Skills advice helps Gold Coast jobseeker gain two diplomas
A visit to the Southport Skilling Solutions Queensland customer service centre has helped a Gold Coast man gain two diplomas - and a job - in a month.
Skilling Solutions Queensland Acting Director Linda Bradley said 53-year-old Alf Cosgrove's experience was a great example of how Skilling Solutions Queensland was pointing people in the right direction to attain skills and qualifications to help improve their job prospects.
"Mr Cosgrove was keen to get formal recognition for his skills and experience to help him get a job in Queensland after moving to Helensvale from New Zealand" Ms Bradley said.
"Skilling Solutions Queensland was able to give him accurate and up-to-date information about training and career options relevant to his interests, skills and experience."
Mr Cosgrove said he had a wealth of experience, and some certificates, but as they were from New Zealand and industry specific, he needed a generic qualification for job interviews to improve his chances of employment.
Because of my work in New Zealand, I knew that recognition of prior learning to gain qualifications could be possible, but didn't know where to start. After making a few phone calls I was referred to Skilling Solutions Queensland," he said.
"Not knowing what to expect, I turned up to my appointment formally dressed and with all my documents, but the pre-assessment process was informal, relaxed and friendly.
By the end of the appointment I had an idea which qualifications I might obtain through recognition of prior learning and the next steps I needed to take."
Recognition of prior learning allows workers to have the skills and experience acquired through their working life assessed against the requirements of recognised relevant formal qualifications.
Skilling Solutions Queensland gave Mr Cosgrove a referral letter, advice on qualifications he might attain through recognition of prior learning and a list of accredited training organisations.
"I had my skills and experience formally assessed through The Learning Collaborative at Biggera Waters,†he said.
"The recognition of prior learning process was simple—not at all daunting. You just have to be honest about what you can and can’t do and provide any evidence you might have.
"I came out with a Diploma of Business and a Diploma of Business (Frontline Management) without having to do any gap training.
"I'm pleased to say that I recently started work in a business development role with McCosker Environmental Services based in Gladstone."
Ms Bradley said Skilling Solutions Queensland could also provide businesses and employers with information about up-skilling their workforce to remain competitive.
"They offer a brokerage service for people interested in completing an apprenticeship" she said.
"I would encourage anyone who is interested in changing careers, re-entering the workforce or up-skilling their workforce to contact Skilling Solutions Queensland."
Skilling Solutions Queensland is a key initiative of the State Government's $1 billion Queensland Skills Plan.
For more information about Skilling Solutions Queensland visit www.skillingsolutions.qld.gov.au or call 1300 654 687 to make an appointment with a consultant.
February 2007