Industry News
Skills for our future workforce
This information may be a little scary and lead a person to imagine a future workforce led only by robots and tech geeks, however; the flip side of this shows that the more digitally automated our workforce becomes, the more demand for human interaction is. This will increase the need for skills like empathy, with care and personal services becoming
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Considering a career in the Automotive Industry?
Misguided career advisors may think gaining a career in the automotive industry is for those who are more inclined to manual work rather than high-order thinking. As most of us know, cars are complicated beasts these days, with automated functions like park assist, lane departure warning and emergency brake assist – and that’s all before you even try to work
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Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements – by over 140%
Apprentices and trainees 2020 – December quarter released by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) provides a national picture of apprenticeship and traineeship activity, including both quarterly and annual figures that can be broken down by state and territory. It also includes information on the main movements across various demographic and occupational categories. According to the research report,
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Successful Skilling Queenslanders for Work Program Receives Ongoing Funding
Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW) programs are a set of short upskilling courses that are funded and supported by the Queensland Government. These training programs are perfect for people who are unemployed or under-employed, re-entering the workforce after a little while or disadvantaged job seekers. Since the program launched, Skilling Queenslanders for Work has assisted over 36,000 people into jobs and
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QLD Budget Announcement Supporting Jobs and Skills Growth
With economic recovery still the main focus, the Treasurer, Cameron Dick, stated yesterday that as many jobs that were lost during the pandemic have now been recovered. The unemployment rate is forecast to drop from its 2020-21 rate of 7% to 5% by June 2025. Below is a summary of what the budget means for skills and jobs growth for
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8 reasons to refresh your skills sets!
Many of us have been in jobs we’ve hated at some point in our careers, jobs where we just feel stuck. Well, we’re here to tell you how stepping outside your comfort zone can help you achieve your long-term goals, whatever they may be. Think of some of the most successful people you know. Most of them started at the
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Celebrating Skilling Queenslanders for Work Graduates
To celebrate the success of the varied courses delivered which included Barbering & Hairdressing, Hospitality & Tourism, Retail and Construction; this week BUSY At Work hosted a graduation ceremony for the participants who received their achievement certificates, and a morning tea to thank all those involved. Paul Miles, Managing Director at BUSY At Work presented the certificates to participants at
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Budget 2021 – Securing Australia’s Economic Recovery
The economy is recovering with the unemployment rate at 5.6%, now lower than pre-pandemic levels, and the continued focus of this budget in ‘creating jobs’. The strategies to achieve this include investment in education, infrastructure projects and an extension of the highly successful 50% wage subsidy for hiring a new apprentice or trainee until March 2022. For businesses and job
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Free Apprenticeship Training for Under 25s
The Palaszczuk Government’s $100 million Equipping TAFE for our Future plan is available across Queensland while continuing to deliver free training for young Queenslanders under 25. Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said the investment into TAFE and skills is critical to Queensland’s economic recovery plan. “Queensland is leading the way
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Maryborough to Benefit from Industry Training Hub
BUSY At Work has been contracted to deliver the Industry Training Hub as part of a $50 million national program to assist regions with high levels of youth unemployment. The Maryborough area is one of ten regions in Australia to benefit from this program. The Industry Training Hub aims to improve the career opportunities for unemployed youth, focusing mainly on
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CMBM skilling their staff to be industry leaders
Today BUSY At Work (Australian Apprenticeship Services provider) and Axiom College (the Registered Training Organisation delivering the qualification) signed up three key team members to undertake a Certificate III in Cleaning Operations, with the plan that these core team members will become specialist trainers for the industry, employing staff within the business and in the industry. A further six team
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Queensland State Election Results – What this Means for Jobs
Paul Miles, Managing Director for The BUSY Group who provide a range of skills and employment programs including Australian Apprenticeship Support services stated “We’re excited for the next chapter of Queensland’s recovery and welcome the investment in education and infrastructure that will create jobs for Queenslanders, particularly in the construction, health and education sectors as well as the investment in
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Some Optimism as Unemployment Rate Falls in August
