Develop job search strategies for the Australian employment market
Skillmax - Jobseekers is:
- for skilled migrants seeking employment in their chosen profession
- a fast track course to prepare qualified professionals to enter the Australian workforce
- funded by the NSW Government
- free for eligible participants
- delivered in part-time classes over five weeks
Human resource specialists and employers will provide sessions on the current expectations of finding work and career advice. They will also provide interactive workshops.
Course outline
- Developing a greater awareness of workplace culture and trends in the Australian labour market
- Finding your fit in your field of expertise
- Developing a career portfolio including your résumé and cover letter
- Strategies to identify employment opportunities
- Preparing for the job interview
- Career management skills
- Marketing yourself effectively
Study pathways
On successful completion of this course (subject to availability) you may be eligible to apply for the Skilled Migrant Mentoring Program, which provides:
- access to an industry mentor
- an opportunity to undertake work experience
Students can obtain Statements of Attainment for modules from Certificate IV in Spoken and Written English.
This qualification is recognised throughout Australia.
Candidates must:
- be an Australian permanent resident or citizen
- have overseas qualifications
- be seeking work in their field of expertise
- have an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent*
*English Language Tests (IELTS equivalents)
NSW AMES recognises a number of English Language tests which can be undertaken to meet the English language requirements for the Skillmax Program.
These are set out in the following table, together with the minimum results required.
| English Language Test |
Minimum Requirement |
| IELTS |
6.5 overall
|
| TOEFL - Internet-based Test (iBT) |
90 overall |
| TOEFL - Paper-based Test (PBT) |
577 overall |
| Occupational English Test (OET) |
At least A or B in all bands |
| ISLPR |
3+ |
Prior Study
Applicants who have successfully completed at least one year of full-time study in an assessable qualification at a University or other post-secondary educational institution, where the sole language of instruction and assessment was English, may not be required to undertake a language test, if they can provide a statement or certificate, issued by the Registar (or equivalent) of that institution confirming this. The statement or certificate must be on official headed paper, and must be the original document.
Prior study in English are considered on a case-by-case basis and do not automatically meet the English Language proficiency requirements.
Semester 2, 2010
Please note that advertised course dates are subject to change and availability.
For Skillmax courses held at NSW AMES centres – please apply online at www.skillmax.com.au
- NSW AMES Bankstown
2 Jacobs Street, Bankstown
Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Times: 9am – 2.30pm
Duration: 5 weeks
Dates: 10 August - 9 September (COURSE FULL), 21 September - 21 October, 26 October - 25 November
Applications: Click here to complete the Skillmax online application form
Enquires: Tel 9205 4350
- NSW AMES Burwood
29 – 31 Belmore Street, Burwood
Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Time: 1pm – 6pm
Duration: 5 weeks
Dates: 30 August - 29 September, 11 October - 10 November, 15 November - 15 December
Applications: Click here to complete the Skillmax online application form
Enquires: Tel 9744 3885
- NSW AMES Hornsby
Level 1, 20 George Street, Hornsby
Days: Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Times: 9am – 2.30pm
Duration: 5 weeks
Dates: 5 August - 4 September (COURSE FULL), 9 September - 9 October, 14 October - 13 November
Applications: Click here to complete the Skillmax online application form
Enquires: Tel 9476 2500
- NSW AMES Sydney City
Level 1, 84 – 86 Mary Street, Surry Hills
Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Time: 9:30am – 3pm
Duration: 5 weeks
Dates: 9 August - 8 September (COURSE FULL), 13 September - 13 October, 18 October - 17 November
Applications: Click here to complete the Skillmax online application form
Enquires: Tel 9289 9111
To apply for any of the Skillmax courses listed below – please contact the college directly to apply. Details are listed below for each college.
