Employability Skills Training (EST) helps people develop the workplace skills that employers want, explore career options and build job search and industry specific skills to be more competitive in their local labour market.
Get ready for work
The Employability Skills Training program helps you get job ready by:
- exploring career options and understanding the skills you might need for these jobs.
- offering practical support to develop your job search and workplace skills, including problem solving, communication, decision making, teamwork and digital literacy.
- gaining industry-specific knowledge to help you better understand different industries in your local job market, such as hospitality or aged care.
- providing opportunities to connect with employers to learn about workplace expectations and gain insights into real work environments.
Some EST courses can also include units towards accredited training. For example, a hospitality-focused course may include Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training, helping you take the next step toward employment or further qualifications in that industry.
Check your eligibility
To participate in Employability Skills Training, you must be participating in one of the following eligible employment services:
- Workforce Australia Employment Services
- Workforce Australia Online
- Transition to Work
- Yarrabah Employment Services
- Inclusive Employment Australia, or
- Parent Pathways.
How to participate
Individuals self-managing through Workforce Australia Online can sign up for Employability Skills Training by:
- Directly accessing Workforce Australia Online for courses that:
- Contacting the Digital Services Contact Centre on 1800 314 677 or email digitalservices@dewr.gov.au
Individuals with an employment services provider can ask their provider for a referral to a suitable course.
Get in touch with an EST providerEST in real life
From hospitality to support work: Sharon’s EST experience
With a background in hospitality and cleaning, Sharon wanted to return to work but needed to refresh her skills and navigate the job market. Through the Employability Skills Training (EST) program, she received guidance that helped her move steadily into employment aligned with her interests.
Read Sharon's story
From hands-on experience to steady work: Thomas’ journey to employment with EST
Finding stable work can be difficult, even for people with years of experience. Thomas’ story shows how Employability Skills Training (EST) helped him turn that experience into secure employment.
Discover Thomas' journeyToo see how Employability Skills Training has helped others across Australia, read our articles.