Are you looking to blend work and travel? If so, here are five indispensable courses that will provide you with highly transferrable skills and greater chances of employment as a traveller.
1. Business administration
If you’re planning on travelling abroad and doing the whole ‘working holiday’ thing, administration jobs are one of the easiest and fastest ways to pick up work. You’ll need some basic skills such as typing and will need to practice your phone manner. By doing a short course or certificate in business administration, you’ll pick up invaluable skills and knowledge to work in almost any office environment. These include using office-specific software and learning some basics about financial and accounting procedures. This type of course could really help you stand out amongst other working holiday makers and help you land a job quickly.
2. Construction and engineering
Alongside administration, this industry offers excellent opportunities to combine work and travel. Additionally, many construction companies are multi-national, so once you land a job with them, your chances of working in new locations both here and abroad are dramatically increased. By starting with something like a Certificate in Construction and Engineering, you might be able to get your foot in the door with an employer who then offers to pay for your ongoing training an education. Take a look into education providers who have teamed up with industry to provide on-the-job training, such as Careers Australia.
3. Teaching English as a Secondary Language
Referred to as TESL or TEFL, this course is almost purely designed for those looking to work abroad. You will need to polish up on your English skills first and it’s probably a good idea to research the language requirements of TESL courses before you go down this path.
4. Internships
Some multi-national companies offer cadetships or internships for school leavers and graduates. This can be an excellent way to get job-specific training, build your work experience and even get paid while you study. During or after your training, you may be posted in other locations domestically or internationally. If this is of interest to you, start researching companies in the resource and mining sector.
5. First Aid
First aid is not only an invaluable life skill to have, but it can also help you if you’re interested in working or volunteering abroad on humanitarian or community-aid projects. Because most of these are based on poorer, regional arears with low levels of hygiene, having basic first aid skills and knowledge are invaluable. As a traveller, this type of training can also be extremely helpful and in some cases, life-saving.
If you enjoy travelling and would like to combine this with work, consider doing one the courses outlined above, as they can provide you with skills for almost any job, anywhere.
