Whether you are a graduate or young professional trying to break into the events industry, or an experienced event manager wanting to update your skill-set, next month you will have the opportunity to add value to your career with a specialised Executive Certificate in Event Management.

Taught by the internationally renowned Australian Centre for Event Management (ACEM) based at the University of Technology in Sydney (UTS), the Executive Certificate is regarded as the most prestigious short-course in event management amongst prospective employers and industry leaders in government, corporate and not-for-profit organisations.

Courses leading to the award of the Executive Certificate in Event Management commence in July 2010. For more information visit the website: http://www.acem.uts.edu.au/

According to Education and Training Experience, Australia 2009 by the ABS, 89% of Australians aged 15 to 64 years undertook some form of learning in the 12 months to November 2009.

On the job training, or learning by books or the internet was undertaken by nearly 84% of Australians of working age. About one quarter participated in formal study at school, college, TAFE or university with slightly more (28%) taking courses that do not lead to a formal qualification.

People with a Bachelor degree or higher were most likely to be employed as professionals or managers and people without a non-school qualification were most likely to be employed as clerical and administrative workers or labourers.

The most common field of study in formal learning was management and commerce (26%) followed by society and culture (20%).

The ABS also found that women are more likely than men to posses a Bachelor degree, but men are more likely to have completed a Certificate III/IV.

Since 2001, the proportion of people with a tertiary qualification has increased in Australia by 13%.

The main reason people undertook work-related courses was that it was a requirement of their job. The health care and social assistance industry accounted for the majority of non-formal learning followed by the education and training industry.

Excluding the completion of school study, Australians of working age are more likely to have attained a Certificate III/IV (2.5 million) as their highest education qualification than any other educational qualification.

TAFE was the most popular institution for tertiary studies in the last 12 months, with over 300,000 students having completed study at TAFE compared with approximately 240,000 students at university. ACT residents are more likely to have completed a Bachelor degree or above (36%) than those persons in any other state or territory.

Education and Training Experience, Australia 2009 (cat. no. 6278.0) is available for download from the ABS website, at www.abs.gov.au.

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)

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Stuart Wiggins, deputy head of the William Blue College of Hospitality Management, says there has never been a better time to pursue a career in tourism and hospitality management.

“Demand for highly skilled hospitality and tourism management professionals remains high, despite suggestions the industry took a hit during the GFC. And while our sector has suffered in some shape or form, the industry has managed to retain staff and keep busy,” he said.

According to Wiggins the professionalisation of the industry has resulted in employers placing a high priority on business qualifications and all major hospitality and tourism organisations now require graduates and trainees to have a degree qualification.

“Employers are looking for graduates with more than just entry-level skills. They want industry-ready professionals equipped with strong interpersonal and communications skills, a good work ethic, a sound knowledge of food and beverage in addition to business and management skills and qualifications.”

He has also seen a growing number of students studying with the intention of going into business for themselves.

“The professional skills students acquire, combined with a keen entrepreneurial instinct is the stuff business success stories are made of,” said Stuart Wiggins.

“Our students have the skills to start out in hotel management, move into event management or lead tourism operations in the cruise liner or airline sectors all with the one qualification.”

After graduating from William Blue College of Hospitality Management with a Bachelor of Business (Tourism & Hospitality) and Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management, Sara Iravani moved straight into a management position as Assistant Duty Manager at Medina Classic Crows Nest, owned by international parent company TOGA Group.

Sara was the youngest person in the entire TOGA Group to manage a hotel without direct supervision and now works as a Territory Sales Manager for Constellation Hotels Group, an international hotel company.

Bachelor of Business graduate, Matthew Abrahams, says studying at William Blue provided him with a strong understanding of industry operations, and also secured him a position with the Toga Hospitality Group.

Recently promoted to duty manager for Toga, Matthew says he was drawn to hotel management for its diverse and challenging work environment.

“One of my recent jobs involved relocating to Darwin for the opening of the Medina Grand and Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront, a dual-hotel. Working closely with the regional manager I was involved in organising décor, establishing operational procedures and training staff,” said Matthew.

