to a real-world work environment. If you need a hand getting started, just book a coaching call in Spark Learning Hub.

How To Maximise Your Studying and Working From Home Potential

Which VAK learning style are you?

In all likelihood, you’ll learn best through a combination of all three styles with one being more dominant than the others. Multi-sense learning is particularly helpful for retention. Research suggests that if more than one sense is stimulated during training, learners will retain the learning longer and more effectively. You’ll also enjoy your study sessions more and who doesn’t want to get joy from what they’re learning?

Whatever your learning style, we recommend reviewing the glossary of terms for each unit to ensure you understand the terms unique to your study topics. It’s also fantastic to break study sessions into easily digestible chunks. One of our learning coaches recommends three 45-minute sessions and one two-hour session every week to keep on top of your coursework.

Finally, always look for ways to apply your learning straight away. If you’re learning about work health and safety, do a risk analysis around your home. If you’re learning about communication, use these methods when chatting with your kids or partner. You can also engage in student discussion groups, make models, write case studies, or participate in coaching sessions to help translate your learning from the theoretical to the tangible.

As with all new ideas, take one learning style study method and try it out for yourself. When you’re comfortable with that, you can experiment with adding another and then another. You’ll soon find you’re studying faster, more efficiently, and remembering more too. 

The post How to study for your learning style appeared first on College for Adult Learning.

No two workplaces are the same, but they all have something in common – people. Whether you’re working for a large multinational, a boutique independent, a school, a hospital, or even freelancing, you must establish, maintain and grow relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, clients and managers. This makes working with people one of the most integral soft skills – something that becomes even more critical when you’re working remotely or in a hybrid environment.

Of course, there’s a reason it’s a skill. We don’t always get on with everyone, we may have difficulties getting our point across, understanding what the other person wants, communicating clearly and setting expectations. But skills can be learned. This blog post is all about how to improve your workplace relationships. 

Collaborating and communicating effectively

Collaboration and communication are constants in work and life, both of which begin with you. You can influence other people (we’ll get to that later), but you cannot change them. The easiest way to improve workplace relationships is to begin with the person you have the most control over – yourself. Consider the following:

• Do you willingly collaborate with others or are you more inclined to micro-manage? 
• What formats do you feel you communicate best in – in-person, email, Slack or messaging platforms, Zoom calls, or over the phone?
• Are you comfortable chatting with colleagues and clients or do you find it nerve-wracking or frustrating?
• What is your preferred mix of collaboration and asynchronous work?
• Do you feel that people understand what you mean when you express yourself?

These questions can help you define where you are as a communicator and in which areas you can improve. It’s worth remembering that collaboration isn’t just a matter of ‘two minds are better than one’. The sense of inclusiveness that others feel when asked to help solve a problem is in itself an indication of trust. If you feel trusted, you’re more likely to go the extra mile to help achieve a good result. 

Therefore, you should devote at least some time every day to building your work relationships – and don’t be afraid to step away from your computer to do so. We are all relational, so getting to know someone at work without an ulterior motive goes a long way to building good relationships between people and departments. Chat with co-workers in the kitchen, grab a coffee with someone, or invite them to join you for lunch one day. You can also walk over to their desk for a quick hello. 

But what if you’re working online? Consider sending a quick message to check in with a co-worker. Ask how they’re doing and what they got up to over the weekend. Start a weekly games hour with your team with a focus on relationship-building (we recommend GeoGuessr, Jackbox Games, and Codenames over Zoom). And if you’re looking to make daily meetings or standups more interesting, throw in a random question at the start or end of the meeting. It’s a great way to get to know the people you work with! You can also stay in touch with folks over LinkedIn and congratulate them on their successes as they arise. Finally, responding promptly to emails doesn’t necessarily build relationships, but it is good manners and demonstrates your dependability. 

Communicating clearly becomes easier the more you practice. But here are some good rules of thumb:

• Speak and write plainly so that people can understand you. You can use Grammarly and (sometimes) ChatGPT to help with your emails and messages.
• Be polite – as the old adage goes ‘manners cost nothing’. 
• Practice active listening. Focus on what the other person is saying (rather than thinking about what you want to say) before you reply.
• If you don’t understand what someone means, ask them. It can help to mirror back to someone. For example, ‘What I hear you saying is that you can’t complete your portion of the project because Sam from Sales is blocking you. Have I got that right?’
• Difficult as it is, always assume best intent. If someone appears to be difficult or inefficient, consider first whether there is a failure of communication rather than writing the person off as a rude idiot. 
• When someone helps you out or does a great job, thank them. In work, it can be easy to focus on what went wrong rather than what went right. You can make a big difference when you reinforce a person’s self-worth and value to the workplace by letting them know that you appreciate their efforts or that they did something well.

How to set expectations and improve relationships

Fostering positive relationships begins by setting an example of the type of workplace relationships you want. That begins with honesty. People can sense when you’re being genuine (or inauthentic) and will respect you more for it. That means that, if you know or doubt you can achieve the requirement in the proposed timeframe during a project debriefing or task request, be honest. Counteroffer with a deadline you can deliver or let them know what you need – money, resources, time, manpower, priority shifts – to meet the deadline. 

If it’s something outside the scope of your capabilities, be honest about that too. Let them know that you have limited exposure to this kind of project but would be happy to give it a go or recommend someone you know could do it well. If your situation changes and you can no longer meet your deadline, let people know as soon as possible rather than waiting for the due date to roll around unmet. People may be put off in the moment but they’ll quickly get over it and appreciate your forthrightness in the long run.

We’ll quickly clarify here that honesty is not an excuse for rudeness or tactlessness. You don’t have to launch into a flowery soliloquy of flattery, but you don’t need to be blunt either. Respect goes a long way. You can be honest and polite at the same time.

Here are some other ideas for improving relationships:

• Enthusiasm is infectious! Don’t be afraid to show your passion and be a cheerleader for your team.
• Stay away from office politics if you can. It’s better to give someone a compliment behind their back than a barbed comment. 
• At the beginning of a project or brief, make sure you fully understand what’s being asked and clarify any uncertainties. 
• Ensure that you give feedback – as long as it’s helpful. The truth can be difficult but gilding the lily or downplaying serious issues erodes trust over time. Also, look out for ways to encourage others in what they’re doing.
• Get out and about among your team. There’s simply no substitute for face-to-face communication, even if your face-to-face is Zoom or Teams.
• Strive to be inclusive and fair. Nothing undermines confidence in the workplace quicker than favouritism, real or perceived. 

How to work with different personalities

Each one of us is unique with different perspectives and values. It’s one of the things that makes the world so interesting, and sometimes, frustrating. Learning to work with people who are different from you is a great starting place for learning how to improve workplace relationships. 

There are many popular kinds of personality tests and types you can subscribe to – Myer-Briggs, DISC, Big Five, Four Temperments – but the Enneagram is the one we’ll talk to. It’s been used widely in professional settings and has a good balance of simplicity and complexity. You may wish to take a test to see which type you belong to and read up on that before reading about the other types. 

In particular, it can be helpful to pay special attention to each type’s deepest fear and core motivations. Consider how these fears and motivations can manifest in the workplace and the people you work with. If you can understand where someone is coming from, it can help you to empathise with them and find a solution that will suit everyone involved. 

For example, let’s say you have a colleague who you have some friction with. After reading about the Enneagram, you believe they are a Type 1 or Perfectionist. You learn that they fear being incorrect, so they put a lot of pressure on themselves (and others) to be perfect and do the most morally good. This gives you an ‘aha’ moment into why they prioritise meticulousness over deadlines. You can now understand where they are coming from and help them shift the metric of success from perfect to on time. 

How to work with difficult people

You’ve applied all the advice so far and you’re still having difficulty with a particular person. You can’t seem to get through to them no matter what you try. It’s maddening! What do you do?

Good relationships help prevent stressful situations and create a productive workplace. But that’s lovely, unhelpful nonsense if you can’t seem to have a cordial relationship with someone at work, let alone a good relationship. At this point, you may want to consult someone with more expertise in dealing with people. Seek out managers, leaders or effective communicators in your workplace. Book a meeting or a chat over coffee in their calendar. Ask them for their advice on the situation and to help mentor you on how to relate better to this person. 

If you can’t think of any suitable people at work, think about your social circle. Do you know anyone who could give you some helpful pointers on improving this specific relationship? If the answer is still no, consider professional training. 

There are some fantastic short professional courses available. You may even be able to access LinkedIn Learning for free through your local library. There are also accredited courses that can help you, for instance, a Certificate IV in Leadership & Management (BSB40520). Your company may even cover the cost of your training. 

How to get along with colleagues and clients

Ultimately, these are the building blocks that encourage collaboration between colleagues and promote a sense of comradery. Close friendships in the workplace increase productivity and workplace satisfaction, highlighting the value of social connections in all areas of life. Fostering friendship at work also makes you more resilient in times of stress. A business-related diploma can impart effective tools if you want to promote and nurture these types of workplace relationships.

There are many benefits to building strong workplace relationships. Remember, that you are entitled to enjoy where you work and benefit from the sense of community that a connected workplace provides.

How To Ask Your Boss For Time Off For Study

The post How to improve work relationships in a hybrid environment appeared first on College for Adult Learning.

When you’re learning online, it’s important to have an effective study space customised for your learning style, ergonomics, personal preferences and peak productivity. So many factors contribute to creating the best study environment for you:

• Lighting
• Sounds and scents
• Ergonomic workspace positioning 
• Greenery 
• Reliable WiFi 
• Physical comfort and movement
• Studying preferences
• Interruptions 
• Phase of life

Let’s look at how to create a study environment that will set you up for success.

Where do I set up my study space? 

Setting up a study space starts with designating a dedicated workspace – ideally a room with a door. 

If you live with other people – especially kids – make sure they understand that you need time to study. Choose a place in the house to study that is quiet with low foot traffic and a door you can close (think spare bedroom or office rather than kitchen or lounge room). But if you’re short on space, consider setting up in a corner of your bedroom. Or, if your home is simply too chaotic, consider booking a pod or desk at your local library for your study sessions.

