LIFE IN THE FAST LANE
THE JOBS THAT YOU CAN BE TRAINED FOR IN LESS THAN A WEEK
A NEW career does not have to begin with years of study. There are many jobs that require little or no prior education or for which workers can be trained on the job.
Recruitment company Adecco Australia managing director Kelly Van Nelson says it is critical that people take time to identify the new skills and training needed to successfully change career path.
“The first step is to examine your own current skillset and identify the transferable skills you currently possess,” she says.
“Then, start to research the new skills and training you will need.”
These jobs can be started after less than a week of training:
SALES CONSULTANT
No formal qualifications are typically required, with product knowledge taught on the job.
Van Nelson says sales consultants are usually outgoing, have high emotional intelligence and are able to demonstrate resilience and strong problem-solving skills.
“(Career changers) often will have come from a position where they are managing multiple stakeholders with conflicting demands and interests,” she says. “Previous experience might include retail or customer service, travel and tourism, call centre worker or helpdesk employee.”
Human resources organisation Lee Hecht Harrison South Asia Pacific managing director James McIlvena says workers with an intrinsic customer focus and willingness to learn about new products and services will succeed as sales consultants.
BANK TELLER
There are no required qualifications to work as a bank teller, however employers may look favourably on a Certificate IV in Financial Services or Bachelor of Business.
Van Nelson says because the role is customer-facing, workers need to be good communicators and able to work in fast-paced environments.
“Previous experience of a successful bank teller might include retail, administration or customer service roles,” she says.
“It’s important that they have good face-to-face and interpersonal skills.”
McIlvena says they also need fantastic attention to detail and financial literacy.
FORKLIFT DRIVER
Workers require a Licence to Operate A Forklift Truck, which can be gained after a three-day course.
McIlvena says that apart from the ticket, drivers require flexibility to work varied shift times.
Van Nelson says they also need “an innate commitment to safety”.
“Forklift drivers are often mechanically minded people who are able to follow instructions and problem solve,” she says.
“This career path would suit people who have come from fast-paced environments where goals have been tangible, measured and consistent – for example, people who have worked in manufacturing, retail, driving or couriers or labourers.”
CALL CENTRE OPERATOR
No formal qualifications are needed.
“This is a nice avenue for candidates transitioning from retail, security and hospitality careers due to the high level of people engagement in these types of industries,” Van Nelson says. “Hiring managers for call centre
positions are often looking for high emotional intelligence and calmmannered individuals who have a friendly communication style.”
PICKER AND PACKER
All training is provided on the job, however employers may look favourably on jobseekers qualified to operate a forklift.
“The logistics sector is still very strong, even amid Covid-19, and experience isn’t essential for many roles,” Van Nelson says.
“Candidates do need to be physically fit, methodical, process driven and be flexible with work hours.
“This is an excellent path for school leavers and graduates or as an employment entry role as there are usually lots of opportunities to progress into supervisory and management roles in the future.” NANNY
Typically, a jobseeker will require a Working With Children Check, a National Police Check, a First Aid Certificate and CPR certification. Each of these can be gained in a day.
No formal qualifications are needed unless a jobseeker wishes to join the Australian Nanny Association, which requires them to at least be working towards a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or a Bachelor of Education.
McIlvena says references of previous work are often specified as a requirement by employers.
BUS DRIVER
Jobseekers require a Medium Rigid Licence or Heavy Rigid Truck Licence to drive a bus, depending on the vehicle.
Courses can be done in one to three days, as long as the driver has held an open car licence for at least one year for MR or two years for HR.
Once hired, a bus driver will typically begin with a few weeks of onthe-job training.
POOL LIFEGUARD OR SWIM TEACHER
An entry-level lifeguard course can be completed through Royal Life Saving in three days, while qualified swim teachers require a three-day course plus 20 hours of on-the-job training.
Royal Life Saving Society Australia chief executive Justin Scarr says many pools are struggling to find qualified employees.
“The aquatic industry is great for people who need some flexibility – parents returning to the workforce, or people looking for hours that fit around their caring responsibilities,” he says.
Scarr says people can enjoy longterm careers in the aquatic industry, with a range of entry-level, technical and managerial roles available.
Yarra Leisure lifeguard and duty manager Mai Davies, 23, recommends lifeguarding to anyone with a keen interest in safety, teamwork and taking on responsibilities.
“It is filled with many problemsolving situations and opportunities to understand how you manage stress for yourself and others,” she says.
“I credit so much of my personal and professional growth to lifeguarding.”