Articles

Returning to Work

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 04:49:00 GMT

Finding a job can be hard work. Returning to work after months or even years as a stay-at-home parent can seem like an impossible challenge. But don’t be deterred. With a well-thought through plan, some re-training and a whole lot of multi-tasking you’ll be back in the workplace in no time at all.
Running a training company I see hundreds of people come through our doors to update their skills to help them to find work. Some have been retrenched, others are looking for a career change, but the largest group by far is mums trying to return to work.
I have listened over seemingly endless cups of tea as capable and talented women tell tales of the abject terror, loss of direction and lack of confidence all keeping them from fulfilling their career potential. As I pour the tea they pour over their résumés figuring out how to plug the glaring gaps left by maternity leave.
As with any major project success is always a result of good planning. Before you start printing off your old résumés and dry cleaning your interview suit, stop. Much time, frustration and rejection will be saved by making a Returning to Work plan.

How much time do you have to offer?
Before you became a parent you may have worked full-time and jumped at overtime. But with childcare the biggest consideration for working parents you need to be realistic about what time you can physically commit to an employer. The worse outcome for you, your employer and your family is over committing and not fulfilling your responsibilities to anyone. Many parents find returning to work part-time is manageable at first. Once the family has settled into new returns and child care is stabilized you may choose to work more hours.
What job do you want to do?
If having a baby has changed your life, it would be reasonable to assume that the kind of work you find satisfying and rewarding may have also changed. Or, the time and energy you have available means you can no longer work 38 hours a week in a competitive atmosphere where the boss expects you to be constantly available. Think about the type of work that would make you happy. Do you need something that stimulates your brain, gives you interaction with adults or would you prefer something that requires little thought and gives you a break from responsibility? A career change is common for women returning to work.
Are you skills and qualifications current?
Whether you’re changing direction or seeking to get back into your old profession an employer will need to see that you are up to date with skills and qualifications in your chosen field. Taking a training course will not only give you the certificate to prove you have what it takes it will also do wonders for your confidence in your own abilities. And remember, training doesn’t have to be in a classroom, many courses are offered on-line making learning more flexible.

Tips to remember
DON’T spend the entire interview talking about your kids.
DON’T turn up to an interview wearing anything other than smart, clean clothes.
DON’T take your children to an interview.
DO be confident, smile and remember that you can do anything!

Case study: Kerry (CORR), 36, Cairns, Qld
“The work ethic was pumped into me at an early age. In my family you left school at 16 and started earning a living. My first job was in a takeway. Six months later mum and dad bought the Wongaling Beach Water Taxi and I worked in the family business for seven years. I did the books, marketing, schedules, timetables, banking. You name it, I did it. When I met and married by husband Paul we moved to Cairns where I quickly found a job I loved at the Nestle distribution centre in a mixture of admin and sales. Even when I fell pregnant with my first baby Tiana (CORR) I worked right up until I had her and was back in my role just a few months later. I loved being a mum but work was at the core of who I was. Two years later when my second daughter Hailey(CORR) came along I decided that it was time to put my work ethic to one side and spend some quality time with my children. I loved being a stay at home mum, but I missed the adult interaction that work gave me. So, I thought of a compromise. I studied to become a nail technician and ran a part-time nail art business from home. Apart from keeping my mind stimulated I didn’t want to leave a gaping hole in my résumé. Still, when I decided it was time to put the girls into day care and get back out to work I found that my confidence had plummeted. I’d spent more than 10 years excelling in admin, sales and marketing but the two years at home had left me feeling out of touch and unsure of my own abilities. I realised that I needed to refresh my skills, and get a certificate to prove to potential employers that I did know what I was talking about. I enrolled in a Certificate III in Business, free through the Productivity Places Program. It was a fast track course and my confidence and work persona soon came flooding back. By the end of the course I had full come out of my shell and landed a part-time job working in the admin department of the training company. Even though I had a strong work ethic and was keen to get back into employment I had to admit that it was a scary prospect. Today I’ve been back at work for six weeks and loving it.”

Modern Awards and Vocational Training

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 03:50:00 GMT

You can be forgiven for not knowing a single thing about the new Modern Awards that will be introduced for Australian workers on January 1, 2010. You will no doubt be relieved to hear that you are not alone. Of the 30 friends and associates I asked, some business owners, some employees, a few Government workers and at least two lawyers, not one of them knew what I was talking about.

Hidden behind a smokescreen of political wrangling over the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, Liberal Leadership battles and Tiger Woods’ unfortunate bingle at the weekend, the new Modern Awards have barely rated a mention in the media.