Wherever you choose, use this space to create a serene environment that will help frame your mind while you study.

Ultimate Guide to Studying from Home

How to remove distractions from your study environment 

Next, you need to remove the distractions blocking you from studying effectively in the first place. These distractions can be physical, digital or mental. Here are some distraction-busting solutions: 

• Hang a do not disturb sign on your door handle and close the door.
• Turn your phone off and pop it in your bedside drawers, car’s glove box, or a high shelf. The important thing is to get it out of sight and earshot. Worried about missing something urgent? You can customise do not disturb mode on your phone to only allow calls from people in your favourites or send an auto-reply text before you lock away your phone. 
• Download an app or browser extension like Freedom, BlockSite or Forest to block distracting apps and websites during specific study hours.
• Always give your desk a two-minute tidy after a study session, so you don’t get distracted by clutter or have an excuse to get sucked into ‘a quick clean’. 
• If you have kids, hand them off to your partner or sitter while you’re studying or organise for them to hang out at a friend’s house. If that’s not possible, give them unlimited screen time between the time your door closes and re-opens provided they don’t bother you for non-emergencies. You may find that they magically transform into quiet, courteous housemates for an hour.

How to make your study space conducive to learning

Your environment should be set up to support your study. Natural light, greenery, quiet, and lack of clutter and distractions will help you work optimally. For example, bright fluorescent lighting may be distracting and harsh on your eyes. Soft, natural lighting is more neutral and easier on your eyes, making it easier to focus. 

Here are more ideas to ensure a calm, organised study space: 

• Keep your individualised learning plan or study planner in a prominent place on your desk so you can keep yourself on track and take things one task at a time.
• Add greenery and plants to the room to decrease stress and increase productivity and air quality. 
• Clear your desktop and upload a minimalist background to centre your mind. 
• Keep a calendar for due dates, assessments and coaching calls. 
• Consider study space features that may make online easier – pens, notepads, sticky notes, reference books, shelves or drawers. 
• Set the tone by hanging up inspiring artwork and lighting a candle or diffuser. 
• Open the blinds and windows to let in plenty of natural light and fresh air. 
• Hang diagrams or images related to your study above your desk.
• Stay organised with a dedicated folder for coursework with sub-folders for individual units.

How To Use A Study Planner

How to incorporate ergonomics in your environment 

Your study space must be set up to be used simply and safely. An ergonomic environment reduces injuries and strains and should meet work health and safety laws. Here are some things to check: 

Desk and chair 

• Your desk should be flat and big enough to fit everything you need. 
• You should have an adjustable desk chair that supports your back and allows you to have your elbows level to the height of your desk. 
• Your shoulders and forearms should feel relaxed while you’re working. 
• Position your feet flat on the floor or use a footrest. 

Screens

• You should have two computer screens – your laptop and a monitor. 
• Position these screens next to one another with the seam between them directly in front of you so that you can work off both screens equally. 
• The top of your screens should be at eye level or just below. If you need to arch your neck, the screen is too high. If you need to dip your chin, the screen is too low. You can get a laptop riser or use a sturdy box to prop your laptop to the right height. You should just be able to touch the screens with your fingertips, making the distance one arm’s length away. 

Keyboard and mouse

• It’s a good idea to use a separate keyboard and mouse rather than your laptop’s built-in keyboard and trackpad. 
• Your keyboard and mouse should be level with one another, directly in front of you. 
• They should also be positioned 10–15 cm from the edge of your desk (about the length from the top of your palm to the tips of your fingers). This will make sure you have good wrist and forearm support. 
• Keep your arms close to your body when typing or using your mouse to avoid neck and shoulder strain. 

Equipment 

Always make sure that your equipment is safe and well-maintained. That means: 

• Cords and plugs aren’t damaged and power points aren’t overloaded. 
• Cords are tucked out of the way and there are no tripping or electrical hazards. 
• You can get to your workstation safely and easily. 

How to succeed at online learning

Ultimately, your study environment needs to suit you as an individual. If you need background noise, play instrumental music or nature sounds. If you like more light, add lamps to your space. If you like to eat while you study, have a selection of healthy and tasty snacks so you aren’t tempted to raid the kitchen mid-study. Remember that you want your study environment to be comfortable, quiet, clean and organised to facilitate a productive space.

If you’re struggling to digest all of our recommendations or not sure how you measure up, go to wfh.hermanmiller.com for personalised recommendations.

Setting yourself up for study success can be a challenge. However, if you curate the best environment for yourself, you can accomplish your tasks efficiently and finish your coursework faster, while enjoying the experience too.

Study Planner Template and Task Delegator Template

Plan your study week, and successfully prioritise your tasks with our templates!

Download the PDF below, and select print.

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In Australia, you must be licensed or registered if you want to be a builder or tradesperson. It is the responsibility of the licensed builder to ensure that the construction is compliant with all local, regional, and national regulations and with worksite safety laws.

Depending on your state or territory’s regulations, residential construction work that you need to have a building licence for might include:

• Building new single houses, townhouses, duplexes, and new residential units.
• Constructing extensions such as livings areas, bedrooms and enclosed attached garages to existing single houses and residential units.
• Constructing or erecting a garage, carport or shed (including kits).
• Bathroom, kitchen or laundry renovations.
• Swimming pool building and enclosures and structural landscaping.
• House lifting (eg permanently raising the height of an existing structure).
• Removing and resitting dwellings.
• Saunas and steam rooms.
• Building retaining walls associated with the actual structure of a single house or residential unit.

Every state and territory in Australia has its own builder licensing requirements, which range from education and experience to references and financial resources.

Getting the relevant qualifications to meet your state or territory’s regulations is the first step in this process. Maintaining your licence or registration in some states and territories may also require that you attend ongoing training and development.

Here is a summary of builder licensing requirements in each state and territory, as well as links to additional information.

The post How to get a builder’s licence in Australia appeared first on College for Adult Learning.

The short answer is (usually) no. However, although there isn’t a rule to say you need a qualification to start a business, those with formal education tend to see more success in the long run. By investing in your learning, you place yourself at the front of the pack both as a business owner and a leader in your organisation. The guiding support of a diploma or formal qualification can help you get closer to your dream business.

You may need to hold a qualification or other requirements to make your business compliant. These requirements vary from industry to industry and are dependent on what your business deals with. For example:

• Accountants need to hold a CPA (Certified Practising Accountant).
• Builders require a licence.
• Practice managers often need to hold a medical diploma or higher such as a Diploma of Practice Management and a Diploma of Nursing. Depending on the business you’re starting, you may need to register as a nurse or with a medical association. 
• Working with alcohol requires proper liquor licensing and a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate. 
• Working with/caring for children requires a Working With Children check.

These requirements vary industry to industry and states and territories have different compliance criteria that you may need to meet. 

Will a qualification make me a better leader? 

A successful business owner has the knowledge and understanding to grow not only their business but also their team. The ability to demonstrate a range of important soft skills will push you to be a better leader. Some of the soft skills that are vital for business ownership include: 

• Time management
• Communication 
• Problem-solving 
• Teamwork 

Although these intangible skills can be difficult to develop, a Diploma of Leadership & Management (BSB50420) or similar will give you the skills to put your business on the road to success and give you the confidence to build and manage your team. Learning to strengthen these skills through formal training can also help your business grow as your team has more trust in you as a business owner. 

Can a qualification increase your earning potential?

According to research by ABS, people with a formal qualification on average earn more than those without any formal education. In fact, a VET qualification can potentially earn you more than an undergraduate or university qualification. Those who hold a vocational education qualification have a higher starting salary than university graduates and are more likely to find work quickly.

By combining theory, practice, and on-the-job knowledge, you demonstrate the value of your business to clients and build trust as an expert in your trade. This reinforces trust with clients, solidifying that you are the right go-to person in your industry. In turn, perceived expertise can bring more clients (and money) to your business.

How do you build valuable industry connections?

Developing skills through formal education gives you access to the resources and knowledge that can help you stay up-to-date with industry trends, keeping your business relevant.

You can also grow your network with like-minded individuals looking to advance their careers and strengthen their businesses. Connecting with other passionate business owners can open your mind to creative solutions and help motivate you in your business journey.

Should I get a qualification when starting my own business?

There are many fundamental elements to starting a business. You will have to consider finances, research, suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, marketing, sales, and different tasks you haven’t thought about yet. A qualification will give you the skills to run your own business and the confidence to bring your business to greater success. 

Putting in the effort to further your education and gain a qualification is not just about getting that piece of paper at the end. It teaches you the expertise that will harbour success and gives you the skills to take your career to the next level. Critically, it’s also a choice that you make for yourself. You can impact the how, what, when, and how hard you study. This demonstrates to clients that you are dedicated to providing real value to your business and shows yourself that you can achieve anything you put your mind to. 

Rather than relying on teachers, you learn to rely on yourself – which is in itself a great skill. It fosters self-assuredness and an ability to use initiative, to be autonomous and to make decisions, all of which will make running a business easier.

What is the right course for you as a business owner?

Starting a business has the potential to be one of your most rewarding endeavours. You get to see your ideas come to life and your product valued by consumers. However, if you have never owned a business or had staff looking to you for direction, being a boss can be a tough learning curve. The good news is that all these skills can be developed and strengthened. 

A great way to amplify these skills and gain up-to-date, relevant knowledge is to invest in a Diploma of Business (Leadership) (BSB50120) and/or a Diploma of Leadership & Management (BSB50420). You will learn how to manage a business and build the knowledge that you need to put your business on the road to success.

Taking this leap into business ownership can be daunting, but when it succeeds, it feels even more rewarding. Backing yourself up with the necessary tools will help you position your business to be more trusted, valued, and respected by your customers in the industry. 

The post Do I need a qualification to start a business? appeared first on College for Adult Learning.

Typically, you become a human resources manager with a combination of education and experience. Often, a Diploma of Human Resource Management (BSB50320) will be enough to get you started in the industry. 

