Greater learning is just a click away

LOCAL job seekers may be able to benefit from taking an online class in some of the State’s fastest growing sectors.

Specialty e-learning platforms TYPSY and EQUIP, as well as Bendigo TAFE are seeking to engage jobseekers and people looking to upskill with low or zero cost study options.

Bendigo TAFE Acting CEO Graham Fryer said the institute has a range of courses this year that include online or blended study options.

“Bendigo TAFE offers online and blended learning courses across areas including Business, Legal Services, Community Services, Health, Information Technology and Construction,” he said.

“With courses aimed at meeting critical skill needs in Victoria, many of our programs are also delivered through blended learning, incorporating online and face-to-face learning, to help students succeed in their training and progress into jobs of the future.”

Several of Bendigo TAFE’S online courses, including diplomas in justice or accounting are offered at no cost to students.

An advantage to online learning, according to Fiona Sweetman from the Victorian Tourism Industry Council is that students can study in their own time, at their own pace.

“This is really wonderful for people who are remote or regional,” she said.

“It’s a huge opportunity to give people who haven’t been in the workforce, or particularly this workforce, some new skills.”

Ms Sweetman oversees a program called TYPSY, which is based in Victoria and funded by the Federal Government’s Choose Tourism grant.

TYPSY is aimed at giving hospitality and tourism employees, volunteers, and jobseekers a minimum standard of education through video-based courses that can be completed in up to an hour.

“Each lesson is around five to seven minutes so it’s an easy way for lots of people to learn the same lessons and really elevate the minimum standard of customer service and training across the state,” Ms Sweetman said.

Local and international industry professionals teach topics including customer service and communication, management, and specialised skills like disaster resilience or disability sensitivity.

The platform only offers 10 free classes, but premium access is currently also available at no cost to employers or employees, as the program is being sponsored by State Government funding.

“The Victorian Government and VTIC have supported this to give the premium access to any business owner or worker in the industry,” Ms Sweetman said.

Upon completion of a course, learners will receive a digital badge that can be added to their LinkedIn profile or CV.

“It really empowers some of the younger job seekers to show evidence of their initiative,” Ms Sweetman said.

Meanwhile EQUIP is run through the University of Tasmania and provides free training to anyone interested in a career in aged care.

The modules can be completed in 10 minutes and students who complete the course can download a certificate of completion.