Business Services Blog

The importance of a good resume

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 22:58:00 GMT

Author: Sasha

It is really interesting opening applications for our positions: some people put in a lot of effort with their cover letters and resume; nicely formatted, relevant information, good use of language and correct spelling; and then you open the ones that look as though it has been left on the floor of a car for 2 years; wrinkled, ripped, dirty - sometimes even smelly!!

Here are some tips to assist with applications being read – not binned!! • A short cover letter that outlines which position you are applying for is a great start to having your application read – no one has time to read an ‘essay’.

• Current details – we do understand that not everyone has access to a computer or printer; but if you need to change your detail; such as mobile number or address; it looks so much better to have it typed – not crossed out and handwritten.

• Capitals and punctuation – ensure that names, titles etc. have correct use of capital letters and punctuation; there is nothing worse than seeing: Mr bob Donaldson when it should be Mr. Bob Donaldson or 18 High street instead of 18 High Street.

• Relevant information – it’s nice to know that you were classroom monitor in 1992 or a girl guide/scout when you were 8 but is it going to help you get into an apprenticeship or traineeship?

• Proof read – always get someone else to review your application; when you read things again and again – typo’s, poor grammar, spacing etc. do not stand out as much as they would usually.

If you are serious about gaining employment; take the time to create a CV or Resume that sells YOU!

Need help preparing your resume? contact us or call 1300 309 675

Model WHS laws on hold in Tasmania until January 2013

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 01:37:00 GMT

Author: Kerri

From Worksafe Tasmania "IMPORTANT: Model Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws will not commence on 1 January 2012 in Tasmania. On 2 December 2011, Tasmania’s Legislative Council amended the start date of the Work Health and Safety Bill 2011 to 1 January 2013. The Bill will be returned to the House of Assembly for consideration of the change when Parliament resumes in March 2012."

Kylie joins in at Sacred Heart College Careers Expo

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 01:16:00 GMT

Author: Kylie Petryk

Rachel and I had great fun delivering our talk to students at the Careers Expo held recently at Sacred Heart College. As a company that employs a large number of young people who generally don't have any work experience, we believe it is very important to get out and talk to students who will soon finish college or high school about the benefits of paid traineeships and apprenticeships. I was also invited to participate on the mock interview panel where year 10 students (who had been tasked with applying for one of 5 different jobs) presented application letter, resume and documentation demostrating their preparation for the interview. A big thank you to Sacred Heart College for once again allowing us to present to your students. For more information on traineeships and apprenticships click here.

Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) is set for implementation January 2012 - are you ready?

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 02:10:00 GMT

Author: Mark

Changes Under Model Work Health & Safety Act - 1

As you are probably aware the Occupational Health and Safety laws are being replaced by the new Work Health and Safety Act which is due for implementation in January 2012.
As an employer of several hundred apprentices and trainees we thought we could share some of the main points of interest.

Principal Safety Legislation*

Current arrangements (What is in place):

Jurisdictional-specific Acts and Regulations

Model laws (What will change):

Legislation to mirror the Work Health and Safety Act 2010

Impact (Possible implications for your business):

Confusion due to change in terminology from OHS to WHS.
Opportunity for new thought – all inclusive.
People who are involved in work and/or who make work happen, rather than
employer-employee relationship.

Management of Risk*

Current arrangements (What is in place):

The concept of risk management is present in all current legislation.
Some jurisdictions have a legal obligation to perform risk assessments.

Model laws (What will change):

The concept of securing health and safety of workers and workplaces through risk
management remains.
However risk assessments are not mandated in the Act but may be mandated in the
Regulations for high risk activities.

Impact (Possible implications for your business):

Confusion as people get used to the concept of risk management without the need to
perform risk assessments in all situations.
Generally a more practical approach to making work safer due to a greater focus on
getting the appropriate risk controls in place rather than on paperwork.

* "Summary: Changes Under Model Work Health & Safety Act" - Published by The Australian Industry Group

Hook, Line and Sinker hosts to be Training Awards MCs

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 23:23:00 GMT

Author: Andrew

One of my passions is trout fishing, and it has been for many years. During these years I have spent many an hour traveling around our great state viewing some spectacular scenery and enjoying some of the world’s best trout waters. I am currently the Junior Vice President of the Young Anglers Club in Ulverstone and really enjoy imparting my knowledge of this sport or hobby whatever you would like to call this to our 400 young members, including my son.

