In Ballarat, Jobfind’s Workforce Australia-Employability Skills Training program, Skillful Steps, is equipping local job seekers with essential tools to unlock a new world of meaningful employment opportunities.
In just twelve days of training in May, the program had exceptional attendance, active participation and even celebrated one participant securing employment before the program ended!
What is Employability Skills Training?
The Workforce Australia – Employability Skills Training (EST) program is a short course designed to support job seekers to become job ready by developing foundational skills for work as well as getting industry-specific insights and experiences.
Course participants engage in immersive face-to-face sessions with a small peer group; a skilled facilitator guides the group through employability skills training and experiences including:
- Job preparation and interview skills
- Advanced job search
- Career exploration and pathways
- Local labour market awareness and opportunities
- Meeting local hiring employers
- Visiting local workplaces for industry insights
Importantly, participants also pick up micro credentials that build their confidence to work:
- Time management
- Communication skills
- Working in teams
- Workplace digital tools
Industry awareness experiences are a vital component of the program. Participants may attend local Jobs expos to meet prospective employers, visit employer premises for site tours, or have question and answer sessions with employers from a variety of industries.
Connecting to real jobs
The Skillful Steps course recently conducted at Ballarat saw 11 local job seekers commence the 3-week program in May 2023.
Employability Skills Training (EST) facilitator, Clayton Morrison, described the participants’ engagement as “exceptional”, with participants most enjoying the program’s connection to real job opportunities.
The group attended the Jobs Victoria Expo hosted at Qualify Ballarat, where they had the opportunity to speak with more than 20 employers and training providers. Notable businesses like MEGT, McDonalds, Begonia City Fencing, Concentrix, Flying Horse Bistro, Asuria, SAPS Cleaning and others actively engaged with participants and shared their career opportunities in industries such as hospitality, aged care, welding, fabrication and customer service.
The expo was an excellent platform for participants to network with other job seekers, represent themselves to employers and gain insights into potential career pathways and vocational courses.
A tailored approach for individual success
Building on the Job Expo’s momentum, participants returned to the course with several roles they wanted to apply for, then set about tailoring their resume and cover letter to match the employers’ needs.
“We teach participants how to tailor every job application to be more competitive,” explains Clayton.
Additionally, Clayton facilitated job interview role plays with each participant to help participants practise for anticipated interview questions and feel prepared and confident to make a positive impression at interviews.
An engaging and relevant experience
Since commencing in July 2022, over 200 people have completed Jobifnd’s EST courses nationally. Feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with 97% of participants surveyed reporting that their employability skills had improved; 95% find the content relevant and useful.
Oakley, who attended Skillful Steps in Ballarat, wrote this feedback about the course:
“The EST Course and Jobs Expo provided me an invaluable 3 weeks, teaching me more than I initially thought I would learn. Clayton provided us with a fantastic work environment.
“After the first 5 minutes of sitting down I immediately felt comfortable and eager to learn. Throughout the 3 weeks I learnt extremely valuable skills and improved my confidence.
“Alongside the classroom learning we also had the opportunity to attend the Jobs Expo. This Expo was a fantastic opportunity for me personally to see what vacancies were available to me in the local area. Upon attending I spoke to a variety of businesses and learnt a lot about what is happening around town, not only that, but it was incredible practice for building up my confidence when speaking to potential employers.””
About Employability Skills Training with Jobfind
Jobfind delivers Workforce Australia – Employability Skills Training in locations in NSW, VIC, QLD and WA.
Employability Skills Training is a pre-employment group program tailored to individual participants. Participants interact in work-like experiences and industry scenarios for real-world preparation for local jobs.
Employability Skills Training is also designed to support local employers to find the right staff to meet their business needs.
To enquire, please email employabilityskillstraining@jobfind.com.au