“My role now includes managing staff, overseeing the restaurant and housekeeping, budgeting and dealing with guests on a daily basis. I’m constantly looking for opportunities to improve my abilities to become a better manager.”

“Hotel management is far from just a desk job. Every day is different and you need good people, time management, problem solving and business skills to deliver the best customer experience. At the end of the day it’s all about the guest and making their day, makes my day,” he said.

William Blue courses (with majors in Hospitality Management, Tourism Management and Event Management) have been developed in consultation with leading academics and industry bodies, such as the Australian Association of Hotel Schools (AAHS), AHA (NSW) and the International Centre of Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality Education (THE-ICE)

Applications for 2010 study are now open for on-campus and Flexible and Online Learning (FOL) courses. All Australian students can apply for FEE-HELP or VET FEE-HELP. For more information call William Blue on 1300 851 237 or visit their website www.williamblue.edu.au

* Jobs outlook is optimistic, Daily telegraph, 14 December 2009.

The new course has been developed by industry veteran, Dr Mieke Leppens, in consultation with leading design houses in Australia, Europe and the United States.

“The fashion industry has moved on from needing good sewers and pattern makers. Fashion houses are demanding students come equipped with a cutting-edge eye for contemporary designs and the required industry and business knowledge needed to meet the tough demands of a branded fashion brief,” said Billy Blue College of Design program director, Dr Mieke Leppens.

“The Branded Fashion course will appeal to students who have a natural eye for forecasting trends, cultural demands and attitudes towards contemporary design. The course will teach students to utilise their design and academic knowledge and skills,” he said.

It is the first, and only, course in Australia to balance design strengths such as drawing, written and visual communication, with management, planning and business skills. Students will graduate with a Bachelor of Applied Design, majoring in Branded Fashion, and could find themselves working for the likes of Quicksilver, Bonds, Witchery or Ralph Lauren, or even starting their very own fashion label.

Former head designer and buyer with Supré, Marcella Orellana, consulted on the Branded Fashion course, and believes it will change students expectations and preparedness to work in fashion.

“Typically, Australian design students graduate as good artists but with no real grasp of how they will get a job or how the industry actually works. This new course will change the way students approach the start of their career,” said Ms Orellana.

According to Marcella Orellana, the majority of professionals employed in the fashion industry work in development, not pure design.

“To carve out a successful career in the Australian fashion industry, students need to understand the relationship that exists between the retailer, designer and buyer. Until now, no one has offered a course that teaches students the business basics and industry nuances alongside the creative elements of fashion design,” she said.

Unlike a traditional fashion degree that dabbles in ‘haute couture’ and pattern making, the Branded Fashion degree covers planning, branding, costing, communication and computer skills. Students will also be exposed to the strategic elements of dealing with foreign companies and bulk production.

Students will need to demonstrate genuine design ability and individuality to be accepted to study.

“The course has been created to prepare students to handle the real demands of the fashion world. Students will be able to use their creative aptitude and academic know-how to meet a design brief on budget and on time,” said Mieke Leppens.

The course is expected to attract a wide variety of students, from school leavers to careers changers, keen to establish careers in the branded fashion industry.

“The days of the ‘fashion artist’ are numbered. Billy Blue will be helping students to hone their artistic, academic and business acumen to be job-ready for the fast-paced fashion industry.”

The Bachelor of Applied Design (Branded Fashion) will start in March 2010 and applications are currently open. Australian students applying for the Bachelor of Applied Design (Branded Fashion) are eligible to apply for FEE-HELP.

For more information call 1300 851 245 or visit www.billyblue.edu.au

“The alumni of 2009 and 2010 have large boots to fill as baby boomers start to step aside. As a result employers will be looking for graduates that ‘have it all’ and can hit the ground running,” says David McDonald, Head of College, APM College of Business and Communication.

