Use the Break to Enhance your Employability

With life slowly returning to ‘normal’, the opportunities for CGS students to engage in activities to develop their skills and enhance their employability are also resuming! It is exciting to see an increase in job opportunities for young people, particularly within the retail industry.

When recruiting for staff, employers are seeking evidence of the skills you have in relation to the job. Employers don’t expect young people to have lots of work experience. However, they do expect that prospective employees have made an effort to develop their skills.

So…. What skills are employers looking for and how does a 15-year-old student develop these skills?

Employers are looking for general skills that can transfer to any role. These skills can generally be broken down into nine categories:

  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Project Management
  • Financial Literacy
  • Technology
  • Global Enthusiasm/Citizenship
  • Confidence and Agency
  • Creativity and innovation
  • Enthusiasm for ongoing learning

During the holidays, it is a good opportunity for students to reflect on these employability skills and to identify opportunities for personal development. Take advantage of the longer summer break to improve your skills or develop a new skill.

Remember, there are many ways to develop your skills aside from paid employment. You can:

  • Volunteer eg at your local sports club or church
  • Write a blog about an area of interest
  • Offer to assemble Christmas gifts for family members
  • Mow your neighbour’s lawns, wash their car or walk their dog
  • Read
  • Cook a weekly meal for your family
  • Start a new sport or commit to developing a particular aspect of your game, like focusing on your fielding skills in cricket
  • Establish an exercise routine and commit to it — remember that it takes 21 days to form a new habit
  • Create a study schedule for 2022
  • Learn a new language — there are plenty of online platforms to help you with this
  • Enrol in a short course like Responsible Service of Alcohol or Food Preparation.

Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so most people don’t recognise them!

Reminder: Career Support is available during December and January for Year 12 2021 students.

Click here to book a time to meet with Ms Blythman to discuss results, change of preference and offers.

Reminder: VTAC course application fees are due by 4:00 pm on Monday, 20 December 2021.

You cannot receive a course offer until you have paid your outstanding course application fees.

Happy Holidays!

As this is the last newsletter for 2021, I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Enjoy this special time with your family and friends. I look forward to working with you all in 2022. We have many exciting activities planned to support the career development of CGS students! I cannot wait.
Take care.

Sarah Blythman Head of Careers and Student Pathways

s.blythman@caseygrammar.vic.edu.au