This January, Australia’s leading skills recognition and RPL (recognition of prior learning) specialist, Get Qualified Australia (GQA), surveyed over one thousand Australians regarding their intentions to switch jobs in 2016.
It was found that 38% of those employed intend to seek a promotion or switch jobs in 2016, and 25% of respondents will undertake study and/or seek to acquire additional qualifications this year. The primary reason people gave for seeking a qualification was to get a new job (59%), although to achieve a pay rise or a promotion were also common reasons. Furthermore, those earning $200k+ are twice as likely to seek a promotion or switch jobs in 2016, and five times more likely to seek a pay rise than those earning between $35k and $50k.
Adam Wadi, Founder of GQA says, “The new year is always defined as a time of change and self-improvement. This is backed up by our research that a significant portion of Australians are looking to switch jobs this year. What most Australians simply do not know is that getting the qualification they might need to change their job or secure a promotion is a lot easier than they may think. Recognition of prior learning or ‘RPL’ is essentially a skills assessment processes that recognises informal processes of learning, such as work experience. A lot of people are unaware of RPL and are therefore studying and re-learning skills they have already learnt, which is a clear waste of time and money.”
Despite the opportunities further study can present, many find it difficult to find the time and money to undertake additional training. Over 670,000 Australians work more than 60 hours a week, which when coupled with family and social commitments, leaves little time to spare for education. According to Get Qualified Australia’s research, one in four people believe that achieving a qualification is too expensive and one in seven believe that acquiring a qualification takes too much time.
“As Australia moves towards a skills economy, formal qualifications will prove critical for getting ahead – whether that’s a pay rise, promotion or career change. In the coming years, there will be more job opportunities for those holding a Certificate III or above. In fact, according to the Department of Employment, the number of jobs requiring this skill level or above will grow by 31 per cent by 2019,” says Wadi.
Below is a state by state analysis of the data:
- Sydney – 30% are seeking a promotion or looking to change jobs in 2016
- Melbourne – 33% are seeking a promotion or looking to change jobs in 2016
- Brisbane – 20% are seeking a promotion or looking to change jobs in 2016
- Adelaide – 21% are seeking a promotion or looking to change jobs in 2016
- Perth – 25% are seeking a promotion or looking to change jobs in 2016
- ACT – 34% are seeking a promotion or looking to change jobs in 2016
- Northern Territory – 67% are seeking a promotion or looking to change jobs in 2016
- Hobart – 8% are seeking a promotion or looking to change jobs in 2016
About Get Qualified Australia:
Get Qualified Australia is Australia’s leading skills recognition and RPL (recognition of prior learning) specialist. Founded in 2010 by Adam Wadi, Get Qualified Australia is the first business of its kind. Engaging GQA is extremely cost-effective, as it can potentially save up to 75% on their course fees, and years of their life that would have been spent in the classroom. Get Qualified Australia has 40 partners and 400 qualifications available to its customers across 29 industries. The business has helped to upskill tens of thousands of professionals, from tradies to executives.
GQA makes RPL simple, providing a time and cost-effective way to obtain nationally recognised qualifications based on existing skills and experience. While the Australian government offers a similar service to international students, this is the only business that works to help Australians upskill and better their future. GQA’s services are available Australia-wide.
For more information visit
www.gqaustralia.com.au
by Arrnott Olssen
Editor Rogue Homme
