If you are returning to work after a break, or after an accident or injury, you might need to think about rebuilding your skills. Training may allow you to return to your original workplace or to find work in a new occupation or industry.
This following information provides possible strategies to help you rebuild your skills for a successful return to work.
Returning to your original workplace
If you are returning to the same workplace, you may need to consider whether you are still able to perform the inherent requirements of your original job or if some job redesign is required. Additional training may allow you to take on new tasks and demonstrate your flexibility in the workplace.
Job redesign is where you negotiate with an employer to mix and match the tasks in the workplace to best suit your abilities, skills, support needs and capabilities:
Talking with an employer prior to your return to work date, allows an open discussion about any parts of your job or workplace that may need modification.
A Return to Work Plan is a helpful document that may be prepared by an employer (or a rehabilitation professional) for your return to work, see:
Mentoring and buddy programs
You may wish to consider a mentoring program to help you in your return to work. Mentoring or buddy programs focus on:
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building strong, supportive relationships between colleagues
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helping new employees settle in to a work place
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improving productivity through increased job satisfaction.
Finding a new job
Disability caused by an accident or injury may prevent you from returning to the same occupation or type of work that you were doing previously. In this case, you might need to think about rebuilding your skills. Learning new skills can help get you back into the workforce by allowing you to build your resume and increase your marketability to employers. To find out what skills are in demand and what sort of jobs have good prospects, see:
Apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships combine practical work with structured training to give you a recognised qualification while you work:
Centrelink Employment Services
Contact Centrelink Employment Services about training options by phoning 13 28 50 or by visiting your nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre (see our Related Links for more information).
Jobguide
The Jobguide (see Related Links) gives detailed descriptions of a wide range of jobs. It also includes information about the specific tasks and skills for each job and the education and training requirements.
Volunteering
Volunteering is another way to gain new skills and experience in a work environment. Volunteering for a short period is a good way to get your foot in the door—it can often lead to a job offer.
Whether you're already volunteering or just starting out, the Volunteering Australia web site is your doorway to volunteering information and opportunities, no matter what your area of interest or motivation for volunteering.
Work Experience
Work experience is a great way to gain experience and develop skills to help you get a job and you can do work experience in a wide range of jobs.
The Work Experience Activities provides you with the opportunity to improve your work skills and demonstrate what you have to offer to a potential employer.
Work for the Dole
Work for the Dole is an Australian Government program that gives eligible participants the chance to gain some work experience while doing something worthwhile for the community. Work for the Dole work experience placements usually last for six months.
Workplace Adjustment Tool
Have a look at the other training ideas in our Workplace Adjustment Tool:
Australian Government employment service providers
If you are receiving support from an Australian Government employment service provider, talk to them about possible training options or about volunteering.
Not sure where to start?
Contact the JobAccess Advisers on 1800 464 800 for free advice. You can also contact them online: