Mackintosh College advises: tangible training

THE Australia Bureau of Statistics has indicated the unemployment rate continues to move into a zone that prompts many to re-evaluate whether the qualifications, skills, expertise or connections are enough to see them through the predicted doom and gloom.

Shane Mackintosh, CEO of Mackintosh College says: "The most important thing for employees is to look to enhance long-term prospects through gaining tangible, hands-on skills that can be applied across different employment sectors.

"By listening to and monitoring the needs of Gold Coast employers, we have been able to provide innovative training and education programs that enhance the employment opportunities of our students. Whether it is a hospitality short course or a diploma level business course, we can guide you towards gaining a qualification."

The college, which provides various courses on campus, also offers professional on-site training to businesses. For over a decade businesses across different sectors have contracted the college to conduct customised training to staff.

Mackintosh College also promotes regular training and provides regular reports to management. The trainers at the college work closely with companies to help them choose the right training option and customise the training to suit company needs.

"Since the end of last year we have seen a steady increase in the amount of enquiries from companies and employees looking at commencing courses that lead to learning new skills and techniques along with gaining a qualification. We are now developing night courses to cater for the growing number of people looking to increase job prospects during these uncertain times," says Mackintosh.

Mackintosh College suggests the following tips to avoid becoming obsolete:

• Stay positive: Although these are uncertain times, concern should not be affecting your performance. Negative thoughts have the power to impact the way you communicate with clients and colleagues.

• Complete self assessment: Take a honest look at your employment strengths and weaknesses. Once you have identified your weaknesses look at ways you can improve. It may be as simple as looking at how you manage your time or it could lead to you studying a diploma that is relevant to your industry and provide greater opportunities.

• Develop your network: networking is an important part of developing any business and it is no different for developing your career. By building contact in your industry, more people will know who you are and what you do. Sadly, at time it is often who you know, not what you know. This is why companies continue to attend corporate events during tougher time. It’s all about exposure.