This position benefits from a wealth of life experience and certain skill sets. If you’re looking for a career change, you’ll find that your existing skills and experience will equip you well for a career in human resources – whether those skills are gained through previous employment, volunteering or parenting.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of working as a human resources manager and how to break into the role.

What does a human resources manager do?

A human resources manager coordinates the internal ‘people’ side of a business. Depending on the size of the organisation, they may also manage a team of human resources (HR) professionals. 

Each day is as different as the people you manage. However, your role will broadly fall into these five areas:

• Recruiting and staffing: Hiring new employees, ensuring they are the best people for the job, and will fit into your organisation seamlessly.
• Compensation and benefits: Setting compensation structures, evaluating competitive pay, organising staff events and benefits, negotiating contracts and salary packages.
• Training and learning: Organising training and courses to upskill staff and ensure professional development with a bigger picture in mind. 
• Labour and employee relations: Ensuring all work complies with labour and employment law and that your employees are never taken advantage of or mistreated. Also, resolving workplace disputes, improving retention rates, and ensuring staff satisfaction.
• Organisational development: Leading and managing every growth and development stage your company goes through, cultivating a positive workplace culture, improving policies and procedures, and influencing strategic business decisions. 

How much does a human resources manager earn?

A human resources manager earns $131,000 per annum on average. The exact salary will depend on the responsibilities, scope and your experience level. 

Presently in the job market, there is a great outlook for HR managers and it is expected that salaries will rise within the next 10 years for those in the field. People are more frequently choosing a career in HR and by 2026, the number of job openings for human resource managers is expected to increase by 16.3%.

What skills does an HR manager need to succeed?

Working as an HR manager requires a range of core skills, which you can obtain through a combination of formal education and experience. If you’re a bit creative, you’ll be amazed by ways you can gain exposure to building different skill sets! Put these skills into practice at your current workplace, in a volunteer role or with family and friends. 

For example, practice communication and clarity through mediating sibling disputes and use strategic thinking to consider new and valuable initiatives at work.

Here are some skills to consider and strengthen: 

• • Strategic thinking. You’ll need to comprehensively consider different people’s needs and how they fit within the company goals and vision. 
  • Organisation. Strong time management skills, personal efficiency and organised systems are key to an HR manager’s effectiveness. The sign of a good HR manager is one who seamlessly keeps things running from induction to termination and everything in between. 
  • Communication. You will come in contact with a variety of people who have different communication styles, so you must be able to adapt to accommodate others, get your message across, and make the most impact.
  • People skills. People are at the heart of what HR does – humans are literally in your job title! To be effective, you should be empathetic, professional and comfortable working with different people. Depending on the situation, you’ll need to delegate, collaborate, negotiate, mediate and mentor team members and staff. 
  • Clarity AKA cutting through the nonsense. You may be presented with situations that are vague and subjective. Has someone not been promoted due to discrimination or lack of expertise? You’ll need to clarify and decode any vague information and ensure the best outcome is met to resolve a situation.

• Trustworthiness. Gaining trust with employees is incredibly important to ensure people feel comfortable coming to you with grievances and issues. Sometimes, this requires a great deal of discretion and assurances of anonymity. Other times, it requires fearless transparency regarding important decisions so they can trust your best judgments

• Juggling priorities. Employees expect human resource managers to advocate their concerns, yet you must also enforce management’s policies. Creating a perfect balance between everyone will win the trust of all those involved and concerned. There will be occasions when you must make decisions to protect the individual and other times when you need to protect the organisation, its cultures and values.

• Saying ‘yes’ and inspiring confidence. The HR team can get a bad reputation with staff as an administrative obstacle renowned for saying “no” to anything that may make work more constructive or fun. Making a conscious effort to say yes when you can will have a positive effect on staff morale. 

How to break into a human resources role

You may find yourself with a variety of career titles and tasks if you pursue a career in human resources. You may become the general manager, payroll manager, recruiter, employee relations manager, change manager or head of vibes. Regardless of the position, your roles and day-to-day tasks will always be engaging and provide frequent opportunities to positively impact employees and the company culture.

To get started in your HR career, you’ll want to get your foot in the door. A VET qualification is the easiest way to do this as it balances education with practical skills and gets you into the workforce quicker and more cheaply than a bachelor’s would. In particular, you may want to consider online study as it will allow you to work while you study in a flexible time frame. 

Once you’re qualified, you can have conversations to transition to a human resources position within your current company or create a resume and start interviewing with other companies. This is also a good opportunity to chat with a learning coach, career mentor or chat with other graduates who have broken into the industry.

Is HR right for me?

Although a career shift can feel like a risk, the payoff is worth it. Taking the initiative to complete further training and education will ease the stress and benefit your career. Even if you decide to switch back to the work you’re doing now, the versatility of skills you’ll learn in an HR qualification will serve you in any role.

Becoming an HR manager will give you some of the most fulfilling work of your life. You will create meaningful and lasting relationships with your colleagues, be at the forefront of your organisation, and help shape workplace culture. You will work closely with people every day, in a diverse and stimulating environment that will ensure no two days are the same. If that sounds exciting and you resonate with the skills and responsibilities mentioned in this blog post, then a career in human resources will be perfect for you.

Discover your career in human resources

Explore courses designed to help you elevate your career!

Prepare for a human resources management career and learn a wide range of skills to help you break into the industry.

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We are proud to announce that from 2022 all CAL graduates of the Diploma of Human Resource Management (BSB50320) will have their qualification accredited by AHRI.

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Enrolling in a course for the first time (or the first time in years) is challenging for most students. If you’ve been in the workforce for decades or have a family, it can be terrifying. This makes it more important than ever to remember that you are not alone. You are joining hundreds of other students who have returned to the classroom later in life. 

Fortunately, there are multiple ways to help ease the concerns of returning to study as an adult. Let’s dive into it.

What to look for in an education provider

Once you’ve chosen what you’re going to study, the next question is usually where. Ideally, your education provider or RTO (registered training organisation) will have the following attributes:

• Flexibility. Look for a provider that offers fully online or hybrid learning and allows you to switch between part-time and full-time study as your workload and family dictates. The best online RTOs will also allow you to progress at your own pace with no scheduled deadlines for submitting work.

• Comprehensive RPL process. RPL (recognition of prior learning) recognises skills and experience that you’ve gained over years in the workplace and acknowledges you’re not starting from the same position as a student straight out of school.

• Accessible coaching. You deserve to be more than a number. You have real challenges in the real world, so look for expert adult coaching that understands your circumstances.

• Cost-effective. Look for a course that gives you the most value for your money and your time. Depending on what you’re doing, a VET qualification such as a diploma or certificate costs less and upskills you faster. Studying should be about acquiring professional credentials and competencies. Choose the best institute to achieve this, not the institute with the biggest name.

Set clear study goals

If you’re returning to study, you probably know exactly where you’re heading career-wise. So a course that doesn’t enhance your prospects is a waste of time and money. 

Without a clear goal and structure, it can be easy to lose focus. Effective goal setting puts you in the driver’s seat with the opportunity to transform your own life into whatever direction you desire. To accomplish your goals, you need to carefully set, monitor and review them.

One of the golden rules of being a student is that you only get out of it what you put in. So if you set out to do your best and be as comprehensive in your studies as you can be, you’re bound to do well and achieve competency in your units. 

However, sometimes despite your best efforts, you’ll receive a ‘not yet competent’, feel out of your depth, or get a knock to your confidence. If this is the case, take a step back to try and figure out where you got stuck. 

• Did you skim the course content rather than trying to understand it? 
• Did you rush the assessment? 
• Did you make an educated guess about something you weren’t sure about? 

Once you’ve found your struggle point, decide how you’ll overcome that obstacle next time. For example, you may decide to pre-book your coaching calls, leave yourself more time for a particular segment of study, or ask more questions in discussion groups. Make sure you give yourself a bit of grace too – it can take some time to get back into study.

Build a study support network

Each year, hundreds of qualifications and certifications are earned by mature-age students who are just as busy and financially constricted as you are. An RTO that provides flexible study conditions is invaluable – but one of the best resources you have? Your family, friends and fellow students. 

One of the realities of returning to study is the need to put some things on hold. To set yourself up for success:

• Ensure your immediate family or roommates know that you’ll need a bit of space and grace while you complete your studies and get them on board.
• Get the support of your friends and loved ones and don’t be afraid to ask for help if and when you need it.
• Put measures in place so that dependents or kids can cope with your absence.
• If you intend to continue working as you study, get the support of your colleagues to ensure you have people to rely on.

Recruit your boss to support you

Investing your time and finances in a credible qualification will give you a substantial advantage in years to come. Many employers see the benefit to their business in upskilling existing staff. A savvy employer will subsidise costs and allow time for on-the-job learning, knowing it will have a positive impact on the bottom line. Provide your employer with a course guide that contains all the relevant information your boss needs to make an easy decision.

Prepare your environment for study

Set up your study environment for success. Always keep your laptop and other study devices fully charged wherever you go. When taking an online course, any time could be a good time to get your homework done.

Keep an eye out and make a shortlist of reliable and familiar backup Wi-Fi locations. This could be a local library or cafe. You’d be surprised how widely connected you can be once you pay attention.

With Wi-Fi, you can study anytime, anywhere. Read a chapter while finishing lunch, solve a problem at soccer training or ask a learning coach a question on the trip home.

Set boundaries to minimise study distraction

Online study allows you to study flexibly, at any place or time that best suits you. In fact, many courses are designed specifically for busy professionals and stay-at-home parents. As fantastic as this is, studying from home can result in distractions if you don’t set boundaries from the offset. Try the following:

• Encourage your kids to do their homework at a similar time or bribe them with screen time or a play date at a friend’s house.
• Turn off any electronic devices (phones, TVs, smartwatches, etc.) while you study.
• Close the door. There’s nothing like a physical boundary to show people you’re not available.
• Don’t make any excuses for not finishing your homework. Place your study plan on your desk and commit to working through it one step at a time.

Make studying fun

Despite the concerns of returning to study as an adult, mature age students rarely regret getting back on the pathway to a qualification. More often, they regret not engaging in studying sooner! 