The results were mixed though with underemployment remaining high and Victoria’s lockdowns impacting the unemployment rate in that State. The ABS revealed that nationwide, 111,000 more people found employment between July and August. Of those 74,800 people found part time work and 36,200 people were employed full time. However the impacts of Covid-19 this year has seen 234,200 less people
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Partnership will encourage greater industry skills and employment outcomes for Queensland
At an official launch this week at Cleveland, BUSY At Work has officially announced their preferred partnership agreement with Australian Industry Trade College (AITC). The announcement comes after a 12 year relationship between the two organisations where they have remained dedicated to developing skills and career opportunities for young people in Queensland. Australian Industry Trade College offers Year 10, 11
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The future of industry and jobs, post-Covid
So what does the future hold for job seekers looking for secure employment moving forward? While many people in industries such as the arts, hospitality and tourism took a massive hit with job losses, many other industries have ‘risen from the ashes’ since the pandemic hit us earlier in 2020. In no particular order, here are the top 7 industries
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Reducing Staff Turnover in Your Business
Managing Staff Turnover “Clients do not come first. If you take care of your employees, they will take care of your clients.” Sir Richard Branson According to leading human resource consultancy firm Harrisons, depending on the size of your business, the total costs of replacing an employee varies from 30-150% of their salary. This cost includes replacement costs, re-training costs
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World First App to Revolutionise Choosing An Apprenticeship
Employment provider BUSY At Work has today unveiled a state-of-the-art, world first virtual reality app designed to revolutionise the way young people choose an apprenticeship. VApprentice is a gamification app that provides potential apprentices with a virtual experience of jobs ranging across sectors such as hospitality, construction and retail. BUSY At Work Managing Director Paul Miles said that it is
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Coolest Companies in the World with Benefits You Won’t Believe
According to career site Glassdoor, almost 80 per cent of employees say they would prefer new or better perks (such as healthcare benefits or extra time off) over a pay rise. On top of this, research shows that small happiness boosters such as snacks and drinks can lift productivity by an average of 12 per cent and up to 20
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Full-time work continues to rise in Australia
Figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) this month have shown that seasonally adjusted employment has increased by 44,000 jobs, with 33,700 of those positions being full time. This rise in jobs has meant that full time employment has increased by 202,100 since August 2017. The Minister for Jobs and Industrial Relations, the Hon Kelly O’Dwyer MP, said
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Part time positions fall, but full time work is on the rise.
The latest figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) show the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate has slightly dropped to 5.3 per cent, with the participation rate also decreasing to 65.5 per cent. From June to July seasonally adjusted employment decreased with the number of jobs falling by 3,900. Part time employment dropped by 23,200, while full time positions
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Does having a man bun affect your chances of landing a job?
We receive 11 million pieces of information every day and make 35,000 decisions. Our brains use our biases and stereotypes to get through each day without making every decision a monumental task. By the end of our day decision fatigue has set in and we rely on our preconceived notions of the world around us to make choices more and
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How To Create A Leading Safety Culture
In order for businesses to provide safe environments for their employees, it’s important that an effective safety culture is established. The importance of safety in the workplace has rightfully been on the rise in past years. In 2004-05 there were 135,515 reported serious injury claims throughout Australia, a figure that dropped to 113,965 in 2013-14. Similarly, the number of workplace
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Rise in Apprenticeship commencements for December 2017 Quarter
According to the latest national apprentice and trainee data, there is a rise in the number of people commencing apprenticeship and traineeship. Apprentices and trainees 2017 – December quarter, published by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), provides a national picture of apprenticeship and traineeship activity and includes both quarterly and annual figures that can be broken down
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Unemployment falls to 5.4% despite the loss of 20,600 full time jobs
Despite the loss of 20,600 full time jobs, there was an overall increase of 12,000 jobs in the month of May this year. This was owing to an increase of 32,600 part time jobs according to the latest data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistic’ (ABS). Unemployment fell by 0.2 per cent while the underemployment rate also fell
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The Weirdest Ways To Quit Your Job (And Are They Legal?)
