There are many opportunities in the jobs market, but you may have to think about working in a different industry or job to what you are used to. Online self-help resources such as Your Career can help you identify where the jobs are and what you need to do to get them. This page also contains support for people who are over 40 and looking for a job.
Choosing an occupation
Your Career
If you want to learn more about how your skills and work experience can prepare you for a career change, Your Career can help.
For more information on identifying, updating and transferring your skills, go to the "Get some training" section of this website.
Formal recognition of skills
Even if you have never formally studied or trained in a particular area, you may have gained knowledge and skills through your education, training, work, volunteering (including activities in the community) and life experience.
You may be able to have this skill and knowledge formally recognised and count towards a qualification. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). RPL assessments can reduce the amount of study you have to do for a qualification, and may even award you a qualification in full.
For information about how to get assessed for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) go to the myskills Frequently Asked Questions page.
Relocating for work
Go to where the jobs are
When deciding on your next career move, you may have to consider moving for the right job.
Expanding your job search beyond your current location may increase the number of job opportunities, but there are some important factors to consider to make sure moving is the right decision for you.
The Australian Government Job Jumpstart website lists some important questions for you to consider and has useful tips and tools to help you to make the most of your potential move.
Support for over 40s
Skills and Training Incentive
The Skills and Training Incentive provides up to $2,200 (GST inclusive) to jointly fund training to help you build skills to remain in the workforce longer.
More information can be found online at the Skills and Training Incentive page.
Skills Checkpoint for Older Workers program (Department of Employment and Workplace Relations)
The Skills Checkpoint for Older Workers program provides advice how to workers aged 40 years and over on how they can use their existing skills to gain new jobs or help them identify what skills and training they may need to seek alternative employment.
Career Transition Assistance
Career Transition Assistance helps mature age job seekers build their confidence and become more competitive in their local labour market.
The program provides practical assistance to help participants gain the contemporary skills they need to move into ongoing employment.
Career Transition Assistance is available in 52 Employment Regions across Australia and available nationally.
Pathway to Work
Pathway to work program helps mature age job seekers become more competitive in their local labour market.
National Skills Commission (NSC)
Future job opportunities
If you are considering your training and career options, it can be useful to know where the jobs are in the Australian labour market, and where they will be in the future.
So think as broadly as possible about what you want to do next, remembering you need to have several options. The more broadly you can think, the better your odds of getting a job.
For information on what employers are looking for go to the National Skills Commission (NSC).