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Getting job ready as an international student

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    TAFE International Western Australia (TIWA) is dedicated to employment-focused education — the aim is to get you ready for the workforce. Hands on learning is incredibly important in preparing you for the workforce and getting your dream job. The skills you will learn at TIWA are also closely aligned with industry needs!

    TIWA specialises in setting you up in the best way possible for your future job. You will develop your skills through hands on learning, apply them in real world settings, and graduate with workplace confidence.

    Here are some tips to help you get job ready at TIWA:

    1  Choose a course that teaches practical skills

    Many TAFE courses offer hands on learning through simulated work environments, industry aligned projects and, in some cases, work placements. This is vital as it provides the chance to put theory into practice. The more experience you get during your studies, the more ready you will be to take on your first job and succeed after completing your course.

    TIWA's study areas that include work placements in registered offsite agencies with industry partners are animal studies; applied fashion  design; bricklaying and carpentry; community services; early childhood education; and nursing.

    Other TIWA courses include simulated work placements in settings that replicate real work environments in on campus facilities. Engage with industry-experienced lecturers in classrooms and in hands on environments including restaurants, laboratories and workshops. We offer the latest industry technology, tools, machinery, processes and materials.

    These study areas are automotive; aviation; beauty; cookery; conservation and land management; community services; land and environmental management; hospitality; and process plant technology.

    2  Do your research

    One of the best ways you can become job ready is to research your chosen field. Make sure you know the kinds of jobs that are available and what those jobs involve. Once you select your field, think about your primary interests and research which occupations involve those interests.

    3  Make the most of campus facilities

    All WA TAFE campuses provide state of the art facilities and equipment, from classrooms and libraries to kitchens and workshops. On-campus workshops will help you learn key skills to take with you into the workforce.

    In these workshops, you will be able to use and familiarise yourself with a range of industry standard equipment and technologies. Learning in a safe and supportive environment will ensure you are well equipped to begin any job after you finish your course — you won't be a beginner!

    4  Build your network

    Building a network of key connections is a great way to prepare yourself for the workforce. TAFE lecturers are experts in their field and will have connections to other professionals in the industry, which means they can provide you with useful networking contacts.

    For advice on becoming job ready, Western Australia's TAFE Jobs and Skills Centres(opens in a new tab) are one-stop shops for careers, training and employment advice and assistance. Services are free, and accessible to all members of the community.The centres are located on TAFE campuses throughout Perth and regional WA. These centres provide an online jobs board, to connect jobseekers with employment opportunities and to help employers attract and recruit employees.

    Meeting key figures in your industry during your studies could help you find internships, traineeships, or even jobs after graduation. Fellow students are also great to network with — they can help you settle into your new home in WA and practise your English skills.

    5  Join Linkedin

    LinkedIn(opens in a new tab) is one of the most powerful social media tools for professionals, but you don't need to wait until after graduation to set up a profile!

    LinkedIn is a great way to track all of your experience and qualifications and be ready to go when you start looking for jobs. Plus, you can use LinkedIn to network with people online, and connect with people you've met while studying at TIWA. The relationships you form on LinkedIn can lead to opportunities down the road. Remember to keep your profile up to date and professional.

    TIWA hosts a LinkedIn group(opens in a new tab) for current international students and alumni to access professional development opportunities. The group is intended to connect people in Australia and overseas and is the perfect way to build your professional network.

    6 Find part time work in your industry

    If possible, try to find part time work in your chosen industry while you complete your course. This will give you invaluable hands on experience to scaffold your course learning, and also help with networking. A part time job may lead to a full time opportunity once your studies are complete. With WA's employment market currently the strongest performing state in Australia(opens in a new tab), the industry work experience provided by many TIWA courses can help you find part time work, as well as full time opportunities after completing your studies.

    Check out the StudyPerth Jobs Board(opens in a new tab) to search for part time work opportunities.

    7  Prepare your resumé

    Having an up to date resumé is incredibly important when getting job ready. Your resumé will detail your work experience, skills and accomplishments, and you'll need it to be ready to go when applying for jobs.

    If you need advice on preparing a resume in Australia, visit the Jobs and Skills WA(opens in a new tab) website. It offers a range of resources and important information(opens in a new tab) about finding a job in Australia. You can also call your local Jobs and Skills Centre for expert resume support on 13 64 64.

    To develop strong links with industry to succeed in the future employment market, choose TAFE International Western Australia (TIWA) for globally recognised courses delivered by dedicated lecturers with industry experience and connections. Check out the wide range of courses that TIWA has to offer and detailed information on the application process. You can apply to study with TIWA by completing an online application(opens in a new tab).

    Last updated on December 4, 2023