In July 2010 the Government’s Fair Work Act became law. A major part of that act is the introduction of a new set of awards for workers. If you are an employee and you are not earning more than $108,000 a year you will almost certainly be covered by modern awards come January 1, 2010.

If, like me and the team at RediTeach, you are employed in a private RTO delivering courses through the VET system you will most likely be covered by the Educational Services (Post-Secondary Education) Award 2010.

The good news is that working as a teacher in the Vocational Training system is more attractive than ever, especially for people who are passionate about maintaining the high standards of training in their own industry. By gaining a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment you can teach and assess nationally recognized qualifications in your own area of expertise.

Benefits of working under the new award include:

Guaranteed preparation and assessment time outside of the classroom: Half an hour prep per one hour face-to-face delivery.
Formal recognition of your qualifications
A structured career path through the RTO

Adult education and training is a major growth industry, as would be expected with rising unemployment. Government funded training programs, such as the Productivity Places Program, are making qualification accessible to a wider variety of candidates. And, with particular emphasis being placed on areas of skills shortage there is a clear employment pathway for students. All of which contributes to the job satisfaction of all those employed in the VET system.

Learn skills to get noticed

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:35:00 GMT

With so many people applying for so few jobs at the moment it has never been more important to make a good impression.

As an employer, as a training provider and as a plain speaking woman who has read more résumés than I care to remember, I need to tell you something. If you want to get a job, an interview or just be noticed in a crowd then remember this, you need to be interesting!

Far too often I come across people who tell me they are desperate to find work. They’ve applied for dozens of jobs but have never had an interview. They think it’s because they are too old, too young, live in the wrong place, have used the wrong font on their résumé (yes really!) or they simply just can’t understand why an employer hasn’t plucked their application from a pile of hundreds, “They probably gave the job to someone they know,” I hear all the time.

Well the simple truth is this, it isn’t who you know, it really does boil down to WHAT you know.

Sure as a stay at home mum for the past 10 years no one could argue that you don’t know how to multi-task, handle a budget and manage a team, you and the other 150 stay at home mums going for the same admin assistant position. Same goes for a mechanic who has run his own workshop for the past five years, of course you know how to do the books and organise staff rosters, you’ve been doing it for long enough.

But what if you could back up your anecdotal skills with some solid evidence? A Certificate III in Business, current First Aid certificate and a maybe a relevant industry induction safety ticket, now that would be impress an office manager.

An MYOB course to brush up on your book-keeping and a Certificate IV in Front Line Management would tell your future employer not only that you have the relevant skills, but also you were serious enough about finding a job that you made the effort to bring your qualifications right up to date.

Suddenly your résumé has moved from the reject pile to the short list, and all it took was a few weeks of study. And with the current Productivity Places Programs being run by state governments there is a very good chance that you could up-skill for free. If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, unemployed and seeking work, then you probably qualify for funding. Check with the Department of Education and Training in your state to find out what free training is available and how you can apply.

Take a look at your resume. If you haven’t added a new skill, or consolidated an old one with a formal qualification, over the past 12 months then do something about it. Tell an employer that you’re interesting, that you care about having the best skills for their business and that it isn’t who you know, it really is WHAT you know.

10 Things to Know Before You Enrol

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 22:51:00 GMT

Distance learning, on-line study and blended delivery are great ways to undertake training. The internet is chock full of web sites offering training on-line, but how can you be sure that the qualification you are paying for is the genuine article?

Back in the day of text books, exam papers and a sharp pencil, you were much more likely to walk into a college or registered training organisation (RTO) to complete your studies. No doubt the walls would have been festooned with certificates of accreditation, the glossy brochures would have been branded with official logos and from the second you walked through the door you would detect the reassuring whiff of credibility.

So how can you get the same reassurance from a website when you can’t even look your trainer in the eye?

The tell-tale signs are still there and, with a bit of on-line research, you will know within minutes whether you are dealing with a credible and experienced RTO.

1. The RTO’s registration number: Every RTO has a unique number that will be displayed on its literature and on any certificates issued by the organisation.

2. Every accredited RTO is listed on the National Training Information Service (NTIS), the official database on vocational education and training in Australia. NTIS is the national register of information on Training Packages, Qualifications, Courses, Units of Competency and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).

3. Each RTO will be regulated either by the National Audit and Registration Authority (NARA) or the Department of Education and Training in the state where their services are delivered. If you have any doubts about the RTO you should contact the registering authority for more information.