If you are thinking about going back to study, remember to have fun with it if you can. It may feel like a long slog now, but you’ll look back a few years from now wondering where the time went. Finding ways to enjoy the journey will make the time pass more pleasantly and help you learn better, too.

Returning to Study After Family: What To Expect

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Building and construction management is an ever-changing and developing industry, with innovation and technology being the main driving forces behind these changes. In fact, the construction and building industry is one of the most adaptable and resilient industries in Australia. 

So, if you’re in the building and construction industry or planning to be, what job trends should you be watching out for?

New technology in construction

The opportunities for expansion within technology in the construction industry are vast and constantly being researched. Here are six emerging technologies to look out for:

• Drones: Enables you to see the job site from above, giving all those involved a better idea of what kind of work is required to create the best building design for the area.
• Connected job sites: Allows for better communication and understanding of the project, sharing measurements, instructions and plans between sites – available at any time.
• 3D printing: Brings a plan, photo or drawing to life by building tangible models that impart a better sense of a project.
• Artificial intelligence (AI): The uses of AI are incredibly broad with endless applications during the planning and building stages. 
• Wearable technology: Enables setting reminders and alarms, as well as being easily contactable on the go, without the worry of losing your phone onsite or carrying around a tablet or computer.
• Robotics: Becoming incredibly precise and accurate. Robotics can be used during the most repetitive tasks, freeing up people for more difficult cognitive tasks.

Over the past few years, these technologies have all been growing and innovating to make working in construction easier, safer and more streamlined across sites and people. Therefore, it is important to keep up-to-date with emerging technologies and how they can work for you.

How many women are in the construction industry?

Currently, only 13% of the construction industry is made up of women workers. However, with recent government policy changes, the construction industry is no longer as male-dominated as it once was. Women from all walks of life enjoy the career opportunities that building and construction offer.

In the last two decades, the number of women taking advantage of the high salaries and workplace flexibility on offer in trades has doubled. In coming years, expect to see more women in the construction workforce and an increasingly inclusive industry for all involved. 

Sustainability trends in construction

An increase in climate action sentiment in Australia is forcing companies to reconsider their practices in the workplace. Sustainability is especially important in building and construction due to the high potential of waste created in the process. Expect to see an increase in recycling schemes, a focus on reusing as much as possible and sustainably sourcing alternatives to common building materials. 

Here are five straightforward practices to ensure you remain sustainable in the building and construction industry:

• Better waste management: Best practice is to segregate waste with clearly labelled and colour-coded bins, skips or bags, and implement a dedicated waste section on-site. This makes recycling materials correctly much easier. 

• Deconstructing: Demolition is a messy, polluting procedure that has far less long-term gain than precise deconstruction. Deconstruction allows for a safe environment and a high potential to reuse or sell recycled materials in the process.
• Renewable and efficient energy use: Propelling the industry forward in innovation and career opportunities, renewable energy in Australia continues to grow. Solar power will continue to be in demand as clients look to incorporate this into new or existing builds. 
• Source sustainable materials: Sourcing sustainable materials is a fantastic way to keep a construction site on ethical footing for only a slight increase in cost. Research and support businesses that are not causing deforestation and are reducing emissions. 
• Reusing materials: Proper research can help you to source and build sustainably. Consumers are leading the way, by demanding environmentally friendly buildings and sustainable building materials in their projects. 

Job opportunities in building and construction

Thanks to ever-changing and recent technology trends, there is an optimistic outlook on career progression in the building and construction industry as we move forward. 

Building and construction management is an exciting and rewarding industry that will continue to flourish through the next decade. The need for construction supervisors, project managers and good communicators makes this industry a smart choice for the career-savvy professional looking to make a change. 

What can you take from these job trends?

Opportunity! Now is the perfect time to upskill your qualifications and take the next step towards a rewarding and challenging career in building and construction. An online Diploma of Project Management (Specialising in Construction) (BSB50820) is the best place to start, designed for those wanting to move into senior construction project management positions. 

Once you’re there, a Diploma of Building & Construction (Management) (CPC50320) will set you up to pursue opportunities in managing multi-million-dollar construction projects or running your own successful trade business.

The post Trends for building and construction in Australia appeared first on College for Adult Learning.

If you’re a nurse experiencing burnout, you may face the decision to leave the healthcare industry or find another career within healthcare that still sparks that same passion and motivation you found when you first started. You may also feel the need to make significant career choices to better suit your overall career and wellbeing. 

Practice management can be the next logical step in your nursing career that happily satisfies that need for change and growth.

What does a practice manager do?

Practice managers use their skills to lead and manage important aspects of a medical or healthcare practice. These responsibilities include:

• Recruitment
• Performance management
• Privacy, security and accuracy of patient records, operational standards and procedures
• Managing revenue cycles
• Overseeing budgets
• Managing operations resources
• Participating in strategic planning

Many aspects of practice management overlap with nursing, so you can easily use your skills and experience as a platform for career advancement in a practice manager’s role. The additional skills that will set you apart from the crowd are gained through a Diploma of Practice Management (HLT57715).

Job opportunities in practice management

Job opportunities in practice management are varied. Roles range from working in a general practitioner’s office to a medical or health clinic or a department in a hospital. Practice managers are essential in all these places and both the medical team and patients depend upon your skills.

This role allows you to expand your skills and implement knowledge in areas such as:

• Setting strategy and managing operational plans
• Health billing and accounting
• Managing budgets and financial plans 
• Patient care to create a safe place for every client’s needs

Heightened independence and autonomy 

Practice management can give you a workplace where there are minimal night or weekend shifts, which can help return your work-life-family balance. It can provide you with greater independence and autonomy. It also provides a rewarding and productive alternative in comparison to hospital-based workloads, while still doing much of what you love about nursing.

Having more independence and autonomy at work allows you to have more flexibility to dictate your own schedule, create better work relationships and increase your focus. Independent, self-motivated workers set out to achieve their professional goals their own way. 

What to expect in a salary

Another attractive part of the change from nurse to practice manager is the opportunity to increase salary. A median salary for a registered nurse is approximately $81,900. The median salary for a qualified and competent practice manager is $106,000. 

Nursing qualities that make a great practice manager

Changing careers may feel significant or daunting. You may feel you lack some of the skills needed for a role at this level. However, as a nurse, you already have many attributes needed for this role from experience alone. The process of changing your career can be stressful, but is very rewarding in the long run. 

Here are some qualities that you already have that will help you in practice management.

Making a difference

As a nurse, the most important part of your work is knowing you make a difference. This may be the biggest reason you love working as a nurse. You are likely to recognise these common motivations:

• A desire to help
• Career diversity
• Ongoing professional and personal growth
• The potential for career and salary growth
• Job security

These motivations may be one of the main reasons you continue to work in a hospital or related setting. A change in career direction as a practice manager can give these same levels of satisfaction and motivation. The years you’ve dedicated to your professional growth as a nurse is a reliable indicator to a future employer of your dependability and worth.

Excellent communication skills

As a nurse, you already have experience in quickly putting people at ease while inspiring confidence and feelings of safety. In a practice environment, your ability to build relationships with clients brings the long-term satisfaction of following people through their total health journey. Your ability to speak and listen is essential for problem-solving and managing your team.

Excellent written and verbal skills are essential for effective management in both roles. Your value as a practice manager is enhanced when you can communicate with pediatrics just as easily as senior medical personnel. Knowledge of technical and medical language is an advantage too. You’re used to explaining a hard-to-comprehend language in a way that is both easy to understand and comforting.

Flexibility and adaptability

Employers in all industries seek workers who exhibit flexibility and adaptability. The diverse nature of the hospital or clinic setting has ensured you have developed these qualities and gives you a natural familiarity with the role of practice manager.

Decisive leadership

A great nurse can think quickly and address problems before they arise. Your emotional maturity, decision-making ability and good moral compass are your strengths when it comes to making honest and ethical business decisions.

Your management skills have been formed in the diversity of the nursing environment, whether you are aware of it or not. A Diploma of Practice Management (HLT57715) will show your future employer that you have taken steps to fill in any gaps in your background.

Team player

Clinical nursing is a team sport. Those skills are wholly transferable to the medical practice setting and are highlighted as you interact with receptionists, assistants, practitioners, suppliers and compliance officials.

Where other candidates for the role might lack the ability to relate immediately to both the medical team and clients, you can quickly own the role and be comfortable with navigating intrinsic and essential day-to-day relationships.

Changing careers from nursing to practice management

You have already shown that you are capable through your current career as a nurse. To capitalise on your skills and provide you with the confidence to move smoothly into your new role, further study can help you fill any gaps in your knowledge and ensure you are suitably qualified.

You can easily gain the Diploma of Practice Management (HLT57715) by studying online at your own pace while fitting study around your current work and lifestyle. Chat with our team to discover how you can benefit from this diploma and start preparing for the career transition from nursing to practice management.

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A work health and safety (WHS) officer implements and improves safety systems within an organisation. They identify risks and hazards and put processes and controls in place to remove, mitigate or reduce risks to employees. They also earn an average salary of $73,000 per annum. If you use this role as a stepping stone, however, you could be earning $137,000 a year as a WHS manager. 

The demand for work health and safety officers is high, as almost all businesses need WHS professionals to ensure they are complying with legislation and best practices. 

If you want to become a work health and safety officer, here are some tips to start, some skills you can brush up on, and study pathways that will qualify you for success. 

Get involved with health and safety at work and home

Starting a career in work health and safety can begin where you are right now. 

• Learn about the roles and responsibilities of a work health and safety officer and what a career in WHS looks like.
• Help with your workplace’s WHS where you can. This could be filling in incident report forms, completing hazard and risk assessments, or shadowing a WHS employee.
• Find voluntary opportunities where you can learn about work health and safety while giving back to your community. This can be anything from completing safety checks at your church or community centre to taking part in a WHS committee at your child’s school or kindergarten.
• If you can’t practice at work or in a voluntary capacity, why not at home? Print out a hazard or incident report form and fill it in using your house and family members as a base.

