Short, job-ready courses can open doors fast. Many Gippsland roles prioritise practical licences, short certificates, and reliable referees over long qualifications. This page shows what to get, how to choose, and where to start.
Quick wins most employers recognise
- First Aid (HLTAID011)
- CPR (HLTAID009)
- Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA)
- Food Handling / Food Safety
- Construction Induction (White Card)
- Forklift (LF) licence
- Working With Children Check (WWCC) – if relevant
- Police Check – if relevant
Add these to your resume with issue dates and certificate numbers when applicable.
Industry-specific options to consider
Healthcare & Community
- Disability Support or Aged Care skill sets
- Mental Health First Aid
- Medication assistance (where allowed by role)
Administration & Customer Service
- MYOB/Xero basics
- Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace fundamentals
- Typing speed assessment
Hospitality & Retail
- Barista basics
- Food Safety Supervisor
- Safe manual handling
Construction & Trades
- Traffic control
- EWP (elevated work platform)
- Asbestos awareness (where relevant)
Transport & Logistics
- Order picking and RF scanner basics
- Load restraint fundamentals
Choose items that match your target roles and local demand.
Digital skills that lift applications
- Create and save PDFs, name files professionally
- Email etiquette and attachments
- Basic spreadsheets (sorting, filters, sums)
- Safe job search practices and scam awareness
How to choose the right course
- Match the ad: Read local job ads and list the recurring tickets or skills.
- Time to job: Favour courses you can complete within 1–4 weeks.
- Accreditation: Confirm the provider and qualification code if it should be nationally recognised.
- Total cost: Include the course, exam, card, and any medical checks.
- Referees: Use practical training or volunteering to gain fresh referees.
Where to study locally
Look for options from TAFE and local Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) across Gippsland, plus short industry courses offered by employers and councils. Compare dates, delivery modes (in-person vs online), and inclusions. Check current funding and concession eligibility with the provider before enrolling.
Funding and concessions
Subsidies and fee reductions change. Ask providers about:
- Government-subsidised places
- Concession rates
- Employer-sponsored training or traineeships
- Payment plans
Confirm costs in writing before you commit.
Build a 4-week upskilling plan
Week 1
- Pick target roles and list required tickets from current ads
- Book one quick win (e.g., RSA or First Aid)
Week 2
- Complete the quick win and add it to your resume
- Start one digital skill module (email, PDFs, spreadsheets)
Week 3
- Book one role-specific item (e.g., White Card, Barista, Traffic Control)
- Ask a trainer or supervisor to be a referee
Week 4
- Finish the role-specific item
- Apply to 10 targeted roles using updated resume and referees
How to show training on your resume
Create a clear section:
Certificates and Training
- Provide course name, code (if applicable), provider, and month/year
- List licences with numbers and expiry dates where relevant
Local tips
- Many employers value reliability + one relevant ticket more than a long list of courses.
- Book courses early in the week; apply to jobs the same day you receive your certificate.
- Keep digital copies of all certificates in a single folder with clear filenames.
- Bring printed copies to interviews for practical roles.