4. A certificate that has been issued by an accredited RTO should always display the Nationally Registered Training logo; A green and red triangle. This logo is not authorized to be displayed on non-accredited course materials or advertising.

5. A company that is not an RTO may enter into partnership to offer accredited training under license to a Registered Training Organisation. If this is the case the company must state on its website or advertising that it is delivering courses under a partnership agreement and display the RTO’s number.

6.     Qualified trainiers and assessors must hold a Certificare IV in Training and Asessment.

7.       Credible and experienced RTOs will discuss your training needs with you. It is important that you are given clear advice about the level of qualification you require. They should also discuss pre-requisite requirements to learning such as police safety checks for child care students.

8.     All RTOs should offer the option of Recognition of Prior (RPL) Learning to its students. RPL means your existing skills and knowledge can be recognised no matter how when your learning occurred. You will have to provide evidence to the RTO of your competancy. By using RPL you can fast track your qualification by having some, or all, of the qualification recognised. In some cases you won't have to sit the course at all.

9. A good RTO offering on-line training will usually provide access to trainers via email, web workshops and telephone support, this is often referred to as Blended Delivery.

10. Response times for an experienced RTO will usually by within 24 hours for your enquiry. Any training organisation that leaves you waiting more than a week before getting back to your initial enquiry may not be efficient when it comes to supporting you through your studies.

Successful Training, It's All In The Delivery

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 08:42:00 GMT

Take it from someone who knows, a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment is one of the most stimulating, enlightening and rewarding courses around. It can also be the most difficult, confusing and heartbreaking if you charge into it without doing your homework first.

Cert IV TAA 40104 is the qualification needed to become a trainer and assessor delivering accredited training in Australia. It is also an excellent course for anyone who is facilitating in-house training in the workplace. And, in such a competitive job market this certificate is a valuable addition to any résumé. Having said all that, if you choose the wrong type of delivery your chances of ever getting your hands on a TAA certificate are not great.

Intensive workshops, correspondence, blended delivery, independent on-line or good old fashioned night school, the delivery options are seemingly endless. The trick is to choose the mode of study that not only fits into your lifestyle, but also suits your personality.

Without getting bogged down in the psycho babble it’s fair to say that if you’re a methodical thinker who likes to take your time and thoroughly research and study a project from every angle, a five-day super intensive power workshop is unlikely to be the best option for you. The reverse is the same; high energy fast thinkers who want everything done yesterday won’t get the best results from a four-week face-to-face classroom delivery with everyone else in the group ‘holding them back’.

The best registered training Organisations (RTOs) will have delivery options to suit a variety of learner styles. They will also work with you to ensure that you enroll in the method best-suited to you. Beware of one-size-fits-all operators that don’t have room for flexibility and can’t accommodate your needs as an individual.

Delivery Options Explained

Intensive Workshops:

Usually held over three to five days in a training centre or conference room set-up. Fast-paced delivery of information with most assessments completed outside of workshop hours.

Learner type: Fast thinkers who thrive on pressure

Pros: Concentrated effort can produce good results in a short time.

Cons: Workloads often exceed workshop hours and homework is heavy. Also there can be limited or no instructor support.

Face-to-Face Classroom:

An average of three weeks, Monday-to –Friday, studying with a group. Activities and assessments discussed among the group combined homework and takeaway assessments.

Learner type: Traditional, average-paced thinker who enjoys thoroughness and group discussions.

Pros: Good instructor and peer support with time to absorb and question new concepts and ideas.

Cons: Requires time away from work and a longer commitment.

Blended Delivery:

Self-paced, web-based training combining on-line learning materials with live web workshops, student forums and email-driven instructor support.

Learner type: Most learner types with basic level computer skills.

Pros: Self-paced and can be as independent or as involved with instructors and other students as the learner requires.

Cons: Requires some computer know-how.

Choose the right mode of study and you will not only gain a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment but you will enjoy the process, feel stimulated by the journey and be a better trainer and assessor for your own future students.

Explore Child Care Courses Online Blended Delivery

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:21:00 GMT

Pick up a newspaper or turn on the television and the jobless figures and growing unemployment rates are staring you in the face. But take a look in the careers section and you will see one industry that is thriving, child care.

A career in early childhood is a great option for anyone, men or women, looking for a secure career pathway. With 4.3 per cent growth in revenue and more than 114,000 jobs in 2008 in Australia, according to IBISWorld, this is one industry offering real opportunities for its workers.

Work options are varied, with casual, part-time and full-time positions always available. With brilliant employment opportunities and a strong potential for promotions, a future in child care is never dull.