Brush up on skills that will help you succeed in WHS

1. Attention to detail. In the health and safety sector, one small oversight could put people at risk. Close attention to detail is crucial in grasping the steps that will keep everyone safe in the workplace. 
2. Research. You will need to stay current with industry compliance standards and best practices. You will also need to be across compliance regulations relating to new workplace hazards, for example, a toxic chemical that has not previously been used on site. Strong research skills will ensure your success. 
3. Communication. Communication and instructional skills are a necessity, as you will need to articulate instructions for safe workplace practices. You may also need to hold workshops for employees on routine practices and engage their attention to ensure learning outcomes. Work health and safety officers also collaborate with teams frequently throughout the year. 
4. Critical thinking. Some issues or tasks may require more considered, critical thinking. As a work health and safety officer, it is your responsibility to take the first course of action after an incident occurs and deduce any potential causes, faults and actions needed. No two incidents are the same, so the ability to comprehensively evaluate each new issue is a valuable feather in your cap.
5. Analysis. You will need to analyse data, reports and other documentation to assess the workplace performance of existing health and safety programs. Developing a naturally inquisitive outlook will allow you to look beyond the numbers and anticipate trends and patterns from the results. It will also help you offer critical advice to the people you are supervising. 
6. Empathy. Work health and safety officers put themselves in other people’s shoes and imagine the kinds of risks they will encounter day-to-day. Developing and exercising emotional intelligence and empathy will help you across the varied roles you will need to play in the workplace. These include managing work-related psychological health and safety, managing WHS consultations, and coordinating rehabilitation and return-to-work programs.
7. Digital literacy. These days, few jobs don’t require digital literacy. Proper email etiquette, online presentations and operating data analysis software are digital skills you will have to employ regularly. The nature of a WHS officer’s calendar makes  using video conferencing while on the road an ideal communication solution. 
8. Confidence. The challenges in this career make it an incredibly rewarding one, as you directly influence and improve people’s lives by keeping them safe in the workplace. It does, however, mean that you will be required to make difficult decisions regarding safety, and in some instances, make tough choices to lead organisational change. Diligent self-belief in your skills and training is crucial to ensuring you think objectively about each risk or system you assess or design. 

To improve and strengthen these skills, you can check out online training videos or visit your local library for books and educational resources (some libraries also offer free access to LinkedIn Learning). You may also find value in networking with others and finding a mentor whom you can bounce your thoughts and feelings off. 

Get qualified with a work health and safety diploma or certificate

There are many pathways to a career as a work health and safety officer. While prior experience is always beneficial, a well-rounded diploma or certificate IV qualification will equip you with the skills needed to begin your career, no matter what your work history may be. Most importantly, it will help you ensure compliance in the field. 

Let’s have a look at the options and see which pathway may be most beneficial for you.

Diploma of Work Health and Safety (BSB51319)

The most straightforward pathway to becoming a work health and safety officer is completing a Diploma of Work Health and Safety (BSB51319). It offers a range of units such as: 

• Lead WHS Risk Management
• Manage Implementation of Emergency Procedures
• Communicate with Influence 

You’ll learn about effective risk management and how to deal with both internal and external stakeholders. This is ideal if you have some experience or wish to advance through a range of work health and safety positions and salaries and make a start in WHS sooner rather than later.

Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety (BSB41419)

Alternatively, you can study a Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety (BSB41419).

This is an ideal choice if you have no relevant experience. It’s also a budget-friendly option if you are not yet ready to change careers but wish to dip your toe in the water of the WHS industry. You’ll also have the opportunity to advance to the diploma afterward if you so choose.

Discover your career in work health and safety

Explore courses designed to help you take your career to the next level in work health and safety!

If you’re ready to take your career to the next level, a Diploma (BSB51319) or Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety (BSB41419) will make that happen.

View WHS qualifications

The post How to get started in your work health safety career appeared first on College for Adult Learning.

Pursuing a career in logistics and supply chain management may be the most rewarding decision you ever make. It’s an industry that operates, for the most part, behind the scenes. It employs 683,300 professionals in Australia alone, providing the efficient and effective transportation and storage of goods to customers across the globe. The industry is also incredibly high-tech – focused on innovation, engineering, robotics, analytics, problem-solving and decision-making processes. 

Without logistics, many other fields wouldn’t operate. 

Specialising as a logistics professional can make you a key player in an increasingly important field. It can provide you with a job that challenges and interests you, pays well, lets you travel to different places, and provides many opportunities to advance your career. 

In this article, we explore five key reasons to study logistics and how to get started in the industry. 

1. Rapidly growing industry

As the global economy expands, logistics is becoming one of the nation’s most important industries. Australia’s freight and logistics industry accounts for 8.6% of GDP, adding approximately $133.6 billion to our economy. It is currently estimated to employ 732,500 people. This is no surprise given our proximity to China, the world’s largest manufacturing country. Australians play a major role in transporting goods to their destination efficiently and affordably and our country is at the forefront of planning and actioning freight globally. 

Additionally, in the world of real estate, many sought-after properties are warehouses, distribution centres and sites suitable for storing freight. In terms of industrial leases, transport, postal and warehousing overwhelm the category at 40% of ‘big box’ industry leases in 2021. These figures indicate a constant growth in demand for industrial floor space. 

Furthermore, logistics is expected to grow by another 6.1% by 2026, creating a positive outlook for those working within the industry or planning a career in supply chain management and logistics.

2. Varied, interesting work

Logistics professionals are never bored or limited. The dynamic challenge of getting the right product to the right place at the right time and for the right price presents a varied and fulfilling career path. You can work for a large-scale logistics firm or a local small business. You can travel around the world, Australia, a metropolitan area or your local suburbs. 

There are also a range of mid to upper-level positions, including operations managers, logistics analysts and purchasing agents. Other entry-level positions include:

• Planner or Analyst – Responsible for assembling data, identifying problems, and developing recommendations that support the management of a supply chain.
• Buyer – Identifies sources of supply, evaluates and selects suppliers, negotiates contracts, and manages relationships with suppliers.
• Inventory Specialist – Responsible for inventory quality and accuracy, monitors inventory flow, and works on stock location and order picking strategies to optimise work flow and labour productivity in distribution facilities.
• Materials Planner – Coordinates with purchasing, manufacturing, and suppliers to ensure reliable, cost-efficient delivery of materials.
• Transportation Coordinator or Traffic Analyst – Manages relationships with carriers and customers to ensure the timely delivery of goods.
• Production Coordinator, Operations Planner or Analyst – Coordinates daily production schedules and forecasts future production needs.

3. Travel opportunities

A great benefit to a career in the logistics industry is that you are not restricted to one area. Australia connects to other regions, both locally and internationally. Depending on the type of job you want, you can work close to home, visit other states and territories, or travel to exciting areas of growth, such as China, South America, Russia and Asia. 

This is great news for those who love travel or believe that variety is the spice of life! But it just as easily suits those who wish to work locally and explore undiscovered pockets within their neighbourhood.

4. Good money

Average earnings in the Transport, Postal and Warehousing industry are $1,355 per week, which is higher than the all industries average of $1,250. 

Supply, distribution and procurement managers, for example, make up 35% of the entire Transport, Postal and Warehousing industry and earn an average salary of $2,698 per week (or $140,296 per annum) – 54% above the all industries average.

In logistics, you really can have a job that pays – financially, personally and professionally. It’s well-deserved too. It takes a unique combination of skills to succeed in supply chain management and not everyone can think on their feet and time manage a process. 

5. Career advancements

Regardless of your career path, it’s important to consider how your industry will provide opportunities for professional and personal development. Luckily, advancement prospects are readily available in logistics. Companies often prefer to invest in their employees and train from the ground up, rather than hiring externally. This means that the most innovative and hard-working employees are rewarded for their efforts and advance to roles with higher responsibilies, salaries and strategic inputs.

There are also many transferable skills and opportunities for professionals wanting to advance laterally across industries. Analysts, salespeople, project managers, admins, and anyone proficient at complex problem solving and scheduling are needed by the industy and easily transferred from another business.

How to break into the logistics industry

For those looking to pursue a career in logistics, the time is now. This is the kind of industry that offers professionals a range of employment types at all education levels. Although some are lucky enough to gain high paying work without higher education, a Diploma of Logistics (TLI50221) can fast-track your career within the industry. 

Aspiring logistics professionals are advised to pursue further study, familiarising them with regulations and laws and ensuring they are consistently delivering the highest standard.

Discover your career in logistics

Explore courses designed to help you take your career to the next level in logistics and supply chain management!

A diploma can help you upskill into management or make a career change into purchasing, procurement, logistics, transport or category management.

Explore our courses

The post 5 reasons to study logistics appeared first on College for Adult Learning.

Are you over the age of 45 and considering a return to study? You’re not alone. More than 7% of Australian adults are currently studying and 66% already hold a post-secondary qualification. Compare that to just 1.8% of people studying higher education in 1974 and it becomes clear how important post-secondary education is for a successful career. Now the real question is – how can studying advance your career specifically? 

Studying prepares you for a longer working life

Australians are living longer. The average lifespan is 81 years for men and 85 years for women. As a result, the average retirement age is trending upwards too. For a long time, the average person retired at 56 years old, but this has recently jumped to 64 years old and will likely continue to climb. An aging and healthier population translates to people working longer. 

Add to this the increasing extension of the age Australians can access the pension and you are faced with the fact that you could spend another two decades working. While a larger workforce has its benefits, it also means a crowded job market. And with the increase of automation and the rapidly changing nature of jobs, it is more important than ever to stay current with technological and industry trends.

Studying is the key to maximising your employability over the long-term and preparing you for a longer working life. After all, it’s in the national interest to have qualified, experienced employees of mature ages working rather than not paying taxes. There are good incentives for businesses to hire mature workers, which makes hiring a recently qualified and experienced worker an easy decision. 

Studying gives you an edge over younger graduates

But what about experience? Surely that gives you an edge over greener colleagues? The answer is…it depends. Employers must decide whether they’d rather hire someone with decades of practical expertise or a graduate who is up-to-date with recent industry developments. If you’re an experienced employee with recent qualifications, you bring fresh knowledge of the industry and ‘corporate memory’ of what processes work best. 