The Weirdest Ways To Quit Your Job (And Are They Legal?) We’ve all heard stories of weird ways people have quit their jobs and chuckled a little at the theatrics of it all. Think of the woman who quit via interpretive dance or the one who sent her notice via cake; these actions are the ultimate symbols of pettiness that
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Employees Not Showing Up For Work? Here’s How To Manage It
Unexpected absenteeism is not cheap for businesses. In fact, unplanned absence is estimated to cost businesses $2,741 per employee, per annum and, with an average of 8.8 days of absence per employee per year, this is a cost that no business wants to wear. The direct costs of absenteeism such as paid wages, replacement workers and overtime pay are obvious.
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What does the 2018 budget mean for your hiring plans?
The Treasurer handed down Budget 2018-19 at 7:30pm on Tuesday 8 May 2018. BUSY At Work examines the impacts to your business...
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Despite another 18,000 new jobs unemployment increased to 5.6%
Data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showed despite an increase in jobs in February our unemployment rate still increased by a further 8,900 people looking for work.
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Youi’s tailored accredited traineeship program results in first graduates
SUNSHINE Coast-based insurance business, Youi, has graduated its first class of employees with an industry accreditation in customer engagement. Star Awards for outstanding achievement were presented to three of the class - Bianca Felsinger, Jamie Brown and Helen Kopcikas-Moore at a graduation ceremony this week.
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ABS – Jobs Growth and Female Participation Reaches Record High
Managing Director, BUSY At Work Paul Miles said it was encouraging to see business confidence build but was concerned about the momentum of part time job growth. “Each month we have seen a pattern of continual growth in part time jobs rather than full time jobs. “This creates under-employment, meaning while people may be employed, they are not getting enough hours in their job to get ahead and therefore are simply living week to week and in many cases going backwards. “This is not sustainable, and I urge all Q
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Australia Added More Jobs but Unemployment Increases
Australia’s job growth has hit an all-time historic high with four decades of consecutive monthly growth, the longest unbroken period of growth recorded since the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) started collecting data back in 1978. However, although there are more jobs it did not stop the unemployment rate creeping up slightly to 5.5% during December 2017. Snapshot (seasonally adjusted
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Gala Event marks a BUSY 40 Years of Employment Services
“It’s a great success story – for our clients and for improving Australian society through helping people into meaningful and productive work,” Mr Miles said. The BUSY Group – originally “BUSY Inc” – was founded in 1977, with a remit from then President Martin Punch to help homeless youth on the Gold Coast.
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National Skills Week, August 28 – September 3, 2017
This week celebrates National Skills Week, which is the focal point for the promotion of Australia’s Vocational Education and Training sector (VET). National Skills Week continues to attract overwhelming support following a survey of stakeholders who confirmed the importance of having a dedicated week to highlight VET, Industry trends and the link between training and jobs. Every year since its
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Indigenous Bright Sparks Ready to Transition into Trade Industry
Eight Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job seekers drawn from all over South East Queensland are now well on their way to kick starting a career in the electrical or related trade industry.
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Full-time Employment Growth Continues
Figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showed full-time employment grew by 62,000, while 48,000 part-time jobs were lost. BUSY At Work CEO Paul Miles said “It’s great to see this full-time employment trend continue for the ninth month consecutively, however let’s not lose sight of the fact that we are down in full-time employment from a decade ago."
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PaTH Internship helps Tiffanie prepare for new Career Pathway
After completing BUSY At Work’s Transition to Work program back in April, Tiffanies’ life began to change to the point where she was able to put all her energy into pursuing new career opportunities.
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BUSY merger with ON-Q brings brighter future for QLD and NSW
Gold Coast based Apprenticeship and Employment Services organisation BUSY At Work has merged with ON-Q Human Resources and Disability Services. BUSY CEO Paul Miles says, "By combining our strength and capability with the knowledge and skills ON-Q has demonstrated in the disability employment sector, we will create a powerful force for providing outstanding service levels to clients.”
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Apprenticeship and traineeship numbers continue to decline
National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) figures released yesterday show the number of people starting an apprenticeship or traineeship has continued to decline. There was also a decline in the number of apprentices and trainees in-training, with 265,000 in-training as at 31 December 2016, a decrease of 4.5% from 31 December 2015. This latest release of quarterly data also shows an overall decrease in the number of commencements, completions and cancellations and withdrawals, compared with the December
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Claire set for a big future with BUSY At Work
Claire Dowdle is a confident young woman who has tried her hand at a few different careers. It wasn’t until she joined BUSY At Work Brisbane’s office in an administration role that she found her true vocation.
