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Work experience as a particular element of career development requires
a very good understanding of the labour market and its systems that
support it. These may include an understanding of industry scholarships
and structured and unstructured entry points, current government initiatives,
and recruitment and selection methodologies.
Increasing the satisfaction of client or student placement, involves
facilitating deliberate decision making to narrow down the number of
available choices. This will typically involve decisions that relate
to personal preferences that include:
- industry type
- organisation size
- public or private sector
- for profit or not for profit
- international, national, state or community
It is important for career advisors to ensure contemporary knowledge
and skills on work experience entry points and the pathways to which
they may lead. Without this, information, advice, resource materials
will be incomplete.
Look out for professional development opportunities. These will comes
in many forms:
- myfuture, tertiary level
and VET studies
- industry visits
- professional associations
- networking with colleagues, community
and industry representatives
- subscription to career related materials (print and online) seeking
out a mentor
- undertaking value-adding experiences and challenges that will expose
you to new techniques and skills
Professional development: It's never too late!
"I returned to the "formal" workforce 3 years ago after
8 years at home as a mother and part-time business partner. I worked
part-time initially in the Job Network for a year. After some consideration
I decided to retrain as a career practitioner. This had always been
a career dream. I sought a work experience placement to help me decide
if I wanted to study and work in the field of career development. I
did a work experience placement with two organisations directly related
to the field of career development. As a result I was able to gain references,
establish a network, test out my career choice and gain employment in
the field. I have now established a career path which is proving to
be challenging, exciting and personally fulfilling. I highly recommend
work experience as a way to gain experience, test out career choices
and options and clarify career decisions. Peta Pollock
Resources:
DEST Scholarships for School
Career Advisers - [.pdf | 62.93 kb]
The project makes available funding for 27 Study Scholarships and
27 Industry Placement Scholarships each year, up until 2009. This Career
Advice Australia initiative, managed by Curriculum Corporation, aims
to improve the standard of career advice provided to young people and
the standing of school career advisers.
Download an application form at www.dest.gov.au/careerscholarships
or email the curriculum council direct.
Applications for the 2007 round of DEST Scholarships for School Career
Advisers are open from 1st May until 23rd June 2006.
myfuture:
Resources
Resources to help your own development as well as to support others
explore or plan their careers. It includes a workshop, presentation
and a quiz!
SLP School Leaver Program WA
The School Leaver Program (SLP) aims to help young people make a smooth
transition from school to:
- further education
- further training
- apprenticeships / traineeships
- employment
- other career and lifestyle options
It’s all about developing skills and giving information and links
to other people who can help. The program is open to School Students,
School Leavers, Parents, Guardians and Teachers.
Australian
Career Development Studies ACDS
ACDS has three learning programmes tailored to the needs of career
practitioners in a variety of professional settings, and others (such
as parents, youth workers, coaches and community leaders) who have an
interest in fostering in others the capacity to grow and adapt throughout
their lives – to make informed education and employment choices,
access appropriate specialist support, and connect education and training
pathways with career choices and employment prospects.
Australian:
Career education elective for pre-service teachers
Follow this link to access details about a career education elective
for pre-service teachers undertaking a Bachelor of Education or a Bachelor
of Teaching degree. The project was guided by an Advisory Committee
consisting of a representative from the Australian Council of Deans
of Education and Career experts.
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