And now, with exciting developments in on-line blended training it is easier than ever to become qualified with a Certificate III, a Diploma and an Advanced Diploma in Children’s Services.

All you need is a computer and a broadband connection and you can gain your qualifications, working at your own pace at home. By planning your study to suit your routine it is possible to gain your certificate quicker than if you were at college.

Children’s Services qualifications are widely available through distance learning, including:

Certificate III in Children’s Services – This is the entry level qualification for child care and teaches a basic understanding. Choose a reputable Registered Training Organisation, the best will help you to arrange the practical work experience component of the course, as well.

Diploma of Children’s Service – For those already working in the child care industry this step up from the Certificate III is the best way to improve your skills and increase your chances of promotion.

Advanced diploma course – If you want to run, manage or even own and operate a child care centre then you are required to have the Advanced Diploma.

Taking online classes in child care or any other on-line courses, provides advantages that typical classroom-based programmes simply cannot compete with. Online education through a Registered Training Organisation provides a range of benefits, including:

Flexible delivery – There is no reason to report to a classroom at a set time on set days. Internet-based programmes enable students to learn at their own pace wherever they choose. This means if you’re already employed you can keep earning a living while gaining the qualifications you need to advance your career.

Student support – Just because study is undertaken online it doesn’t mean you won’t be supported by qualified instructors. Emails, web workshops and student forums mean you can have as much or as little interaction as you wish.

Financial advantage – Many online programmes do qualify for financial assistance through Government funding or even scholarships. Course fees tend to be lower with online learning and since you won’t be commuting many of additional expenses are removed from the equation

Taking child care courses online will open the doors on a career path that offers room for growth and incredible job satisfaction. Don’t let your crazy schedule get in the way of your future success.

Online Courses Open Doors

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:06:00 GMT

In this ever-changing economy, staying ahead of the educational curve is fast becoming the difference between workers who find gainful employment and those who face rejection after rejection. It is also essential for gaining recognition in an existing workplace and for keeping the door on promotions wide open. Unfortunately, busy people just do not always have the time to head back to the classroom to keep their credentials up-to-date or to advance them.

Fortunately, the economy isn’t the only thing that is changing. The face of adult education has experienced quite a few changes in recent history. Thanks to the introduction of new technology, adult students have options that are flexible enough to meet their demands. The Internet and the prevalence of home computers have combined to create a classroom experience that is very effective, but distinctly different.

Online courses, in fact, have transformed the delivery of adult education programmes. No longer are students expected to commute to classroom, and adjust their schedules and their very lives to gain the valuable credentials they need to get ahead in their fields or stay that way.

As reputable learning centres bring their course materials to the Internet, students are finding the options available to them are practically endless. Distance education courses, authorised and registered by the National Audit and Registration Authority, cover a variety of fields, making it possible for adults to readily gain the certifications they need to succeed.

Online courses not only provide adult learners access to valuable qualifications that can make them stand out from their peers, they also provide a number of benefits above and beyond traditional classroom-based programs. The advantages of turning a computer into a classroom include:

Freedom – Online courses give students the freedom they need to juggle all of the obligations of life whilst still pursuing advanced education. When students study online, they can tackle materials at home, in the office or even when they are on the road.
Flexibility – Online studies generally offer a tremendous amount of flexibility when it comes to scheduling. This is excellent for people who need to be free during the day for work and would like to pursue studies at night or on the weekends.
Pacing – Distance learning generally provides students the ability to work at their own pace. This means they can move through materials as quickly or as slowly as they need to without having to follow a predetermined pace.
Diversity – Students who enroll in online education courses will find that the programme offerings are quite extensive. From full degree programs to certifications in such areas as childcare, business, construction and beyond, adult learners will find a world of education is now available and only a few key clicks away.
The additional skills provided – Online courses not only provide students with access to credentialing in such areas as construction, childcare, business and hospitality, they also, by their very nature, help students brush up on computer skills. When adults take distance learning courses online, they prove to employers they are adept with technology.

Additionally, as an alternative to studies taken entirely on-line, some training organisations offer a combined delivery method for their courses, such as Blended Delivery. Blended delivery involves the use of online materials and assessments combined with various learning options to compliment such as face-to-face tutorials, web workshops (webinars) and teleconferences, as well as email support and interaction with an instructor and other students.

Staying on top of educational credentials is no longer a luxury. To get ahead and stay that way, adults must advance their knowledge base and carry the credentials necessary to impress employers. Thanks to online courses, the prospect of doing so is now convenient.