As an employee over the age of 45, you are valued for taking pride in your work rather than simply going through the motions. Your time management skills are recognised, along with the confidence of knowing you can do a job well. You may also be less focused on money and willing to be flexible with incentives. Furthermore, workers aged 40 or older are roughly 20–25% more productive than workers under 30 years old.

Studying lets you pivot into your dream career

Is there something you’ve always wanted to do but it never quite panned out? Now is the perfect time for a career pivot. You’re resilient and young enough to make a big change and your family is that bit older. After years of investing in other people, this is the time to take something for yourself. (You’ll likely already have the best course in mind that will help you break into your industry or career path of choice. However, if you need some help, here’s a quick guide on career transition planning.) 

You may feel like it’s too late for a large shift, but our alumni prove it isn’t. Never underestimate what experience has taught you and how that can benefit employers in another field. Proving your value and potential can mean the difference between starting at the bottom of a new career ladder or finding a new job at a higher level of seniority. The ideal balance is to ensure that, where possible, you move horizontally across career ladders instead of having to climb down one and up another. 

This is achievable when you sell the benefit of your experience and the skill set you are uniquely able to provide with your background from another industry. For example, using your decades of experience in sales when you’re transitioning to work health and safety by leveraging your understanding of people and the bottom line. 

If you don’t take a chance to follow your dream now, then when? 

Mature age study and you

Mature age study sets you apart. Combine fresh education with your strengths of existing knowledge and experience and you become a force to be reckoned with in the modern workplace. What employer wouldn’t be keen to benefit from such gold?

The post Mature-age study can advance your career appeared first on College for Adult Learning.

What is the value of a diploma?

Courses offered in the VET sector include certificates I to IV, diplomas and advanced diplomas. Qualifications offered in the higher education sector include bachelor degrees, graduation certificates, graduate diplomas, masters degrees and doctoral degrees. 

A diploma is a Level 6 qualification under the Australian Qualification Framework. Graduates of a diploma have specialised knowledge for skilled work, can enter the workforce straightaway, and may be eligible to enter into the second year of a relevant bachelor’s degree.

Is a diploma worth the cost?

A diploma offers hands-on skills, along wtih a respected qualification, that is valued by employers. Diplomas are flexible, adaptable, practical and kept up-to-date with strict guidelines. In fact, there are many ways that a diploma comes out on top when compared to university courses.

Diplomas are also a fraction of the cost and provide better value for money. Undergraduate degrees generally cost between $15,000 and $45,000, whereas diplomas often cost less than half or a third of that price. 

Is a diploma worth it for you?

Let’s look at eight ways that a VET diploma will give you the best return on investment and whether this makes studying a diploma worth it for you.

1. Higher median full-time salary than a bachelor’s degree
2. Better long-term opportunities
3. Higher lifetime earning potential
4. Fast, flexible and future proof
5. Value for money
6. Better pass rates
7. Real-life skills for real workplaces
8. Greater and fairer accessibility

Higher median full-time salary than a bachelor’s degree

Many people mistakenly believe that university degrees lead to better starting salaries. In reality, the opposite is true. Research shows that the median full-time income for a VET graduate is $56,000. Meanwhile, the median graduate salary for students completing a bachelor’s degree is actually less at $54,000. 

Better long-term opportunities

As the world job market continues to change, it’s wise to think about future career opportunities. The largest key skills of the future are the 4 Cs: Care, Computing, Cognitive ability and Communication. At least 47.4% of all projected employment growth from 2021 to 2026 is estimated to be from a cert I to advanced diploma skill level, meaning that a VET course may give you a huge advantage. Some of the fast-growing jobs of the future that can be achieved with a diploma include:

• Management and organisational analysts – 32.2% more jobs by 2026
• Human resource managers – 16.3% more jobs by 2026
• Occupational and environmental health professionals – 15.9% more jobs by 2026
• Healthcare and social assistance general clerks – 12.9% more jobs by 2026
• Advertising and marketing professionals – 11.4% more jobs by 2026
• Construction managers – 10.2% more jobs by 2026
• Managers – 9.2% more jobs by 2026

Higher lifetime earning potential

The median earnings for those with a diploma or advanced diploma is $12.19 more per hour and $380 more per week than those with just a Year 12 or equivalent level of education. Across the average working life of an Australian, that equates with increased median lifetime earnings of approximately $889,200. That’s an increase of around 40% on what their projected lifetime earnings would otherwise stagnate at.

Fast, flexible and future proof

Skilling Australia Foundation’s 2017 ‘Perceptions Are Not Reality’ report states that today’s school leaver may have up to 17 jobs across five careers in their lifetime. The length of job tenure for working Australians on average is currently around three years. It follows that the bulk of Australia’s workers are upskilling, retraining, career changing or shifting from employment to self-employment and then back again several times throughout their working lives. 

Additionally, according to a 2016 survey by Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, two-thirds of early career Australians with less than five years’ experience expect their job will not exist – or will fundamentally change – by 2031. This means most expect they will have to reskill, retrain or face potential unemployment. A VET pathway gives you the ability to build additional skills with a diploma and keep working as you study online. If you’re looking to accelerate your career pathway, this is a fantastic option.

As for fast, you can also complete three or more VET qualifications in the time it takes to complete a typical bachelor’s degree, depending on the course and how you pace your study.

Value for money

Compared with university undergraduate programs, VET usually provides students with a faster pathway to complete a qualification and enter the workforce. Therefore, a diploma can have you in the workforce, earning a better award rate in faster time, for less financial investment than a bachelor’s degree. 

Better pass rates

The load pass rate for funded VET courses is 80.4% which is 17.9% higher than university courses. 

Real-life skills for real workplaces

VET’s high level of flexibility provides practical programs that teach real-life skills rather than just theory. As a diploma graduate, you can enter the workforce with first-hand experience. Rather than requiring constant retraining once employed, you will have the skills to keep building your career as a valuable team member. 

Additionally, the number of employers across Australia using VET as their chosen training platform continues to grow. Employers trust and rely on RTOs (Registered Training Organisations) to provide quality VET qualifications. In 2017, 51% of employers used a private training provider like the College for Adult Learning, compared to 6.7% using university and 12.2% using TAFE.

VET stands out to employers for being:

• Industry led – employers and industry representatives define what outcome is required by training
• National – the system is jointly managed by state, territory and Australian governments
• Client focused – it is flexible, relevant and responsive to client needs

Greater and fairer accessibility

Entry into a diploma generally requires completion of schooling equivalent to Australian Years 10, 11 or 12. Meanwhile, university entry typically has a stricter entry requirement of Year 12 graduated, weighted by the final (ATAR) score. As a result, a diploma provides greater accessibility and opportunity for people looking to advance their career possibilities. 

Are you a future diploma graduate?

We hope this post has provided you with high-quality information, facts and statistics that can help you decide whether a diploma is worth it for you. 

If you do decide to pursue a diploma, the next step is to choose a respected and well-established RTO who you can trust to deliver your diploma qualification. The College for Adult Learning is proud to be an established RTO providing nationally accredited and endorsed training qualifications. The qualifications we deliver have been developed by industry experts and aligned to the expectations of respected industry associations, including the Australian HR Institute and the Australian Institute of Project Management. 

The post The real value of a diploma in the modern workplace appeared first on College for Adult Learning.

In Australia, the logistics and supply chain industry is constantly advancing to fit the needs of a growing consumer base. Staying up-to-date with new and emerging industry trends will show you how to best utilise which supplies and when. You’ll also learn how to provide the best service possible while still generating healthy profits.

Technological trends affecting the supply chain industry in Australia

It’s becoming hard to imagine a part of our lives that hasn’t been integrated with technology. Entire corporations would be lost without embracing technology in their day-to-day operations. 

Technological advancements continue to set a new standard for customer service and manufacturing, which means logistics and supply chain providers must constantly adapt to remain competitive. z

Here are six new and still emerging innovations that are becoming more prominent in logistics management and supply chains:

• Robotics serves to assist with automation solutions and add stability to staffing. Robotics increases workforce stability, job satisfaction and productivity while reducing recruitment needs. 
• 3D printing is becoming more applicable and helps in enabling autonomous logistics.
• The internet of things (IoT) can help you collect important data to generate targeted analytics, allowing you to isolate key efficiencies and inefficiencies within operations. 
• Augmented reality and artificial intelligence (AI) takes large amounts of data to enhance systems, planning and efficiencies. This also includes machine learning capabilities – how it can dissect statistical data and continually improve the accuracy of its output.
• Cloud-based technologies function in the supply chain on the retail side and in omni-channel business models. Examples of valuable uses include outlets, pop-ups, e-commerce sites, social and mobile sites, catalogues, flash sales, and other seasonal and single-use channels.
• Anticipatory logistics utilises volume forecasting and predictive capacity utilisation. This is a whole new sub-industry in cloud logistics that includes logistics as a service (LaaS), logistics mall, supply chain-as-a-service (SCaaS), and on-demand supply chain management.

The digital space is constantly improving efficiencies, security, and quality. This constant growth in technology also makes it important to continue developing competencies and experience within your team so that you can leverage these advancements. 

How security impacts supply chain management

As technology advances, privacy has never been more important. The huge variety of potential applications exposes the supply chain to web fragmentation and cyber-attacks. This forces managers to constantly look for solutions in web security, privacy protection and cryptography, further improving risk management systems and processes. 

Confidentiality is also important when attempting to forge business relationships and in tracking and managing the route of moving orders. Luckily, as technologies improve, advancements in security are not far behind, with solutions like increased data protection and third-party risk assessments. This kind of interconnectedness encourages advanced security monitoring by both parties, without compromising the speed and accuracy of business practices.

How is e-commerce affecting the supply chain? 

According to the World Bank, over half of the global population lives in cities. This is only expected to grow, doubling the current urban population by 2050. The growth of urbanisation and the enormous global shift toward megacities brings incredible challenges to logistics management and the supply chain industry. 

