Finding the right job for me
Within the Australian job market, there is a huge range of jobs to choose from and it can be difficult to know which path will suit you best.
We’re here to help by letting you know about what types of apprenticeships and traineeships are available, and by giving you information and practical tips to help you get started.
Here are some ideas that may help guide you in your choice:
Skillsroad
www.skillsroad.com.au is a fantastic career resource for people who like the idea of hands-on practical work and learning on the job while they earn an income. It contains:
- advice on making the right career choice
- occupation profiles and salary listings
- videos and stories about what it’s really like on the job
- a resume builder
- cover letter advice
- interview tips
- job vacancies
- Ask around
You may already know someone in your area of interest who may be willing to take you on. Tell your friends and family you are interested in becoming an apprentice or trainee so that they can be on the lookout for a job to suit you.
Check out other career advice websites
Other career advice websites that might help you decide on a career and find a job include:
- www.jobsearch.gov.au
- www.seek.com.au
- www.careerone.com.au
- www.mycareer.com.au
- www.job-directory.com.au- Australian Local GovernmentJob Directory
Research the Yellow Pages
Visit www.yellowpages.com.au to find businesses in your area of interest. The Yellow Pages gives you a good idea of the number of companies in particular fields. You may also discover other opportunities in related industries. For instance, you may be interested in mechanics and a search of the Yellow Pages will reveal that the mechanics industry includes heavy machinery, aviation, motorcycle, marine and small engine mechanics to name a few.
Other job search websites
Search for jobs on other sites and research companies you are interested in at:
- www.jobjuice.gov.au
- www.jobguide.thegoodguides.com.au
- www.myfuture.edu.au
- www.skillsinfo.com.au
Attend career expos and markets
Around Australia, career expos and job markets are hosted by a range of organisations. Search on the internet or alternatively, contact us and we can let you know about what events are coming up that might suit you.
Group Training Organisations (GTOs)
GTOs employ apprentices and trainees and hire them out to different businesses on a short or long-term basis.
This approach enables smaller businesses to take on apprentices and trainees even though in some cases they cannot provide apprentices and trainees with the broad range of skills needed to complete their training.
GTOs place apprentices and trainees with a range of small and large host businesses that provide on-the-job training, giving you more choices and opportunities.
GTOs then use an Apprenticeships Centre such as Australian Business Limited Apprenticeships Centre to sign you up, to get you registered so that you receive government incentives you may be eligible for. You can find out more at www.gtaltd.com.au
Cold canvas
Cold canvassing is contacting a business directly by visiting in person or by telephone. Be well prepared having done your research before attempting this method. Tips for cold canvassing include the following:
- Be well presented, not just in appearance but with what you are going to say if visiting a prospective employer
- Be polite and plan what you are going to say before phoning an employer
- Have pen and paper ready to note any details from an employer
- Have an up to date copy of your resume ready to leave with an employer or to send in
- Ask the prospective employer to keep your resume on file and give the employer a follow-up call a couple of weeks later
- Be as confident as you can and ask questions.