“Employers are not looking for ‘technicrats’. They want graduates with practical experience behind them, who can apply that experience the moment they walk in the door. A solid knowledge of the industry, a can-do attitude and the drive to deliver immediate results is a must in this fast-paced industry,” he said.

“Star-graduates will always be in demand, but businesses are under pressure to identify those that can manage a number of different responsibilities. They want staff that adapt quickly, are flexible, multi-skilled and can wear the many ‘hats’ that come with their role.”

“Whether a school leaver, career changer or looking to upskill to work in business and communication, individuals need to find the right course. Courses should develop specific skills that can be used in different roles across the industry whether in advertising or event management. Study options should also be flexible – do you want to study fulltime, part time or online?”

APM’s 2006 business marketing graduate, Sarah Lane from Hurstville in New South Wales, is one such graduate that needed to hit-the-ground running after securing a position with worldwide experience marketing agency, George P. Johnson.

Recently promoted to project director, Sarah says APM’s course and internship program gave her the right industry knowledge and experience to get her foot in the door, and advance her career. Working with a major IT client, Sarah manages 200 events a year and is responsible for looking for new and creative ways to make her clients stand out from the crowd.

“Changes to senior roles where older staff have cut back hours have also provided junior staff within the organisation more challenges and responsibilities. Being able to meet these demands has certainly opened up opportunities to advance within the agency,” said Sarah.

The marketing agency is one of over hundreds of companies from across a variety of industries seeking APM graduates as part of the College’s coveted internship program.

APM’s Bachelor degrees in Business and Communication (with majors in Marketing, Event Management, Public Relations, Advertising and Journalism) have been developed in consultation with leading academics and industry bodies, such as the Australian Marketing Institute and Public Relations Institute of Australia. Also on offer is an Advanced Diploma of Marketing and Diploma of Marketing.

Applications for 2010 study are now open for on-campus (Sydney & Brisbane) and Flexible and Online Learning courses.

All Australian students can apply for FEE-HELP or VET FEE-HELP. For more information please call APM College of Business and Communication on 1300 880 610 or visit the website at www.apm.edu.au.

Online nationally recognised courses in business, management, human resources, training and assessment are also available Accredited Online Training.

Other Australian providers of flexible business and communication courses, including journalism, include:

• Australian College – Leaders in correspondence education; and

• Cengage Education

“Australians are increasingly turning to natural therapies and alternative medicines as they become more health-conscious. Society has become more aware of the options available beyond mainstream medicine that can help improve their quality of life,” said Janet Olliver, ACNT head of college.

Janet Olliver says with over five million Australians visiting complementary healthcare practitioners annually, there has been a corresponding dramatic growth in demand for these services.

“Therapies such as massage, complementary medicine and aromatherapy, are sought after by an increasing number of people every year. With fewer than 6,000 naturopaths Australia-wide, the demand for skilled practitioners will continue to climb in the next few years,” she said.

This growth will also provide expanding career prospects for graduates spanning across the industry, into areas such as business management.

“The broad range of job opportunities within the wider health and wellness industry, in both the public and private sectors, means graduates can often create their own career path. From working as a naturopath or massage therapist in a medical or health centre to running your own health practice as an independent practitioner,” said Janet Olliver.

The industry also allows for a unique work-life balance, suited to people looking for rewarding, yet flexible careers.

“A career in natural therapies tends to attract people that seek to make a positive impact on a person’s life. The work environment offers practitioners more control over their working hours and direction of their career whether it be in sports therapy, manual or natural therapies.”

2008 ACNT Sydney Beauty, Spa and Aromatherapy graduate, Chantha Sok, is building a career in the health and wellness industry after securing a position with major beauty therapy chain, Beauty Grace.

“Funnily enough, it was my first visit to Beauty Grace in as a customer that inspired me to pursue a career in natural therapies,” said Chantha.

“I started as a Junior Therapist with Beauty Grace in 2008 and within six months was promoted to Associate Therapist. I have recently been promoted to Manager of our Bondi Junction ‘David Jones Dermalogica at Beauty Grace’ Branch.”