As cities grow, consumers want the convenience of online shopping over the bustle of retail. Since COVID-19, eight out of 10 Australian households now shop online. Not only are more Australians shopping online, they are shopping online more frequently – one in seven Australian households make weekly online purchases. 

The shift towards a more digital consumer will encourage the industry to enable multimodal urban deliveries from fast trains to locker-boxes and other innovative distribution points. It’s important to find solutions to manage congestion and distribution – better known as the last mile or the final leg of the product life-cycle.

Sustainability trends in supply chain management

With environmental pressure mounting on the entire industry, investing in sustainable practices within a sustainable business model is increasingly important. Trends such as ‘innovating to zero’ and the ‘circular economy’ are becoming more popular within the industry and among all types of consumers. Staying on top of sustainability demands allows your business to remain relevant and can positively impact the business’s future success.

Job opportunities in the supply chain industry in Australia

Based on these trends, the job market remains positive. The industry trend is showing a lean towards specialists over generalists. However, some high-paying, entry-level positions like delivery drivers and warehouse labour continue to be in demand in the industry.

These key supply chain positions have scope for advancement as these trends grow:

• Distribution Managers: Plan the transportation, storage, and distribution of products while organising IT systems, negotiating contracts and managing staff.
• Logistics Planners: Strategise the entire life cycle of a product, including shipping and receiving goods.
• Supply Chain Engineers: Optimise the supply chain by finding new ways to improve the production and transportation of products while maintaining relationships with vendors and distributors.
• Quality Management: Manage and meet product standards and expectations.
• Buyers/Purchasing Agents: Evaluate, research, negotiate and select products that a company will sell, and balance budgets with emerging market trends.

What do these supply chain trends mean for you?

Growth! These trends bring more opportunities for growth within the industry. Now is the perfect time to upskill your qualifications and take the next step towards a rewarding and challenging career in supply chain management. 

With an ever-growing market, logistics managers are becoming more important as they ensure consumers worldwide receive what they want, when and how they want it. An online Diploma of Logistics (TL150221) will refine your existing knowledge and give you the real, working skills you need to advance your career and step into an exciting logistics role. 

Discover your career in supply chain management

Explore courses designed to help you elevate your career!

Prepare for a career in logistics or supply chain management and learn a wide range of skills to help you break into the industry.

View courses

The post Supply chain management trends in Australia appeared first on College for Adult Learning.

In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business landscape, effective leadership has become more crucial than ever. Great leaders possess the ability to inspire, motivate, and guide their teams towards success.

If you’re seeking to enhance your leadership skills and unlock your full potential, look no further. We have compiled a list of transformative leadership books that will empower you to become a better leader.

Deep Work by Cal Newport

In a world of constant distractions and information overload, the ability to focus deeply on meaningful tasks is becoming increasingly rare and valuable. Cal Newport’s ‘Deep Work’ is a ground-breaking leadership book that explores the concept of deep work and its impact on productivity and professional success.

By adopting strategies to minimise distractions and carve out dedicated time for focused work, you can unlock your full potential as a leader. Newport’s insights will help you cultivate the ability to produce high-quality work in a world filled with endless demands for attention.

Originals by Adam Grant

Innovation and creativity are vital for any leader who wants to drive meaningful change. Adam Grant’s ‘Originals’ delves into the fascinating world of non-conformists and trailblazers who challenge the status quo.

Through captivating stories and rigorous research, Grant reveals how original thinkers generate and champion new ideas. By understanding the principles of originality and fostering a culture that encourages diverse perspectives, you can inspire innovation within your team and organisation.

Tribal Leadership by Dave Logan

Leadership is not just about individual capabilities; it also involves effectively managing group dynamics and building a cohesive organisational culture. In ‘Tribal Leadership’, Dave Logan explores the stages of tribal development within organisations and provides practical strategies for leaders to create high-performing teams.

By understanding the different stages and leveraging the strengths of each, you can foster a culture of collaboration, trust, and shared vision, propelling your team to new heights.

Cut the Noise by Chris Helder

Leadership requires effective communication that cuts through the noise and delivers clear, compelling, messages. In ‘Cut The Noise’, Chris Helder offers powerful strategies to enhance your communication skills and influence others positively.

By distilling complex information into concise and impactful messages, you can engage and inspire your team, stakeholders and customers. Helder’s leadership book will equip you with the tools to become more persuasive and influential.

Useful Belief by Chris Helder

Our beliefs shape our actions and ultimately determine our success. In ‘Useful Belief’, Chris Helder introduces the concept of adopting beliefs that empower and propel us forward. By replacing limited beliefs with useful ones, leaders can overcome challenges, foster resilience, and inspire their teams.

Helder’s practical techniques will help you develop a positive mindset and create an environment that encourages growth and achievement.

Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek

In ‘Leaders Eat Last’, Simon Sinek explores the importance of fostering a culture of trust, collaboration and selflessness within organisations. Drawing upon examples from the military and successful companies, Sinek empahsises the significance of leaders who prioritise the well-being of their team members.

This leadership book teaches you how to create an environment where individuals feel valued, safe, and motivated to contribute their best work.

Dare to Lead by Brene Brown

Brene Brown’s ‘Dare to Lead’ challenges conventional notions of leadership and encourages leaders to embrace vulnerability, courage, and empathy. Brown argues that true leadership requires authenticity and a willingness to lean into discomfort.

Through powerful storytelling and research backed insights, she offers actionable strategies to cultivate brave leaders and foster a culture of trust and innovation. This leadership book will inspire you to lead with your whole heart and create a workplace that encourages growth and resilience.

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni

Building and leading a cohesive team is a fundamental aspect of effective leadership. In ‘The Five Dysfunctions of a Team’, Patrick Lencioni explores the common pitfalls that hinder team performance and provides practical solutions to overcome them.

By addressing issues such as trust, conflict, and accountability, you can foster a highly productive and harmonious team that achieves outstanding results.

Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman

Emotional intelligence is a critical skill for leaders to navigate complex interpersonal relationships and understand the emotions of their team members. In his book, ‘Emotional Intelligence’, Daniel Goleman explores the five components of this soft skill and highlights its significance in leadership success.

Through real-life examples and scientific research, Goleman demonstrates how leaders can cultivate self-awareness, empathy, and effective communication to inspire and motivate their teams. This book will help you harness the power of emotions and lead with greater understanding and impact.

Drive by Daniel H. Pink

Motivating and engaging your team is a key responsibility of a leader. In ‘Drive’, Daniel H. Pink challenges traditional notions of what drives human motivation. By examining research from the fields of psychology and behavioral economics, Pink introduces the concept of intrinsic motivation and highlights the importance of autonomy, mastery, and purpose in the workplace.

This leadership book offers valuable insights into creating an environment that fosters individual and collective motivation, enabling you to unleash the full potential of your team.

Your leadership journey

Becoming a better leader is an ongoing journey that requires dedication and continuous learning. By immersing yourself in the wisdom and insights offered by these books, you will gain valuable perspectives, practical strategies, and tools to enhance your leadership abilities. Grab a copy of these books, invest in your personal growth and unlock your potential as a leader.

Formalise your soft skills and learn the technical abilities you need to be a strong leader with the College for Adult Learning’s Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420). This qualification will equip you with the skills to communicate with influence, drive performance and innovation, and achieve organisational goals. Take the next step in your career with a leadership qualification.

The post 10 leadership books to help you grow appeared first on College for Adult Learning.

In the competitive job market, a well-crafted cover letter can be the key to unlocking exciting career opportunities. A cover letter serves as your first impression and an opportunity to showcase your skills, experience, and enthusiasm to potential employers. 

However, many job seekers struggle to create compelling cover letters that capture the attention of hiring managers. With the College for Adult Learning, you can access career coaches with real-world experience to help you create the perfect documents to land your dream job. 

Before you enrol and access our exclusive Careers Hub, we can guide you through the process of writing an effective cover letter that highlights your strengths and maximises your chances of landing an interview. 

What makes a great cover letter?

A great cover letter is a compelling and concise document that serves as an introduction to a job application. It showcases your qualifications, experiences, and enthusiasm for the position, while also demonstrating your understanding of the company and its values. It is tailored to the specific job and organisation, highlighting how your relevant skills and achievements align with the desired role. It captivates the reader’s attention from the opening paragraph and maintains a professional tone throughout. 

A great cover letter goes beyond simply reiterating the information already present in the resume, instead providing additional context and insights into your suitability for the position. It effectively communicates your passion, showcases your unique strengths, and conveys genuine interest in contributing to the company’s success. 

Ultimately, it serves as a persuasive tool, leaving a lasting impression on hiring managers and increasing the likelihood of being called for an interview.

The 7 Steps to a Perfect Cover Letter

Understand the purpose of a cover letter

Before diving into the writing process, it’s crucial to understand the purpose of a cover letter. A cover letter is a one-page document that accompanies your resume and provides a personalised introduction to the employer. Its primary goal is to demonstrate your suitability for the position by highlighting relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. It should also convey your enthusiasm for the role and showcase your ability to communicate effectively.

Research and customise

Generic cover letters rarely make an impact. Take the time to research the company and position you’re applying for. Familiarise yourself with their mission, values, and their plans for the future in order to tailor yours to align with their requirements. If possible, address the hiring manager by name to add a personalised touch. 

Structure correctly

A well-organised cover letter enhances readability and makes a positive impression. Follow a clear structure that includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. In the introduction, state the position you’re applying for and briefly mention how you learned about the opportunity. In the body paragraphs, elaborate on your relevant experiences, skills and achievements. Finally, conclude by expressing your interest in the role and willingness to discuss your qualifications further.

Grab attention with an engaging opening

First impressions matter, and your cover letter’s opening should captivate the reader. Consider starting with an attention-grabbing anecdote, a compelling statistic, or a thought-provoking question.

Alternatively, you can begin by explaining your passion for the industry or the company’s mission has driven your career aspirations. The opening should entice the reader to continue reading and learn more about you. 

Showcase your achievements and skills

Highlight your most relevant achievements and skills in the body of the cover letter. Using specific examples combined with measurable results will highlight how your experiences align with the company’s needs and emphasise how you can contribute to their success.

