Meet three Perth locals who have turned their life skills into a job

Joining the workforce for the first time can be super intimidating, especially if you feel like your CV isn’t quite as chock-a-block with work experience as you’d like.

The Perth is OK! team come from all sorts of career backgrounds, so take it from us: valuable experience can come from all facets of life – whether it’s a hobby you’re passionate about, prior study or skills you use in your everyday routine.

A visit to your local Jobs and Skills Centre (JSC) located across WA will help you channel all of those valuable life skills into a job or training pathway, with employment advice tailored to you and your unique life experiences. JCSs can connect you with a huge range of reduced fee courses – there are over 130 free courses and 160 half price courses on offer.

Robert – Physical Education Trainee

18-year-old Robert has always had a love for sport and fitness and channelled that passion into a traineeship with Leisure Employment Australia. This has become a key part of his journey in becoming a physical education teacher.

“I chose to undertake the traineeship for various reasons including having a deep passion for sports and fitness,” he explains. “I felt that I could acquire the fundamental knowledge and abilities required to work in the sport and recreation industry, such as coaching, program planning, and leadership.

“I was also interested in improving my personal development and I felt the course could provide me with opportunities to enhance my communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.”

Robert’s traineeship was enhanced by his participation in the school band, not just as a senior musician but as a leader and representative of his school in festivals and competitions.

“During my traineeship, I learned a great deal about the importance of teamwork and communication in the workplace,” says Robert. “I often share my experiences with others, such as family and friends, as I felt completing a traineeship was a valuable accomplishment.”

Amy – Cable Jointer

If you don’t know what a cable jointer does, you’re not alone. 24-year-old Amy knew she was suited to a career in a trade – something that was amplified by her close relationship with her father, a panel beater, and her brother, a sign writer.

“I saw their ability to have a flexible lifestyle and the way they enjoy going to work every day,” she says. “So, after finishing high school and feeling like I was at a ‘fork in the road’ stage in my life, I decided to pursue an apprenticeship, to be able to follow in their footsteps.”

When Amy heard she had got an interview with Western Power for a cable jointer apprenticeship, she had to Google the job to get a better understanding of what it was all about. Amy became the youngest and only female cable jointer at her worksite.

“Through my training, I’ve not only gained technical tool skills but also been able to enhance my leadership and communication skills and learned to take initiative, says Amy. “As the only female and the youngest cable jointer in my workplace of 20 people at Western Power’s Balcatta depot, I feel as though I’ve been able to bring a new perspective to the group.

“I have always enjoyed working in a team, whether that be in a work setting or in my personal life, for example a sporting team. I value collaboration, discussing ideas, listening to different perspectives, and finding alternative approaches to challenges or solving problems.”

Corey – Administrative Assistant

26-year-old Corey wasn’t sure what direction to take in his career when his mum encouraged him to pay a visit to a friend working at South Metropolitan (SM) TAFE’s Rockingham Jobs and Skills Centre (JSC) for some free career advice and support.

The team at Rockingham’s JSC suggested he complete SM TAFE’s Aboriginal training program, which led to a role as an Administrative Assistant in one of the job centres in Western Australia.

“If it wasn’t for the Jobs and Skills Centre, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am right now,” says Corey, a Bindjareb Noongar man from the Pinjarra area. “As soon as I came here, I knew there was something different I could do and helping First Nations people has definitely been something that I’ve always wanted to do.”

That experience helped give Corey the confidence to apply for his new job as an Aboriginal Student Support Officer at Rockingham TAFE. 

“I find that a lot of my students are good with the practical but when it comes to the theory they may need a little extra support,” he tells us. “I know it can be daunting to go to someone with problems or issues or barriers that you’re facing but there is support around and the people aren’t there to judge you, they’re just there to help you.

“If you asked me two years ago to have a yarn, to have a conversation, I probably wouldn’t be able to do it but obviously speaking to a lot of different people on the job and in the role, it’s made me more confident in myself.”

Ready to turn your life skills into a job? Call your local Jobs and Skills Centre on 13 64 64 or head to the Jobs & Skills WA website to find out more.

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This article is sponsored by Dept. of Training and Workforce Development and endorsed by us. Please see our Editorial Policy for more info.