Education, training and employment

This chapter builds on our knowledge of the various types of employment and our changing working lives. It focuses on the need to constantly develop skills and gain work experience. Once we have formally completed studies or training after school, we must take advantage of 'on the job' training and consider further education or training in the future. This gives us the best chance for job security and future employment.

The advantages of further education and training

Education and training improve your job prospects and subsequently your income. The most secure jobs are permanent ones (full-time and part-time), because these provide steady, reliable income and a range of non-wage entitlements. To give yourself the best chance to attain these permanent jobs, you must continue to add to your qualifications and skill levels. Most young people now stay on to complete Year 12. This gives them a chance to apply for a tertiary course (university qualification). Tertiary courses tend to lead to jobs that are permanent and that pay well. Many young people may complete school after Year 10, but go complete further study and training in an apprenticeship or a traineeship. Many students are also choosing to study courses in Vocational Education and Training (VET), to gain skills and experience. See image 1

An attitude of 'life-long learning'

It can be very stressful choosing and managing a career. The best thing to do is to study and work in the areas that suit you best. Choose further study that interests you; this is likely to be linked to a subject you enjoyed and did well in at school. While you are studying (even at school), try to find work that will allow you to develop a skill (such as typing, writing or using tools). It is ideal to be working or gaining experience in an area that is related to the job you are looking for such as working in customer service on weekends whilst studying hospitality, in order to one day work as a Hotel Manager. Like most things in life, finding a good job takes time, hard work and personal motivation. Overall, you need to develop an attitude of 'life-long learning'. This will allow you to approach employment in a positive way and to develop skills to remain employable.

The importance of skills and experience

As you study and work, it is important to constantly build on your skills and experience. Employers will certainly like to see that you have completed some form of qualification after school, such as a university degree, a trade or a TAFE course. See image 2

They will, however, be looking carefully at the types and levels of skills you have and the work experience you have. Many of you will have already listed and described your present skills, experience and knowledge within a personal resume or curriculum vitae (CV). See image 3

There are broadly four types of work: professional, skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled. Professional work is done by professional workers such as doctors and lawyers, who possess unique or higher order skills and specialist knowledge. Professionals require formal training and qualifications, such as a university course in law, together with work experience in a community legal centre.

Skilled work requires formal training and qualifications and leads to such jobs as trades (like carpentry or auto electrical work).

Semi-skilled work is normally the work completed in trades or office-based jobs, which may lead to skilled work (like a builder's apprenticeship).

Unskilled jobs require low levels of training, like in factory work. You could aim to do these types of jobs casually whilst studying. Unskilled jobs like building site labouring or delivering pizzas tend to pay the lowest levels of income and don't allow you to develop a wide range of skills. Importantly, employers usually require professionals, semi-skilled or skilled workers to fill jobs.

Workplace training and workplace learning

Many employers are realising the importance of training their workers on the job through workplace learning. Workplace training allows workers to gain new skills, which improves their work (productivity). Employers can encourage workers to stay in their business through workplace training. When employees leave, they use the new skills and experience gained to find another useful job. Formal skills development in workplace training can be both generic (common skills like communication and organisation, used in most jobs) and technical (special skills for a particular job, like internet research or operating new computer systems). See animation 1