Chantha says the knowledge and skills gained through studying at ACNT has provided her with a solid foundation to be successful and hopes to open her own business in the future.

“The course was very hands-on and provided students with the opportunity to a get a feel for the industry. The responsibilities in my current role extend beyond natural and beauty therapy treatments. It includes managing and motivating the team, reaching our salon targets, working with the marketing manager and reporting to our operational and general managers.”

ACNT’s courses (including Natural, Manual, and Beauty Therapies and Sport and Fitness) have been developed in consultation with leading academics and industry bodies, such as the Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA), Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS) and the Australian Association of Massage Therapists (AAMT).

Those interested in a career as a complimentary healthcare practitioner should note that applications for 2010 study are now open for on-campus study at the Sydney and Brisbane campuses and Distance Education (DE).

All Australian students applying for courses can apply for VET FEE-HELP. For more information please call the ACNT on 1300 017 267 or visit the website www.acnt.edu.au.

Other providers of health and wellbeing courses within Australia include:

• Australian College – Leaders in correspondence education; and

• Cengage Education

Victorian Women Lawyers Convenor, Jennifer Kanis, said “It’s fantastic to have Middletons’ support, which actually seems rather natural as Middletons has the highest number of VWL members of any law firm in Victoria and contributed about a dozen mentors to last year’s Program.”

The program consists of law students and mentors (female lawyers) being paired together based on common professional interests and backgrounds – all pairs are encouraged to meet on a monthly basis.

The Honourable Justice Marcia Neave AO of the Supreme Court of Victoria, Court of Appeal, will be in attendance to mark the occasion.

“The benefits of mentoring are widely acknowledged, particularly in the legal profession. Career progression, the culture of law firms and work-life balance are among the hot topics that female law students are concerned about and that practitioners deal with on a daily basis. Additionally, practitioners seek opportunities to develop their leadership skills among their junior peers.” said Justice Neave.

A participant in the 2008 program, Middletons’ Senior Associate, Jacquie Mangan, described the experience of being a mentor as “really rewarding”.

“I felt a real sense of satisfaction in being able to inspire and assist a law student as she took the initial steps in her legal career. I also benefited from reflecting on my own career as I shared my professional experiences with her,” Ms Mangan said.

Ms Mangan plans to stay in touch with her student beyond the conclusion of the 2008 mentoring program, saying “I am really looking forward to witnessing this young woman develop into an exceptional lawyer in the years to come. I hope I can continue to offer her useful guidance and support as her career progresses.”

Middletons has a well established Women’s Information Network which aims to provide opportunities for female lawyers in different practice groups to meet and form professional relationships, assist in the professional development of female lawyers, encourage female lawyers to actively mentor more junior staff, provide educational opportunities specifically relevant to female legal practitioners, enhance relationships with the firm’s existing female clients through events and seminars, and contribute to the wider community.

According to Middletons’ Director, Human Resources, Tracey McDonald, “In providing these opportunities to female lawyers we are supporting a new generation of women leaders and highly skilled legal practitioners who are realising ever increasing possibilities.”

In addition, Ms McDonald highlighted Middletons’ strong commitment to the Victorian Women Lawyers Law Student Mentoring Program “as a great initiative to support and guide junior women lawyers as they prepare for their legal career and develop through the ranks of law firms such as Middletons.

For more information visit the Middletons website www.middletons.com and/or the Victorian Women Lawyers website www.vwl.asn.au

The results from a survey by Think: Education Group, one of Australia’s largest private tertiary providers, come as economic conditions take their toll on the Australian employment market and diminish career opportunities.

The survey also found the top four career New Year’s resolutions for 2009 are to earn more money (26%), get a promotion (18%), get a new job (17%) and keep their current job (9%).

“As Australians all over the country become more concerned about their job security, there has never been a better time to further job skills and improve employment prospects, “ says Malcolm Kinns, General Manager, Flexible and Online Learning, THINK Education Group.

Malcolm Kinns says with unemployment now at 4.5 per cent and predicted to reach seven per cent by 2010, Australians should use this time to further their education, secure their careers and ensure they are less expendable.

