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General Info Professional Skills

Achieve More in 2024!

The start of a new year sees us focus on new goals to bring us success and happiness in whatever form that may be; a healthier lifestyle, more fun, more fulfilment, a new job, or a completely different career.

The early 2020s made us all slow down, take stock, understand what is most important and dream new dreams. As we move towards the second half of the decade, it’s time to realise those big dreams and goals and believe that we can Achieve More.

There is no doubt that the world is evolving; technology and Artificial Intelligence is changing the face of workplaces and the skills needed to succeed; global influences are affecting markets and opportunities, but there is one thing that doesn’t change – the need for skilled employees, particularly people who are dedicated to continual learning, and have the soft skills to lead and support others; skills that technology can never replace.

So as you begin 2024, think big and explore the following advice to help you Achieve More, whatever your goal may be:

Changing careers

This is the big one – perhaps you ended 2023 feeling burnt out, hating your job, or just really needing a change. Moving to a completely new career needs planning and the path might look a little different depending on what career you are wanting to move into.

There might be a specific course that you can take to prepare you for your new role, or you might be able to take your existing skills and experience and re-align them to your new goal. This is especially true for soft skills such as project management, leadership and office skills.

One thing that always helps this shift is showing that you are willing and eager to learn and develop. Prepare for this change by investing in upskilling in areas such as workplace essentials, leadership and management, or any area that will help in your dream role.

Stepping up

You might have been at one level for a while and ready to step up to be a supervisor, or want to prepare for this change in the future. Gaining the essential leadership skills takes more than just experience. Good leaders understand the skills needed such as building relationships, prioritising tasks, and understanding how to manage different personalities, manage conflict and negotiate and influence.

The New Supervisor gives a great overview of these skills in a two-day classroom course. If you are moving from a teammate to managing former colleagues, Managing Your Mates helps you to navigate the challenges that come with that.

If you are looking to step up to a more senior role with broader responsibilities, Nationally Recognised courses such as Fundamentals of Supervision, or Qualifications such as BSB40520 Certificate IV in Leadership and Management gives a great foundation for a leadership career.

Helping others

If you have been ‘on the tools’ for a number of years or have become an expert in your field, a great next step can be sharing your skills and expertise with others. Gaining the teaching, assessing and learning development skills needed to be an effective trainer and/or assessor will help you be most effective in this field.

Courses such as TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and its associated sessions and skill sets may be required, particularly if you are looking to train and assess Nationally Recognised training, and will ensure you have the best practice skills and expertise to be the best trainer you can be.

You may want to move into a role where you are helping others through providing a safe environment. Roles in Work Health and Safety (WHS) are a great next move for people with strong knowledge of their sector and the risks involved, or HR who have strong experience in working with others. There are a large number of courses to start you on this journey from WHS Fundamentals, to Health and Safety Representatives, Area Warden, or the Nationally Recognised BSB41419 Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety qualification.

Learning something new

Your 2024 goal might be just to learn something new. Achieving doesn’t need to lead to a new qualification or job level. You can gain motivation and satisfaction in your career or life outside work in building your knowledge.

This could be through mentorship, or volunteering, or there are many online and classroom short courses that can help you Achieve More through self-improvement and learning, in topics ranging from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Awareness, to Handling stress and maintaining balance,  Time Management, or even Mental Health Awareness.

Getting back into study

 Starting a course can be a challenge for all new learners, but particularly if you haven’t been in a classroom for a while. Mature age learners are often juggling work and looking after children or family members, alongside other responsibilities, which can make studying seem overwhelming. The time since formal study can also leave some lacking in confidence and the academic skills that come from regular study.

However, being a mature age learner can actually be a huge advantage to study; you are older and wiser, you have industry experience, and you’re more aware of the value of investing in your education.

There are also many benefits of studying at a later age. We’ve written a whole article on this topic with tips and tricks to help you with this transition. Read more about Returning to study as a mature age learner.

