Careers advice

**Anne29** · 08-09-2010, 03:36 AM

Does anyone know anywhere in adelaide where you can get careers advice? I've looked on google and found nothing and am getting quite desperate...

Basically after doing a number of admin jobs since being here, (I've been here just over 3 years) I've decided that I actually am starting to dislike office work. I've had a number of bad experiences, such as jobs being advertised as admin, but turned out to be pure accounts roles. I had to leave my last admin job as the office manager (my line manager) was making my life hell. The other staff picked up on this and someone mentioned to her that her behaviour towards me was not good. After this she wasn't as hostile towards me, but she'd totally ruined what would have been the perfect job, so I left.

I've been doing a casual job for about 4 months (cleaning) and was told on monday that all the staff there would be losing their jobs in 3 weeks, me included (this was due to our company losing the tender for the renewed contract). I'm gutted as this was my only way to keep myself sane whilst I looked for something permanent as well as having some money to contribute to bills to take the strain off my fiance having to pay for everything.

I really could do with some careers advice. I have a BA Honours Degree in Early Childhood Studies majoring in Special Educational Needs and would therefore like to get back into working with children. My degree qualifies me as an Early Years Practitioner but would like to start off being a teachers aide so that I can build my knowledge up of the education system out here. I've heard that to be a teachers aide, you need to hold a first aid certificate, is this correct? I really don't know how to get into it but need some advice as in 3 weeks I will have no job.

Any advice would be really appreciated. Sorry for the long post!

**The Flinns** · 08-09-2010, 05:08 AM

Hi Anne,
When we attended the information day with DIAC at 55 Currie Street, I remember them mentioning that there was a careers advice centre about two doors down, which dealt specifically with helping and advising recent arrivals.

Hope this helps.

**Anne29** · 08-09-2010, 05:12 AM

Originally Posted by The Flinns

Hi Anne,
When we attended the information day with DIAC at 55 Currie Street, I remember them mentioning that there was a careers advice centre about two doors down, which dealt specifically with helping and advising recent arrivals.

Hope this helps.

Thank you for the reply, it is much appreciated. I will go into the city tomorrow and see if I can find this place.

**rachel31** · 08-09-2010, 06:31 AM

hi Anne,

we have been here nearly a year and I can't believe ho hard it is to get work!! I am at the moment an sso/hpi at a primary school but it is only 5 hours a week. I had visions of it being like in the uk and working mon - fri but these jobs come up raelly rarely and hours are offered to those who have been there the longest as everyone is on a part - time contract at this school. We are quite a way from adelaide too so it might be different for you where you are. I was told by one school that I had to do a certificate 3 in childcare and another school new nothing about this so i am a bit confused. I think that you do have to have a first aid certificate, police check and a number from decs before you can work in the classroom. I only got my hours by leaving my resume at the school. Hope this helps, i have all the info if you would like me to email it to you about the childcare course.If that would help then pm me and I will get it to you. Rach

**ShouldIStayOrShouldIGo** · 08-09-2010, 10:09 AM

Career Information Centres the local CIC is in Pulteney Street I believe have a look at the link for more contact information.

**Anne29** · 09-09-2010, 03:27 AM

Thanks everyone for the info. When I manage to find out some info, I will post it on here as it may be of use to others who may be in a similar situation.

**adelaideinjuly** · 09-09-2010, 09:42 AM

I can suggest

Carole Theiley Dip. Prof. Couns. (Career Guidance)
Email: perfectpathways2@bigpond.com
PERFECT PATHWAYS

**Anne29** · 16-09-2010, 04:30 AM

Had a careers meeting this morning and have to say found it very useful and starting to feel more positive about exploring the idea of working with children again.

Regarding the first aid certificate (for working as a teachers aide), the careers advisor said that it is very likely that this will be needed but may vary from school to school.

I also found out that I may need a child protection license (which involves going on a days course to update my knowledge on child protection), but this may not be definite, again for anyone wanting to work with children, ring around schools and ask..

If anyone wants more info on the advice that I got, drop me a pm (it's too long to put it all down on here) as I'd be happy to share that knowledge.

Again, thanks to everyone who replied

**Anne29** · 18-09-2010, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by adelaideinjuly

I can suggest

Carole Theiley Dip. Prof. Couns. (Career Guidance)
Email: perfectpathways2@bigpond.com
PERFECT PATHWAYS

Thank you, will drop her an email

**Rich&Susie** · 18-09-2010, 01:39 PM

Hi Anne,

Don't know if this is too late, but when i come over to Adelaide in October i'm going to see a student advisor at the TAFE. I guess that this would only apply if you wanted to re-train though?

Rich.