1. Identifying work opportunities in the context of the labour market
Skills shortage
Where are the jobs?
What is the expected salary for the job?
What are the work conditions?
What is the job prospect over next 5-10 years?
Skills shortage is about where there are jobs but not skilled people to perform these jobs. Example is chefs: many jobs exists however not enough qualified chefs to do this job.
The job market changes according to populations, government policies etc. Australian cars were manufactured in Australia for many years, now they moving to china. This will impact on jobs in that industry, meaning less jobs for people who are qualified in this area.
Another example: Australia is aging population, this means in 5-15 years time, more retirees will exists compared to people in the workforce. This means more jobs will be created to look after the elders, hospital demands etc. hence why you may have heard nursing, aged care jobs are high in demand. Not many qualified people available to fill these positions,
When considering a job, consider the potential growth in that area. Also consider the work environment, day shift, night shift, long working hours, good pay, or low pay (for most trades, the pay while being trained is very low compared to other jobs, however after becoming qualified its good pay) consider short term sacrifice for long term achievement.
Some jobs may require you to relocate farmers, mining industries etc.
Worksheets in this theme assist students to look at different ways you can search for a job.
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2. Labour Market Trends Australia – all states
Labour Market Trends., the information was from , data already released for up till 2019.
There are data and information that government provides to for future growth of industries. By looking at this chart, what do you see is a high growing industry.
Health Care and social assistance: some example of these jobs include: jobs in hospitals and carer services including aged care, nursing, childcare workers, community services assistance, social workers, medical professionals, hospital systems include cleaners, administrators, caterers, etc.
So every field has many work related opportunities, by looking at the growth in the big picture.
Facilitator can discuss Education & Training sector in similar approach.
While information from government data and statistics is important in choosing a career, however it is not the only factor taken into account, as previously mentioned you will need to consider your situation, your likes and dislikes, urgency of a job and training needed before you decide.
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3. Career Development Reality testing and decision making
Exploring skills and goals
Setting goals and planning a pathway
Planning for a new start
Re-visit Career Development Stages
Related activities are
Reflect and plan brainstorming
Areas of life
Setting goals and making plans
Career action plan
Reality testing and decision making
Work opportunities in the labour market

4. Reality testing and decision making
List of possible obstacles
What will stop you from getting the job you want now?
English skills
Family situation
Money
Visa eligibility
No work experience
Self-esteem or confidence
Skills gaps
No knowledge of Australian job search options
***This slides appears gradually****
Possible obstacles that you may face in planning your career:
English Skills- what is your level now, how can you improve it, what level of English do you need for the job. The better your English.
Family situation: if you are a mother with young kids, consider what steps you need now to prepare yourself for work, when they go to school.
If you are single and don’t have big commitments, you may consider relocating to start a job, more flexibility.
Money: if you have a family and you have an immediate need for a job, the starting job doesn’t have to be your ‘life long’ job.
Visa Eligibility: depends on your visa, courses cost more for studying you could consider other options until you become permanent resident and can obtain government funding for courses.
No work experience: what small things can you be involved in to build on work experience?
Self-esteem: this grows with interacting with people, community members, building a social support network. In classroom, in work, in participating in sport etc.
Skills gaps: what skills you need to obtain for the job you want. How long will you study for.
No knowledge of Australian job search options: connect with jobactive, look at sample resumes, build a network of working people around you.
As you identify where you at in your life, you can start putting steps towards your goals.
Worksheets in this theme assist students to set goals and make plans, taking into account barriers and strengths.
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5. Career Development Setting goals and planning a pathway
Exploring skills and goals
Setting goals and planning a pathway
Planning for a new start
Re-visiting career development stages
Reality testing and decision making
Work opportunities in the labour market

6. Setting goals & planning a pathway
What do you want to achieve, in the short term and the long term?
When do you want to achieve your goals?
How will you achieve your goals?
Who can support you to achieve your goals?
Why do you want to achieve this goal?
Setting short term goals, small steps in order to achieve bigger long term goals. No need to set up goals which are not achievable.
Writing your goals is first step in planning your career pathway.
It’s not enough to write your goals, you will need to monitor every step and review it every 3 months to see your progress.
Monitor what you achieve and be proud of it, no matter how small. Example: improving your English in 6 months is a pretty good achievement.
Set realistic timelines, and consider people who can support you along the way
examples: partner (may support you financially while you studying English
Centrelink support you by referral to employment office (depends on eligibility)
Employment office can support you with resume writing, interview preparation, job search options.
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7. Important tips:
Each person is responsible for their own career plan and taking steps towards reaching their goal.
Be realistic, flexible and aware of opportunities around you.
Learn from your previous successes and problems.
Get support from people in your network.
Stick to your plan and don’t give up.
Review your plan regularly and adjust it according to your progress.
Although family, community member, teachers and others can influence your decisions but ultimately you are the one making the choices.
Be real, and stay flexible, you maybe offered opportunities don’t turn them down straight away, consider ‘what’s in it for me’ approach and what positives it can bring to your life/situation now and in future.
Do not give up easily, know that migrants don’t have it easy, its all about the attitude, and the willingness to learn from mistakes. If you apply for 50 jobs look at what you not doing write and change your approach, then apply for job no.51! Don’t give up!.
Always keep your connections, and consider how people can help you as you meet them, your next door neighbour, could help you by simply speaking English with them!.