Building your resume

The first step in looking for a new job, changing careers or positioning for a promotion is to revisit and update your resume. You’ll need to make sure it is up-to-date, reflects the accomplishments and job roles you have had since you last used it, and also make sure it reflects the role you want to achieve next. This includes skills and courses. Having recent training, and showing that you are committed to continuous learning shows that you are willing and keen to grown into your next role or career. Undertaking continuous learning also helps you prepare for your next role by making sure you have current industry best practise knowledge and skills and are refreshing your knowledge. Soft skills are heavily sought after by hiring managers, particularly if you are looking to move up, but are valuable at all levels.

Courses to improve and develop your emotional intelligence, public speaking or communication and influencing skills will help build your confidence and show your eagerness to improve. You can also take courses in developing your problem-solving skills, leading productive meetings, providing excellent customer service and project management fundamentals, all of which add vital skills to your resume.

Achieve More with Aveling

Aveling has been leading professional training and development in Western Australia for over 25 years. In that time, we’ve worked with individual learners and corporate clients from across Western Australia and beyond, from a broad spectrum of industries, and each with their own individual and organisational goals.

We are passionate about helping you succeed; with our Nationally Recognised courses, you will receive free learner support workshops to help you as you progress through the course.

We are continually developing our courses to make sure they meet the changing needs of industry, education best practise and are optimised to help you achieve your goals, because our goal, is to help you ‘Achieve More’. More opportunity. More reward. More fulfillment. More satisfaction. More sustained business success.

Learn more about how Aveling helps you Achieve More.

Contact us if you would like to know more about any of our courses or discuss your needs.

Together, let’s Achieve More in 2024!

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Uncategorised

A Tribute to Rose and Gus Aveling

By Tony Aveling

Dear Visitors, Clients, and Friends,

As we mark International Migrants Day, I thought it a poignant time to honour my parents, who arrived in Australia 70 years ago.

In 1953 my parents, Rose and Gus Aveling, embarked on a courageous journey that has left an indelible mark on our family history, and also the values and ethos of our organisation. Their story is one of determination, resilience, education, and a better life—a narrative that underpins our organisation’s very essence.

Born in the Dutch-East Indies, my parents grew up in the crossroads of two worlds. As fighting reached Asia in the later stages of WWII, both my parents and other relatives endured unimaginable challenges in Prisoner of War camps. After surviving and eventually being released, my parents were confronted with the challenge of rebuilding their lives from scratch.

With the Dutch-East Indies becoming Indonesia in 1949, they first emigrated to the Netherlands, however found their identities torn between two cultures, and feeling at home in neither. In 1953, they made the life-altering decision to immigrate to Western Australia with their small children, a decision that brought with it a fresh set of challenges.

As individuals of mixed heritage, they grappled with discrimination and legal barriers even entering Australia, during a time when the White Australia Policy cast a shadow on ‘the lucky country’. They then faced the challenges of finding employment and building lives in a country they had not before visited and knowing no-one. Nevertheless, they remained resolute in their pursuit of a brighter future and prioritised the education of their five sons despite earning a modest income.

Their resilience and hard work forged a hard-working spirit in all of their children, all five of us using what we had to strive to achieve and make the most of what we were given.

The legacy of my parents, Rose and Gus Aveling, extends beyond our family; it is interwoven with the very fabric of our organisation. It encapsulates the fundamental principles that steer us—resilience, dedication, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of education.

My parents’ sacrifices stand as a testament to the enduring human spirit, and their unwavering belief in the value of education continues to illuminate our path, perfectly encapsulated by our tagline: Achieve More.

I extend my heartfelt thanks for being a part of our ongoing narrative. On behalf of their descendants, I express our deepest gratitude to Rose and Gus Aveling for their remarkable legacy. Their story serves as an enduring source of inspiration, and we remain steadfast in upholding their values as we continue to provide exceptional education and training services.