- UWS College Westmead
Dates: 19 July – 19 August, 11 October – 10 November
Applications and enquiries: Contact the UWS Skillmax Coordinator on 9685 9713 or email skillmax@uws.edu.au
- TAFE NSW - Northern Sydney Institute
North Sydney College, St Leonards
Days: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Dates: 21 July - 20 August, 16 August - 15 September, 1 September - 1 October, 13 October - 12 November, 17 November - 17 December
Applications and enquiries: Contact Rosemary Raper on 9941 5425, Alison Armstrong on 9942 0717 or email nsi.skillmax@tafensw.edu.au
- TAFE NSW - Northern Sydney Institute
Meadowbank College
Days: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Dates: 21 July - 20 August, 19 October - 18 November
Applications and enquiries: Contact Rosemary Raper on 9941 5425, Cristina Murru on 9942 3665 or email nsi.skillmax@tafensw.edu.au
- TAFE NSW - Northern Sydney Institute
Northern Beaches College, Brookvale
Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Dates: 26 October - 25 November
Applications and enquiries: Contact Rosemary Raper on 9941 5425, Salo John on 9941 5305 or email nsi.skillmax@tafensw.edu.au
- TAFE NSW - Sydney Institute
Randwick College, Randwick
Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Dates: 20 July - 19 August, 6 September - 6 October
Applications and enquiries: Contact Amir Salem on 9469 8594 or email amir.salem@tafensw.edu.au
- TAFE NSW - Sydney Institute
St George College, Kogarah
Days: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Dates 4 August – 3 September
Applications and enquiries: Contact Vera Hayes on 9598 6462 or email vera.hayes@tafensw.edu.au
- TAFE NSW - Sydney Institute
Ultimo College, Ultimo
Days: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Dates: 14 September - 13 October
Applications and enquiries: Contact Chandrima Mukerjee on 9217 3995 or email chandrima.mukerjee@tafensw.edu.au
- TAFE NSW – Western Sydney Institute
Blacktown College, Blacktown
Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Dates: 16 August – 17 September, 1 November - 3 December
Applications and enquiries: Contact Bev McMillan on 9208 1797 or email beverley.mcmillan@tafensw.edu.au
- TAFE NSW – Western Sydney Institute
Mt Druitt College, Mt Druitt
Days: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Dates: 25 October – 26 November
Applications and enquiries: Contact Milabel Estrera on 9715 8498 or email milabel.estrera@tafensw.edu.au
- TAFE NSW – South Western Sydney Institute
Liverpool College, Liverpool
Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Dates: 9 August – 10 September
Applications and enquiries: Contact Maria Costi on 9827 5280 or email maria.costi@tafensw.edu.au
- TAFE NSW – South Western Sydney Institute
Wetherill Park College, Wetherill Park
Days: Monday, Tuesday, Friday
Dates: 18 October – 19 November
Applications and enquiries: Contact Ameetha Venkataraman on 9609 9319 or email ameetha.venkataraman@tafensw.edu.au
- TAFE NSW – South Western Sydney Institute
Granville College, Granville
Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Dates: 18 October – 19 November
Applications and enquiries: Contact Rani Ramanathan on 9682 0336 or email rani.ramanathan@tafensw.edu.au
- UNSW Institute of Languages
Randwick Campus, Randwick
Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Dates: 12 October – 12 November
Applications and enquiries: Contact Charmaine Silove on 9385 0471 or email c.silove@unsw.edu.au
Eligible candidates are to apply online.
Click here to complete the Skillmax online application form.
Please allow approximately 20 minutes to complete the application. You will need to have the documents listed below with you in order to complete the form. You will need to upload these documents with your application.
- Visa page of your passport
- Your qualifications (English translation)
- IELTS Test Report Form or equivalent (TRF)
Enrolment is subject to eligibility and class availability. You will be advised of the outcome of your application by email.
Please note applications will not be considered until we have received all of the documentation required.
Having problems applying?
If you are encountering difficulties with your online application please contact NSW AMES by email elu@ames.edu.au.
In any job market understanding cultural nuances are essential. Resumes, expressions, etiquette and interview techniques vary all over the world. Without understanding these, a job seeker no matter how talented they are, will miss out. The Skillmax program is a vital program for anyone wanting to learn about job hunting Australian style. Combining practical exercises, a variety of presenters who are active in the job market, plus a bunch of students sharing experiences, this course is a must for anyone wanting to get over the barrier “no local experience”.
Karalyn Brown
Interview IQ
YouTube video of Skillmax students
Click to watch the YouTube video of three successful Skillmax students talking about their jobseeking journeys.
- Thilaka from Sri Lanka is an IT Lecturer/Tutor
- Henry from China is a Marketing Manager
- Eric from France is a Project Manager
Donald Choy
I have gained a new perspective on the Australian job market. I have a better understanding on why I have not fared very well at the interviews and how I can improve myself.
Before attending this course, I was hesitant to speak about myself, my achievements. Now I find this is necessary and not unpleasant.
I used to dread the ‘chore’ of preparing resumes and trying to understand what the advertiser want – now I can read these ads better and effectively tailor my resume to them.
I learnt to value my achievements and strengths and am able to concisely state these in order to present the relevant aspects of my experience without thinking. I am proud
Dhanushka Keenagahapitiya
When I first started the class I had only little knowledge about the workforce in Australia.
Throughout the course I learnt a lot. Our class teacher has been helping us a lot. She’s been very understanding and encouraging us.
I've learnt how to face an interview with confidence, how to improve my communication skills, how to write a good resume and a cover letter etc.
What I learnt from this will help me a great deal in the future.