Demonstrate cultural fit

Employers often seek candidates who not only possess the required qualifications but also align with the company culture. Showcasing your understanding of the organisation’s values and how you embody them can make a significant difference. Incorporating relevant keywords from the job description showcases your familiarity with their requirements and highlights your potential as a culture fit. 

Express your enthusiasm

Passion and enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates. In your cover letter, express your genuine interest in the role and the company. Explain why you’re drawn to the opportunity and how it aligns with your long-term career goals. This demonstrates to the employer that you’re not just seeking any job but are genuinely invested in their organisation.

Examples of cover letters

There are some great examples of cover letters out there. 

• For a cover letter example tailored for your resume, try: https://www.monster.com/career-advice/cover-letters
• For a deeper understanding of what goes into one, have a look at https://www.themuse.com/advice/cover-letters
• As a job search platform, Indeed has a great knowledge of what employers are looking for. See their suggestions here: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/cover-letter-samples 

Get a free cover letter template 

In our Careers Hub, you can gain access to free cover letter and resume templates. By using high-quality cover letter templates, you can save time and ensure that your resume follows best practices and meets industry standards, ultimately increasing your chances of impressing employers and securing job interviews. 

Find out more about the Careers Hub and how you can enjoy industry experts helping you land your dream job with our complimentary career services. 

The post How to write a cover letter appeared first on College for Adult Learning.

Are you ready to take control of your life and turn your dreams into reality? Setting and achieving goals is a powerful strategy that can propel you towards success and fulfilment. To help you on this transformative journey, we are thrilled to offer you our free ebook ‘Guide to Goal Setting’.

In this comprehensive guide, you will discover some practical techniques, actionable tips, and proven strategies to set and achieve your goals effectively. Get ready to unlock your full potential and create a roadmap for personal and professional success.

Why is goal setting so important?

Goal setting is a crucial element of planning that serves as a compass that guides individuals towards success and fulfilment, and there are many reasons why it is so important to get it right.

Firstly, setting goals provides clarity and direction, allowing you to define what you truly want to achieve and establish a clear path to reach your desired destination. Goals help prioritise efforts and channel energy towards meaningful pursuits, preventing aimless wandering and wasted potential.

Moreover, goals provide motivation and drive, igniting a sense of purpose and determination that propels individuals forward, even in the face of challenges. By setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (SMART) goals, people can track their progress, celebrate milestones, and stay accountable themselves.

Ultimately, goal setting empowers individuals to unlock their full potential, make meaningful progress and live a purpose-driven life.

What are SMARTER goals?

SMARTER goals are a refined and enhanced version of the traditional SMART goal-setting framework.

SMARTER goals are:

• Specific – you have a clear goal
• Measurable – you know what success looks like
• Achievable – the goal is challenging yet within your limitations
• Realistic – be honest with yourself and others
• Time-bound – you know your deadlines
• Ecological – how will this goal impact the people around you?
• Rewarding – how does the goal fulfil your values?

‘Specific’ ensures that goals are well-defined and focused, leaving no room for ambiguity.

‘Measurable’ involves establishing clear criteria or metrics to objectively track progress and determine success.

‘Achievable’ reminds individuals to set realistic goals that are within their reach, considering available resources and capabilities.

‘Realistic’ emphasises the alignment of goals with broader aspirations and values, ensuring they are meaningful and significant.

‘Time-bound’ sets a specific timeframe or deadline for achieving the goal, providing a sense of urgency and preventing procrastination.

‘Ecological’ refers to the understanding of how our own ecosystems can be affected by our choices, and motivate you by defining how your goals will benefit your community.

Lastly, ‘Rewarding’ makes sure your goals are fulfilling your core values and not conforming to others’ expectations.

What’s inside our free ‘Guide to Goal Setting’ ebook?

Ready to start achieving your work and life goals? Our Guide to Goal Setting ebook has everything you need to reflect on what you want to achieve and create a roadmap to get there.

Goal setting template

Our first of two free templates in our Guide to Goal Setting ebook is our easy-to-fill goal setting template. Understand your motivations for setting goals, setbacks you may be facing, and timelines to keep you accountable.

‘Making-of’ model and template

The “Making-Of” Model is inspired by a visual planning system developed by The Grove consulting agency and is explained in the ‘The Decision Book’ by Krogerus and Tschäppeler. The model views achieving goals as a ‘one foot in front of the other’ process.

Get an in-depth view of this goal setting model and a template to get you started.

How to reassess and re-evaluate your goals

Resilience is developed by reflecting on the goal achievement process. If your goals are delayed or change along the way, welcome to life! There is still much to be gained from learning about how you react or adapt. The best way forward is to take stock and decide if they are still right for you.

We dive into the 5 questions you need to ask yourself to reassess and reevaluate your goals to make sure you’re aligned with your goals every step of the way.

Download your free ebook now and get started achieving your goals today.

The post Guide to Goal Setting: Free Template to Achieve Success appeared first on College for Adult Learning.

If you have a passion for marketing and a knack for technology, a career as a digital marketing coordinator may be the perfect fit for you. This guide will cover the education and skills you need to succeed in this field, as well as the job outlook and potential salary.

What is digital marketing?

Digital marketing is the process of promoting products, services or brands using various digital channels and technologies. Digital marketing strategies include content marketing, social media marketing, search engine optimisation (SEO), pay-per-click advertising (PPC), email marketing, and more. Digital marketing aims to engage with customers and prospects, increase brand awareness, and drive sales or conversions. By leveraging the power of digital technologies, businesses can reach and interact with their target audience more effectively and efficiently than traditional marketing methods.

What does a digital marketing coordinator do?

Before pursuing a career as a digital marketing coordinator, it’s important to understand the role and responsibilities of the position. A digital marketing coordinator is responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies across various digital channels, such as social media, email, and website. They also analyse data and metrics to measure the success of campaigns and make adjustments as needed. Additionally, they may collaborate with other departments, such as design and content, to ensure cohesive branding and messaging.

A typical day for a digital marketing coordinator can include undertaking a range of responsibilities, including:

• Processing and implementing digital campaign briefs
• Overseeing paid performance marketing channels
• Creating, scheduling and optimising email marketing campaigns
• Overseeing and maintaining digital marketing reports
• Liaising with stakeholders and external partners to ensure digital strategies are implemented
• Identifying and recommending opportunities to improve digital marketing strategies

Skills you need as a digital marketing coordinator

To succeed in this role, you’ll need digital marketing skills, such as:

• Data analysis. A strong understanding of analytics is a must for any marketing professional.
• Adaptability. Digital marketing coordinators must adapt and keep up with ever-changing technologies and trends within the industry – from algorithm changes to social trends.
• Strategy creation. After you analyse the data and research the trends, you’ll need an effective, data-backed strategy to help you start implementing changes.
• Communication. You’ll need to communicate effectively in person, over the phone, on paper and online.
• Collaboration. Marketers require strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with clients, team members and stakeholders.
• Optimisation. Marketers always strive to do better, so it will be helpful to have SEO and general optimisation know-how.
• Creative problem-solving. You’ll need to think outside the box and find innovative solutions to complex challenges.
• People-focused. Ultimately, a good marketing professional understands people. You’ll need to actively listen, empathise and build strong relationships with clients and colleagues.

To develop these skills, consider taking courses or certifications in Google Analytics, SEO and social media marketing. You can also gain hands-on experience by working on personal projects or volunteering to help with digital marketing campaigns for local businesses or non-profits.

Is digital marketing a good career?

Digital marketing is a great career choice for those looking for an exciting and secure job. As the world becomes increasingly focused on digital, businesses want qualified digital marketing professionals to help them connect with their customers online.

Marketing positions are set to increase 11.4% by 2026. It also offers a wide range of career opportunities and allowance for growth. You can start in entry-level jobs and work your way up, or even specialise in certain areas, such as SEO, social media marketing, or email marketing.

Additionally, digital marketing opens the doors to flexible work with remote jobs becoming much more common than in other industries. These jobs allow you to work wherever an internet connection is, allowing for flexible hours and a thriving work-life balance.

How much does a digital marketing coordinator earn?

The salary for a digital marketing coordinator can vary depending on experience, education level and specialty. However, the average salary in Australia is $70,000 a year. 

Digital marketing coordinator career pathways

There are many pathways into digital marketing jobs. Many who go into these roles have previous experience in marketing and communications or start in an entry-level job, such as a marketing assistant, where you can earn an average of $58,000 a year.

A Certificate IV in Marketing and Communications (BSB40820) will teach you the fundamental skills needed to kickstart your career in digital marketing.

If you’re after a senior position and you’ve already got at least two to three years of experience as a digital marketing coordinator, a Double Diploma of Social Media Marketing (10904NAT) and Marketing and Communication (BSB50620) can propel your career to the next step. With this experience and dual qualifications behind you, you can go on to a digital marketing manager position, earning an average of $85,000 to $125,000 a year. 

Digital marketing courses

Becoming a Digital Marketing Coordinator requires a combination of skills, knowledge, and experience. It’s a smart choice for those looking for longevity in their career, opportunities for growth and continual learning.

The right course in digital marketing will develop your expertise and build on your experience. By completing a digital marketing diploma online, individuals can gain a solid foundation of knowledge and skills that apply to real-world digital marketing scenarios. Additionally, having a diploma in digital marketing can demonstrate to potential employers that an individual is serious about their career in digital marketing and has invested time and effort into acquiring the necessary skills.

A Diploma of Social Media Marketing (10904NAT) is a smart move for those who want to stand out in the job market and increase their chances of success as a digital marketing coordinator. We’ve partnered with Social Media College (SMC) to deliver our social media marketing diploma. This diploma is the only Australian Government Recognised Training in Social Media Marketing. Additionally, our Dual Diploma of Social Media Marketing (10904NAT) and Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business (BSB40320) is a comprehensive and up-to-date double qualification for those ready to start an exciting and rewarding career in marketing.

Discover your career in digital marketing

Explore courses designed to help you take your career to the next level!

If you’re ready to expand your career, a marketing and communications course can help make that happen.

View courses

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