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37,400 More Jobs – Part-Time Trend Continues
Figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) estimated an increase of 37,400 more jobs from March to April 2017, although most of these were part-time. Full-time employment fell by 11,600 as part-time employment increased by 49,000. Australia's trend unemployment rate remained at 5.8 per cent for the fourth consecutive month.
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Jobs market smashes expectations – QLD highest increase
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) report released this morning revealed Australia's unemployment rate has remained steady at 5.9 per cent in March while the jobs market smashed expectations of economists by the creation of 60,900. The largest increase in employment was in Queensland up 28,800 jobs
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BUSY backs insurance giant Youi with accredited traineeship program
BUSY At Work’s already strong partnership with global insurance company Youi reached new heights last month with the launch of Youi’s tailor-made traineeship program for all new call centre employees. The first twenty new recruits were signed up through BUSY At Work to the company’s 12 month Certificate III in Customer Engagement accredited program. A collaborative approach with BUSY, Youi and Registered Training Organisation (RTO) the Australian College of Commerce and Management (ACCM), has succeeded in the
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New apprentice and trainee figures show growth in non-trade occupations
Figures release last week by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) show the number of people starting an apprenticeship or traineeship is up 2.9% for the September 2016 quarter, compared with the September 2015 quarter however, the increase is not from our trade occupations. The NCVER attributed the overall 17% increase to 23,400, in non-trade commencements which include hospitality workers (up 600); and sales assistants and sales people (up 500).
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BUSY backs Queensland Government’s extension of $20,000 Youth Boost
The $20,000 Youth Boost payment has been an integral part of the government’s $100 million Back to Work Program which has seen 2,323 Queenslanders employed by 1,090 regional businesses. The Youth Boost payment is specifically targeted towards employers who hire unemployed youth aged between 15 to 24 in the eligible regions of Far North Queensland, North Queensland, Mackay/Whitsunday, Central Queensland, Wide Bay Burnett North West and South West. BUSY At Work CEO, Paul Miles said the extension of the Youth Boost pay
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Up to 11,000 reasons to take a new bricklaying apprentice with Brickstart Bonus
There's several thousand good reasons to take on a bricklayer apprentice! Federal Government are offering $9,000 in incentives and ABBTF are offering an additional $3,000 Brickstart Subsidy.
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Get your business in the running for the 2017 Australian Training Awards
The Australian Training Awards are the peak, national awards for the vocational education and training (VET) sector, recognising individuals, businesses and registered training organisations for their contribution to skilling Australia - Applications close Wednesday 31 May 2017
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National unemployment jumps to 5.9 per cent – QLD loses 11,500 jobs
Figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today showed that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for February 2017 increased by 0.2 percentage points to 5.9 per cent. Queensland observed the largest increase in unemployment rate (0.4 percentage points). Queensland also saw the largest decrease in employment (down 11,500 jobs).
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$20,000 Youth Boost incentive extended for Employer for another 8 months
The State Government today announced they have extended their offer of $20,000 for employers hiring staff aged between 15 and 24 years in regional Queensland for another eight months. The $20,000 Youth Boost payment is specifically targeted towards employers who hire unemployed youth aged between 15 to 24 during the eligibility period between 1 December 2016 and now extended to 31 October 2017 (inclusive). Payments are available for apprenticeships and traineeships where the employer is not eligible for Queensland’s
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Why residential construction growth benefits Queensland apprentices
There's a growing demand across Australia for affordable housing, one that's rearing its head in Queensland as well. It's a market condition that could benefit apprentices in Queensland in more than one way, especially as construction activity continues to ramp up. Not only does the new wave of record housing approvals create job opportunities for people working in a range of different trades, it makes it easier to live and work in the state as well. A combination of new housing developments and first-home grants is helpi
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Unemployment falls but shift to part-time employment continues
Figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today showed the Australian unemployment rate had a slight decrease (by less than 0.1 percentage points) to 5.6 per cent, in Australia for September 2016. The fall in unemployment was driven by the drop in participation rate to 64.5 per cent. Despite unemployment falling the ABS estimates that 53,000 full-time jobs
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