With profound gratitude and a shared commitment to a prosperous future for all,

Tony Aveling
CEO

Categories
General Info Leadership

The art of adaptation: How to embrace change and thrive in WA’s dynamic business landscape

The business landscape in Western Australia is undergoing a significant evolution, shaped by regulatory demands, climate change, workplace health and safety (WHS) compliance, ever-changing societal expectations, and perpetual shifts in global dynamics. Organisations must remain flexible and ready to adapt. One of the key differentiators is the adaptability and preparedness of the workforce.

Organisations must ensure their people are well-informed, compliant with legislation, and capable of contributing to strategies and targets. Training and education provides a safety net against uncertainty, equipping employees with the knowledge and skills to lead confidently and effectively navigate change. The agile, informed workforce can swiftly respond to market shifts, emerging trends, and unexpected challenges.

The introduction of Western Australia’s WHS Act (2020) in particular marked a pivotal moment for businesses across the region. Compliance in this area isn’t just a formality; it’s the foundation of a safety-conscious culture, and training is the cornerstone of WHS excellence. Changing times resulted in updated legislation that requires additional training for Statutory Supervisors, increased accountability for psychosocial hazards and employee mental health, and broader responsibilities for WHS managers. An informed workforce isn’t just a requirement – it’s a strategic asset empowered with the capacity to recognise hazards, employ preventative strategies, respond swiftly in emergencies and support broader organisational change.

Investing in the knowledge and skills of the workforce can help build a culture of excellence. This goes beyond WHS requirements, as risk mitigation, change management, and leadership skills are imperative for every area of the business, and in preparation for other industry and market regulations and expectations, such as responding to changes in cultural heritage and environmental laws, partnerships, trade and other requirements.

It’s about arming your team with the knowledge and skills to lead with confidence, ensuring compliance, and effectively steering through a world marked by its constant state of transformation.
Market conditions are perpetually shifting, influenced by global dynamics, economic fluctuations, and unexpected challenges. In this constantly changing environment, the adaptability and preparedness of your team are paramount.

Offering professional development opportunities is also a powerful tool for employee retention and acquisition. In today’s competitive and fluctuating job market, applicants are not only seeking competitive salaries but also opportunities for growth and development. It demonstrates a commitment to employees’ personal and professional growth, making the organisation more attractive to potential candidates. It also aligns company and industry direction with societal expectations, and those of emerging generations, which are proving to be more forward thinking than previous ones.

For example, as the world intensifies its focus on sustainability and social responsibility, organisations must be ready to meet these evolving demands. The forces of climate change, heritage preservation, and impending emissions regulations beckon us to adapt and excel and demands a proactive response from organisations.

Embracing the 21st century means recognising the need to balance profit with social and environmental impact. This can translate into an improved market position, heightened customer trust, and long-term sustainability. This goes beyond simply hiring an ESG team, but building a workforce that is well-prepared, informed, compliant, and capable of thriving in an ever-evolving landscape.

This is where training and education truly shine. It provides a resilient foundation for your workforce, equipping them with the latest industry knowledge, innovative technologies, and safety protocols. The benefits of such investments are far-reaching, from improved strategy delivery to successful change management and enhanced employee retention and acquisition. In a world where societal and regulatory expectations are ever-evolving, the businesses that prioritise continual training and professional development will not only survive but thrive in this dynamic landscape.

Investing in professional development is not a mere expense; it’s a strategic decision with tangible returns. It leads to enhanced efficiency, reduced downtime, and a decreased likelihood of workplace incidents. Well-trained employees become invaluable assets, contributing to process enhancements and boosting overall productivity. This can translate into an improved market position, heightened customer trust, and long-term sustainability. An agile, well-informed team can navigate the ebb and flow of the sector, turn challenges into opportunities, and remain poised for growth, even amidst global uncertainties.

At Aveling, we are dedicated to providing tailored solutions that cater to your specific needs. Whether you’re looking to cultivate leaders, ensure WHS compliance, or navigate change more effectively, we have the expertise to guide you.

Reach out to us today and let us be your partner in navigating the path to success. Together, we’ll empower your team to lead with confidence, remain compliant, and thrive in a dynamic and evolving resource sector, and ultimately, Achieve More.

