The Australian job market has now realised the value of a mature age worker. The numbers of young people entering the workforce is declining and many employers are facing skill shortages.

It is projected that 85% of labour market growth between 2002 and 2012 will be from workers over 45 years of age. The experience, knowledge and skills you have gained over the years are more of an asset than you may realise. OTEN can help you to make the most of what you already have, take advantage of the opportunities that are out there right now, and take the next step towards a successful future.

OTEN can give you the confidence and skills you need to get back into the workforce, give you help with your career direction and new vocational skills.

Michele Frost, OTEN graduate Michele enrolled in her course through OTEN so she could gain an insight into how things were for her people. Michele said “I loved my course and it made me even more determined to help my people. I want to be a leader and to help my Awakabalin people”. Michele has now been accepted to do her B.A. in Aboriginal Studies at New England University.

OTEN offers a range of industry and vocational specific TAFE PLUS Courses that focus on increasing your skills, your employability and chances of promotion. To explore the TAFE PLUS Course opportunities at OTEN search by Industry or career under Find a qualification. 

Do you need to change industries?
You can retrain to move into a skills shortage industry, where there is plenty of opportunity for a successful career.

Stephen Manning, OTEN graduate Stephen wanted a career change from his previous role as a Quality Assurance Manager. He enrolled in the Diploma in Building Surveying seeking an opportunity for more secure employment as well as increased flexibility in his career. He successfully completed his course and achieved Accreditation in February 2007, which enabled him to start his own business as an Accredited Certifier working in the Sutherland region of Sydney.

Are you already well qualified but looking for training to take you further? Have you recently arrived in Australia and need to have your overseas qualifications recognised? We can help you build on your existing qualifications. For more information visit:

  Recognition of Prior Learning 
  Student Support Services

Dusica Miljkovic, OTEN graduate Dusica came to Australia from Serbia without any knowledge of English. She worked evenings as a process worker in an optical laboratory and commenced her TAFE Certificate III course in Optical Mechanics to increase her knowledge and to improve her career prospects. She overcame great difficulties, working evenings and studying during the day. Having successfully completed her course, Dusica is continuing her studies, still working in the evenings while studying Optical Dispensing. She aims to work weekends part-time in Optical Dispensing to obtain further professional experience.

Recognition

If you already have a wealth of work and study experiences, these skills may be assessed and recognised for your current study. This means you don’t have to re-learn what you already know – and you may be able to finish a course in less time.