Skills for Tomorrow

In vocational education and training programs today, there are key competencies that are considered essential for job success in the future.

"Preparing your children for the future means not so much, which subjects should they study, but what life skills you should give them," says national president of the Australian Association of Careers Counsellors, Judith Leeson. These include: 

Interpersonal Language and Communication Skills

Too much recreation time on computers and the Internet, while encouraging essential computer skills, offers minimum language and communication skills, essential for future development, says Leeson.

A balance is the key. "Give children opportunities for language development by encouraging them to articulate," she says. 

Mathematics

Becoming increasingly important. If you didn't like it at school, put your prejudices behind you, advises Leeson. Without Year 12 level Maths, careers will be limiting. 

Science and Technology

Some understanding of this area is also important. "The old-fashioned, all-round education is important. Students shouldn't drop subjects early, just because they don't like or understand them," says Leeson. 

Cultural

Awareness and understanding and a genuine acceptance of diversity is important, according to Leeson.

Problem Solving Skills

Real problems in real life, says Leeson. "Other forms of intelligence besides academic are valued by employers, who are looking for all-round values."

Personal Skills

Organisational skills, self-management, responsibility and discipline should be encouraged. 

Computer Skills

Now considered baseline for most jobs. These skills should be taught at home as well as at school. "It's hard for working parents to do this, but look at how you spend the time you have with your children," says Leeson. "It doesn't matter if your house is untidy, what matters is that your children have some of these core competencies."

And one other tip: "As working parents, you can try to do too much for your children. Don't do everything for them; teach them self-reliance and resilience."

You can find more information from IBIS on their website www.ibisworld.com.au

The Australian Association of Careers Counsellors has members listed by areas in your local telephone directory.