“The more experience and qualifications a person has, the more valuable they are to an employer. But finding the time to study can be very difficult, particularly for regional Australians who may feel they have to move to big cities to further their education,” said Mr Kinns.

In order to meet this growing need to upskill, the Think: Education Group will launch Flexible and Online Learning in February through two of its colleges, APM College of Business and Communication, and William Blue College of Hospitality and Tourism.

The new online option allows students in regional Australia to choose a workload to suit their lifestyle and study at their own pace from anywhere in the country. The launch in February will include Bachelor of Business Degrees with majors in Hospitality, Tourism, Public Relations, Marketing, Advertising and Event Management.

“Our courses offer students the opportunity to change and shape their own careers, whether it be as a chef, travel marketer, restaurant owner, event manager, advertising executive, marketing manager or public relations consultant without having to leave home.

“Unlike traditional distance education, THINK offers dedicated lecturers who facilitate the various units of study. They provide constant academic support for students through a variety of communications channels including forums and interactive lectures,” says Kinns.

“Our online students have access to the same resources as those on campus. Via a large network of contacts, students can arrange internships, graduate jobs and volunteer opportunities. The online platform is easy to use and allows the student to interact with lecturers and each other.”

THINK’s lecturers and support network are industry practitioners that constantly engage with each student to track and maintain their progress.

With over half (53%) of the survey respondents indicating that lack of time would be the biggest hurdle to furthering their skills in 2009, Australians are looking for flexible study options.

Tamworth’s Josh Brown studied an Advanced Diploma of Advertising at APM in Sydney in 2006 and believes that those seeking to further their education in 2009 should look to options outside traditional face-to-face education.

“Studying at APM allowed me to fast track my studies in two years, but I would have jumped at the chance to study online if it had been available. Being a country boy, moving to Sydney was financially quite hard. As soon as I completed my Advanced Diploma and gained industry experience I moved back to the bush. I am now working to become a partner at my current agency 360 Communications, and provide regional businesses with the marketing and advertising services they deserve,” said Josh Brown.

Josh says he plans to continue his studies through THINK’s new online offering, to help expand the agency at which he works

Applications are now open for the February 2009 intake period for APM or William Blue online courses. Students applying for Flexible and Online Learning may be eligible for FEE-HELP. Similar to HECS, FEE-HELP offers a deferred payment system for private college students.

For further information please call APM College of Business and Communication or William Blue College on 1300 851 237 or visit www.apm.edu.au or www.williamblue.edu.au.

Recent research has revealed that 82% of young Australians have “no idea” what they want to do with their careers.* So it’s time to get aLife.

aLife is a new interactive DVD and website (www.aLife.net.au) that helps young people to explore different career options and gives them lots of information on each career choice to help them make the right decision. Disks will be delivered free to every Secondary School, University and TAFE across Australia.

Created with the assistance of industry associations and featuring real people working in real careers, they will get to hear it from the horse’s mouth – no fluffy bits, just relevant up to date information on real jobs.

But it doesn’t end there. aLife is also perfect for mums looking to return to work. aLife have discovered:

64% of return to work mums (out of the work force for more than 10 years) feel out of touch with today’s jobs and technology**

48% of return to work mums (out of the work force for more than 15 years) feel inferior to the modern workforce regarding technology and opportunities**

This DVD will help mums discover where their talents are best used and what careers are available for them now.

To address the skills shortage currently facing Australia, more than twenty of Australia’s biggest industry groups – from the Chartered Accountants to the Motor Trades Association – and organisations such as Mission Australia, have banded together to combine their efforts and tackle the problem across Australia.

aLife takes the format of “a day in the life of a …” and uses real life examples to give an inside view of a variety of different career options available today from accountants to boat builders and pharmacists to bus drivers.

The DVD and aLife.net.au contains interviews with people who will let you in on what their career is really like. You get to learn the good bits, why they chose their career, the opportunities available and their advice to anyone starting out.

