Training

Erin's training matches gap in the jobs market

ERIN Watson wears a smart new uniform, has plenty of new skills and a great job in the hospitality industry.

Her successful transition from unemployment to work is an example of how the Sarina Russo Institute | Skills for Industry process works, chief executive John Slater said.

"With labour market conditions continuing to improve, it is more important than ever for job seekers to upgrade their skills," he said.

Mr Slater said the idea behind the program was to match job seekers with industry needs in particular areas.

"We've developed a pathway model where we combine training with employment services, working closely with employers," Mr Slater said.

"Those who do the courses have support from the beginning to the end of the process."

In the past 12 months, 1500 people have passed through the institute.

Ms Watson is a recent graduate of a hospitality training course.

During her course she gained work experience at Shangri La Gardens Reception Lounge where she impressed so much she gained a job.

Other courses include retail, business, customer service, financial services and traffic control.

General manager Sarina Russo said interesting statistics had emerged from the latest ABS Labour Force Survey. They are:

• More than one in five workers in Australia is employed in health care and social assistance or the retail trade.
• The largest occupation is general sales assistant which employs almost half a million people. There are 212,800 registered nurses, 168,300 truck drivers and 102,400 chefs/cooks but only 6200 dieticians.
• There are more than twice as many employed people aged 45 or older than younger than 25 years. Almost two in five workers have not completed formal training since leaving school.