It is a great thing to watch my son’s progression to becoming a great angler and to watch him enjoy an activity that I love too. Through Work & Training, my aim is for Nick Duigan and Andrew Hart, the hosts of Hook, Line and Sinker, to be the MCs of our Training Awards. The Young Anglers Club would like to promote its cause to as many young and disadvantaged people in our area as possible, and a spot on this show would be a great way of reaching the many different groups that we cater for. The aim of the club is to give these young people an interest that they can participate in for the rest of their lives and to teach them disciplines such as respect for others that will help them find and retain jobs and have steady home lives.

What do you think of this proposition?

Together in Harmony: The new Work Health & Safety Bill 2011

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 23:30:00 GMT

Author: Craig

The date has been set, the caterers booked, the guests invited and from all accounts, it’s going to be a splendid affair. It’s apparently going to be a marriage of equals! Who’s getting hitched?? I hear you ask.

It’s the long awaited marriage of the Occupational Health & Safety Acts from across the states and territories of Australia. By now, most people would have heard the term “Harmonisation of the Act”, but some of you are probably still wondering what on earth that actually means and how it will affect you.

Harmonisation of the Act refers to Australia finally having a single national OH&S legislation. From January 2012, the new Work Health & Safety Bill 2011 will come into operation which will ensure a nationally consistent framework regarding the health and safety of workers and workplaces.

All businesses need to be aware of their obligations under the new Bill and how the changes will impact them. Work & Training can help you ensure your business is adequately covered with a range of business qualifications from Cert I up to Advanced Diploma, including Cert IV in OH&S. We can also tailor training to suit your business if you’d prefer workshops to maximise your staff’s knowledge.

You’re cordially invited to the wedding of the year. Call us on 03 6214 5177 or email us at reception@work-training.com.au to RSVP for a workshop, or sign up online at our Online Learning Centre.

Author: Craig

Overcoming literacy and numeracy challenges in the workplace

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 23:31:00 GMT

Author: Harry

No More Excuses

Would better reading and writing skills make a difference in your workplace? Almost half of all working Australians can’t read or write well enough to do the type of training needed for trade or professional jobs. This means that about 8 million Australians are missing out better jobs.

No More Excuses talks about these literacy and numeracy challenges.

New literacy assessment resources are freely available on the Precision Consultancy website (www.precisionconsultancy.com.au/acs_framework).

Talk to us on 6214 5177 or email us at reception@work-training.com. You can also view and purchase courses at our Online Learning Centre.

Reaping the benefits of staff training to increase your bottom line

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 23:32:00 GMT

Author: Dee

Businesses spend a great deal of money developing the right products, keeping up with the latest technology and ensuring that their business is marketed well, but then make their biggest mistake: forgetting about training their staff to deliver exceptional customer service.

The first impression that a customer has of the business is when they walk in the door and are either acknowledged or ignored. If they are acknowledged with a smile by a friendly, knowledgeable staff member who displays pride in his/her appearance and the business they are employed by, the customer is more likely to make a purchase. If they are ignored and unable to gain any attention, or are greeted by a staff member whose main concern is waiting to finish up for the day, the customer is less inclined to spend the money and is more likely to leave the store with a poor impression of the business, and will then tell 5 other people of their sub-standard experience.

Word of mouth and recommendations play a large role in consumer decision-making. Customers will only pass on what they have experienced, so make sure every experience is a positive one! Work and Training offer a range of flexible courses in many industries, including customer service training. Visit our Online Learning Centre for more information.

With Work & Training, staff sickies are an issue of the past

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 23:37:00 GMT

Author: Ruth

Janet shook her head and sighed. It was 8:30 on Monday morning and two employees had rung in sick. It was not a good start to the week. The phone rang again and Janet answered, gritting her teeth.

As an employer, how many times have you been in this position – understaffed and only just managing the day-to-day supervision of your staff and organisation?

Work & Training can help you!

Consider a school-based or recent school leaver trainee. The Disability sector in Tasmania has not previously taken advantage of this style of employment but times are changing.

The benefits are considerable.

Traineeships are a cost-effective way of increasing your work force. The trainee receives a National Training wage, and they receive both on and off the job training, with the formal training and assessment managed by qualified Work & Training staff. As an employer you get to direct when and where your trainee works and the level of on the job supervision required. Work & Training manage everything else – great, isn’t it?

Next time the flu season kicks in, you’ll have an experienced trainee who knows your business and can step in and help keep it afloat.

If you are having a day, week or month like Janet, give us a call on 6214 5177 and we will organise for a consultant to visit you and discuss your needs.