Categories
Leadership Professional Skills

Empowering your workforce during a skills shortage: the crucial role of quality trainers in vocational education

In today’s ever-changing business landscape, building a skilled and adaptable workforce is paramount for success. It’s no longer sufficient to just hire qualified individuals; continuous employee development is essential.

Tackling the Skills Shortage Challenge

The skills shortage isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a critical issue affecting economies and industries worldwide. This challenge transcends industry boundaries, posing a universal problem for businesses. As industries evolve, so do the skills required within them. The Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector plays a pivotal role in equipping individuals with practical skills aligned with these ever-evolving industry needs.

Upskilling Australia Requires More Trainers

Initiatives like the government’s inquiry into the perceptions and status of Vocational Education and Training, along with the Australian Universities Accord, are significant steps toward aligning education with industry demands and attracting more students to VET. However, this influx of students necessitates a proportional increase in qualified trainers. The real challenge lies in not just quantity but in delivering high-quality training. As the sector strives to maintain high standards and meet the needs of the future workforce, the role of Trainer and Assessor Education (TAE) courses becomes paramount.

Championing Quality Trainers

Quality trainers are the linchpin of effective employee development. They bridge the gap between theory and real-world application, possessing a unique blend of knowledge, skills, and teaching finesse. This ensures that the adult learners they teach not only acquire knowledge, but can apply it proficiently in the workplace.

The Significance of Training and Assessment Education

To bridge the theory-practice gap, trainers and assessors themselves need comprehensive learning experience. Practical exposure, ongoing feedback, and robust support systems are essential components. Engagement with peers and experts fosters the exchange of ideas, strategies, and best practices, contributing to the professional growth of trainers and assessors. As the education sector emphasises experiential learning, TAE must align its courses to provide practical scenarios and real-world challenges trainers may face.

At the heart of producing quality trainers and assessors are TAE courses. These programs mold educators into adept professionals equipped with the necessary tools for success. Just as industries continually evolve, TAE programs must do the same to keep trainers attuned to the latest industry trends. This guarantees that Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) provide the most contemporary and relevant education.

Crafting Effective Trainers

Quality trainers are more than subject matter experts. They understand the intricacies of training adults, appreciate diverse learning styles, and anticipate learner challenges. These educators establish meaningful connections with learners, customise their approach, and offer invaluable guidance, resulting in improved employee performance.

Meeting Employee Needs

To empower your workforce effectively, you need to provide them with a holistic learning experience. This requires trainers with practical exposure, ongoing feedback, and unwavering support throughout their professional journey. Encouraging trainers to engage with peers and industry experts fosters a robust knowledge exchange, enabling your organisation to incorporate innovative strategies and best practices into employee development programs.

Developing an effective course for trainers

To better prepare VET trainers and assessors, collaboration is crucial. Industry partnerships provide insights into real-world skills and competencies, allowing TAE courses to evolve accordingly. Feedback from learners helps fine-tune the learner experience, and integrating practical experiences and real-world case studies into TAE programs helps trainers and assessors understand the challenges learners face.

Aveling’s Dedication to Excellence

With over 25 years in the training sector, Aveling has been a pioneer in offering TAE courses. We understand the evolving landscape and continually adapt our offerings. Using this best-practice approach, we’ve designed a highly practical and engaging TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment qualification. This program brings more assessments into the classroom, ensuring a rich and immersive learning experience for the learner, and better prepares them for being effective and engaging trainers when they leave the classroom.

Aveling’s team of expert trainers and assessors, with extensive VET sector experience, imparts their knowledge to learners, preparing them to tackle the challenges of being trainers and assessors in the workforce.

We offer a full-circle approach to vocational education and training; we lead the way in preparing the next generation of trainers whilst also offering a comprehensive portfolio in lifelong professional development and training.

We can help your people Achieve More with a Nationally Recognised Qualification or specific skills development, covering areas from work health and safety to leadership and development, mine site inductions, hospitality and retail, and cross-sector soft skills.

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