Informed choices - Surveying

To work in the industry areas identified, the following skills needs to be considered:

Observational skills
This includes the ability to:

• Notice changes in people’s behaviour, ability and the environment
• Identify safety hazards and risks
• Observe and understand non-verbal cues (e.g. facial expressions, body language).

Communication skills
This includes the ability to:

• Communicate effectively with a range of people (e.g. families, co-workers)
• Use appropriate language and respect when working with other people (including those from different cultures)
• Listen attentively to what is being said
• Read and understand written information
• Understand and follow written and verbal instructions
• Understand and respond to verbal and non- verbal communication
• Write coherent communication appropriate to the situation
• Use technology to communicate (e.g. computer/iPad for reports, emails, documents)
• Communicate and work with other people as a team.

Technical and/or motor skills and abilities
This includes the ability to:

• Enjoys working with in a team environment
• Enjoys practical work 
• Attention to detail
• Patience with learning
• Using numeracy effectively
• Have a range of Information Technology (IT) skills.

Cognitive and intellectual skills
This includes the ability to:

• Gather, understand and organise information
• Use own judgment / problem-solving skills 
• Recall and communicate information
• Able and willing to follow instructions, procedures and policies
• Understand and use math effectively (e.g. measurements, calculations, 24-hour clock)
• Maintain a sufficient level of concentration to complete an activity / task
• Problem solving (e.g. showing independence and initiative in identifying and solving problems)
• Time Management (e.g. able to work accurately within time constraints).

Behavioural and social skills
This includes the ability to:

• Works as part of a team and/or independently
• Pleasant and tactful when dealing with customers over the phone and face to face
• Genuine interest in working with people
• Has a good understanding of equality and discrimination policies
• Interpersonal skills and an ability to put the customer at ease
• Adapt to change
• Take responsibility for own actions
• Maintain confidentiality
• Comply with legal requirements of industry (e.g. White card).

Some of the core language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) skills for entry into the above courses are:

Learning Legal and ethical guidelines of work, understand human needs, individual differences, service standards, safety policies and procedures

Reading skills Reading and understanding client service plans, procedures and work instructions, industry specific terminology and symbols

Writing skills Completing forms, documents, reports, taking messages

Oral communication Use effective questioning and active listening techniques to consult with client, confirm requirements and monitor outcomes

Numeracy skills Basic understanding of mathematical applications and ability to apply to industry specific tasks 

Problem solving skills Identify and respond to client’s needs on a daily basis.

Technology skills Ability to use and apply industry specific software to perform task.

Listed below are the employability skills that an individual student needs to demonstrate during training and are highly valued by industry when seeking employment.  As a student you must be able to demonstrate the following:
Communication

• The ability to develop and maintain relationships, trust and confidence.
• The ability to communicate with a range of people from different backgrounds.

Teamwork

• The ability to work with other people for a common outcome.
• Respect for other people and their role within the work team.
• The ability to accept direction and feedback.

Problem solving

• The ability to identify potential problems and respond appropriately. 
• The ability to ask questions and seek clarification when necessary. 

Initiative and enterprise

• Motivation and interest.
• The ability to seek assistance when necessary.
• Foresight / the ability to see what needs to be done.

Planning and organising

• Appropriate time management skills.
• The ability to prioritise, plan and organise own workload.

Self-management

• Seek feedback and reflect on your own performance
• Accept responsibility for own actions.

Learning

• Ability to identify own strengths and weaknesses and seek assistance where necessary.
• The ability and motivation to build on past knowledge and experience.
• The ability to take on new information and tasks.

Technology

• The ability to learn and adapt to new technology.
• The ability to access information and use digital media for study and work. 

• FIFO 
  • If planning to work full-time whilst studying it is highly recommended to have a reduced study load.
• Students are required to have access to a computer and internet 
• Majority of student notes, resources, activities and assessment are accessed via Blackboard
• NMTAFE students can access computers via its libraries – available at Northbridge campus.