Opportunities to build skills for post-COVID-19 employment

 

Charles Darwin University is encouraging people impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak to take advantage of the free opportunities available to them and emerge from isolation with a new skill-set.

Dean of CDU’s Asia Pacific College of Business and Law, Professor David Low said there were Certificate-level Business courses that were free to some people to help prepare for employment post-COVID-19.

“For many new and existing job seekers in the Territory hoping to reskill for when the COVID-19 situation eases and work opportunities return, there are many opportunities at CDU to reskill without paying a course fee,” Professor Low said.

He said those eligible included people receiving Centrelink or Veteran Affairs Benefits.

“There are many exciting opportunities to build on the qualifications people have or to begin studying towards a career change,” Professor Low said.

VET Business Head Dr Teresa Schwellnus said people who were eligible could enrol in certificates ranging from Accounting to Human Resources and Project Management.

“CDU has a strong record of student success in employment and our graduates enjoy enhanced careers,” Dr Schwellnus said.

“All our courses are either online or have social distancing practices in place so teaching is conducted in a safe environment. In many instances we have rolling start dates – and people can either study full-time or part-time, depending on their personal circumstances.”

She said there were opportunities for Recognition of Prior Learning.

“Most people have a variety of skills that they didn't even know they have - if they come and see us - we can go through the process and see if they can’t acquire some units in this way,” she said.

Professor Low said many graduates of certificate programs went on to further higher education study, which enhanced their employability.

“Accounting may be an ideal career change to consider – not only to enhance a person’s employability, but also to enable them to be self-employed by becoming a BAS agent, for example,” he said.

“If a person does not have any previous accounting knowledge, they could start with Certificate III in Accounts Administration and move on to the Certificate IV in Accounting and bookkeeping.”

He said other certificates such as Project Management could suit trades people or people working in Hospitality who were looking to enter event management or grow within the industry, while a Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety was a qualification sought after by employers.

For more information visit W: www.cdu.edu.au/business-law/vet-business