Logan has one of the highest numbers of unemployed people in the state, second only to Outback Queensland, state government figures show.
The statistics show that within a two-year period, the unemployment rate in the Logan and Beaudesert region grew from 13,700 people to almost 15,000, with the 30s-and-under age group of significant concern.
Director of Binnacle Training – a registered training organisation for secondary schools and colleges – Melissa Bulow said education played a crucial role in tackling Logan’s unemployment problem.
“Statistics (and first-hand experience) suggest that vocational education and training (VET) reduces youth unemployment by equipping them with the right skills to meet labour market needs, thus smoothing the transition from education to work,” she said.
“State and federal government funding being invested in these areas is pivotal to ensure people are provided with the tangible skills needed to gain meaningful and sustainable employment.
“I believe training and upskilling is important at all ages. Upskilling is a great way to explore change in your working life – the world and future is changing so quickly.”
Ms Bulow said there were many industries opening to younger people, including health and fitness and tourism.
“The fitness industry is only growing, and I see so many young people now with a passion for health and fitness, and a desire to really make a difference in people’s lives. Our Fitness, Sport and Recreation courses have always been immensely popular,” she said.
“Qualifications in tourism are gaining resurgence in a post-Covid world as well. It employs one in eleven Queenslanders and is a global industry with an abundance of opportunities.”
Logan City Council has recently kicked off a campaign to boost tourism opportunities for the region.
Kitty Kovacs, 29, has a Bachelor of Psychological Science and fitness qualifications but is struggling to find work.
“Jobs that don’t require experience are harder to come by in my opinion,” she said.
“Lack of experience is the number one driving factor for many people not being able to apply for jobs. Even if they do, the employer will take those with the experience.
“They don’t even give you a chance to try a job you’ve never done before so you can get the experience you need.”
Ms Kovacs said job descriptions have changed over the years.
“People are always doing more than they need to or are paid for. I believe it’s just the type of world we live in these days. You do more than you need to, but it isn’t reflected in pay or in appreciation,” she said.
“Many people work in jobs they dislike just to get by.”
Director of LaCriate, Lacri Trifu – who helps job seekers create attractive resumes, cover letters and portfolios – said employers aren’t always looking for the ‘work experienced’.
“It’s also in the way you present your skills in your resume and yourself in an interview, however I do suggest looking at volunteering to upskill or apply for government programs which are usually free or low cost.”
Those currently looking for work, Ms Lacri has three resume tips to help land an interview.
“Your resume is a marketing document selling you as the perfect person for the job. Customise it and highlight the most relevant accomplishments to the job at hand,” she said.
“Rather than focusing on roles and responsibilities alone add in ‘key achievements’ and use as many facts, figures, and numbers as possible. By quantifying your accomplishments, you allow the hiring manager to get an idea and picture your capability, giving you a competitive advantage.”
And “avoid using up the page space for big graphics and designs and stick to clean cut and easy to scan outline and limit yourself to one page.”
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