If you are keen to expand your skill set and boost your qualifications, 2014 might be the perfect time to turn your dreams into reality.
A new year is always an excellent time to reflect on what you have accomplished in the last year and what you hope to achieve in the 12 months ahead – and new figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reveal that an increasing number of Australians are prioritising their studies, including vocational qualifications.
The Measures of Australia’s Progress Report shows that a rising number of Australians have elected to learn something new within the last decade. The percentage of people between the ages of 25 and 64 who have sought out a vocational or higher education qualification has risen from 54 per cent to 67 per cent within the past ten years.
In terms of actual numbers, this represents a jump from 5.5 million people in 2002 to 7.8 million in 2012, said Fiona Dowsley, director of the ABS.
Within this group, the proportion of women seeking out a higher education or vocational qualification over the past ten years has risen more sharply than the proportion of men, the most recent details show.
According to the report, it is useful to consider these figures as a barometer for overall progress with learning and knowledge, because these skills can help an individual develop an exciting and rewarding career that can boost their personal wellbeing – as well as that of the wider community. More people seeking out qualifications results in a skilled workforce, which in turn can improve living conditions and create greater economic opportunities.
If you are based in the sunshine state and are currently working on your new year’s resolutions, 2014 could be the perfect year to start exploring your options when it comes to apprenticeships in Queensland.
There are a number of resources available to help you achieve your career goals, from government funding to fantastic support from a variety of different organisations.
The Queensland government, for example, offers scholarship funding valued at up to $20,000 for women who want to work in a number of key industries, including agricultural science, engineering, information technology, building services, geological sciences and architecture.
By Leanne Detoerkenczy