Jason Hodges (Better Homes & Gardens) and Ada Nicodemou (Home & Away) have been through the dilemma of choosing a career and know how hard it is. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I left school,” said Hodges, “I wish I had something like aLife to help me when I was trying to decide what to do.”

“There are so many choices and so much to think about, aLife makes it easier to sort through the options and find real information from real people,” said Nicodemou.

From aLife.net.au you can receive a mobile download on any career you are interested in and the site will be updated as more interviews on more careers are made. You can fill in a questionnaire to learn more about specific careers, based on your interests and likes, or hit the random button if you are feeling lucky and see what career turns up.

Order your free copy of the DVD from www.aLife.net.au now and start a conversation with your children; they will be glad you did. And if you are looking to return to work, don’t forget to watch it with them.

* Research conducted by aLife in 2005.
** aLife careers information survey 2007 (SA, VIC, QLD)

The State Library’s entire First Fleet archive of over 450 original and historically significant documents and illustrations, including nine of the eleven First Fleet journals known to exist, will be available as a comprehensive online collection for the first time. Included in the collection is the private journal of Second Lieutenant Ralph Clark, an intriguing tale of ambition, lust and betrayal!

“The First Fleet journals are undoubtedly the collection’s centrepiece and library staff and volunteers have spent over 3,000 hours painstakingly transcribing every page in time for this sensational launch,” said NSW State Librarian, Regina Sutton.

“Web visitors will be able to read these extraordinary first-hand ‘travel diaries’ packed with fascinating tales of adventure that are now part of our folklore, such as the capture of Bennelong and the spearing of Arthur Phillip,” said Ms Sutton.

According to State Library curator Louise Anemaat, a highlight of the collection is Arthur Phillip’s first recorded words from the Colony: a letter to friend and politician, the Marquis of Lansdown, where he describes Sydney Harbour as “…with out exception the finest Harbour in the World.”

The First Fleet online collection is part of the Library’s new interactive website which will enable web users to make extraordinary discoveries about Australia.

The new website features over 120,000 primary resources relating to Australia’s heritage which have been progressively digitalised with substantial financial support from the State Library’s private and corporate donors.

Additional highlights of the First Fleet online collection include:

• Handwritten letters, including a letter by First Fleeter Newton Fowell which records Arthur Phillip’s original intention to call Sydney ‘Albion’ (ancient word for ‘Britain’);

• the earliest visual records of the First Fleet arriving, settlement and the natural environment;

• Arthur Phillip’s written account of first contact with the Indigenous population; and

• First maps documenting the geographic features of the area.

A Tale of Ambition, Lust and Betrayal
A young First Fleeter’s dramatic and little-known story of ambition, lust and betrayal will be featured as part of the State Library of NSW’s new interactive website at www.sl.nsw.gov.au.

The private journal of Ralph Clark, Second Lieutenant of Marines, tells an intriguing story of an ambitious young man obsessed in his longing for his wife Betsy Alicia. He is forced to limit himself to kissing her portrait just once on Sundays, after driving himself mad in his desire!

He writes: ‘…I was looking on it how good the Almighty has been to me to give me So beautiful So good So Vertious a woman to wife as you are Betsey…’

Louise Anemaat says he clearly worships Betsey, while at the same time expressing utter contempt for convict women, calling them ‘the greatest living whores’.

Mysteriously, there’s a two year gap in his entries, and Betsey is hardly mentioned at all when his writing resumes on 15 February 1790.

Stranded on Norfolk Island for 12 months by the wrecking of the Sirius, Ralph Clark ironically takes up with a young convict woman named Mary Branham, and they have a daughter whom they named Alicia. The affair is not mentioned in his journal.

Some believe that Betsey Alicia’s family, who inherited the journal, tore pages from the journal to hide Clark’s terrible betrayal. Tragically, two years after Ralph Clark returned to England in 1792, he, his wife and their nine year old son were dead.

To read more fascinating true tales from the First Fleet collection visit the State Libary of NSW website at www.sl.nsw.gov.au, after the official launch tonight.