How to become a Career Development Practitioner

Career Development Practitioner

Career development practitioners help people of all ages to manage learning and work throughout their life. They provide information, advice and assistance relating to a wide range of matters, such as career planning and management, personal development and looking for work.

Personal requirements for a Career Development Practitioner

  • Able to motivate and inspire people
  • Able to relate to a wide range of client groups
  • Good communication skills
  • Aptitude for counselling

Education & Training for a Career Development Practitioner

To become a career development practitioner you usually have to complete a VET qualification. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have a degree in an area such as education, human resource management or psychology, followed by a postgraduate qualification in career development. To get into the degree courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Entry to postgraduate courses usually requires completion of an appropriate bachelor degree. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.


Additional information

To work in schools, you must obtain a Working with Children Check. A National Police Check may also be required.

Duties & Tasks of a Career Development Practitioner

Career development practitioners:

  • Use various assessment tools to help people identify their interests, skills, aptitudes and abilities, as well as work and lifestyle preferences, and relate them to the world of work
  • Counsel individuals on education and career options
  • Develop and deliver career education and work training programs
  • Help students find work experience placements
  • Help clients with jobseeking strategies, writing résumés and applications, and developing interview skills and career portfolios
  • Assist clients to market their capabilities to potential employers
  • Assist clients to balance work with family needs
  • Help clients to navigate career transitions
  • Provide an information and referral service on education, training and employment opportunities
  • Consult with teachers, community groups, government agencies, businesses and medical practitioners
  • Prepare reports and maintain client records
  • Undertake research in areas relevant to their professional roles.

Tasks

  • Provides information and resources to assist clients with job-seeking skills.
  • Works with clients on career, study and employment options by obtaining and examining information relevant to their abilities and needs.

Working conditions for a Career Development Practitioner

Career development practitioners may deliver a service to clients in conjunction with other professionals working in allied fields. They may consult with other agencies, accepting and passing on referrals where necessary.


Employment Opportunities for a Career Development Practitioner

Career development practitioners may work with students in schools and other educational institutions, with staff in industry or with the general public in private practice. Career development practitioners are employed by state and territory education authorities, independent schools and colleges, and other educational or training organisations. There are limited openings and competition for available places is strong.


Specializations

Career Development Practitioner

Career development practitioners help people of all ages to manage learning and work throughout their life. They provide information, advice and assistance relating to a wide range of matters, such as career planning and management, personal development and looking for work.

  • Average age
    Average age
    44 years
  • Future Growth
    Future Growth
    Very strong
  • Gender Share
    Gender Share
    75% female
  • Average full-time
    Average full-time
    42 hours
  • Weekly Pay
    Weekly Pay
    $1,584
  • Skill level rating
    Skill level rating
    Very high skill
  • Unemployment
    Unemployment
    Lower unemployment
  • Full-Time Share
    Full-Time Share
    60% Full-Time
  • Employment Size
    Employment Size
    2,100 workers
  • Employment Size
    Employment by state
    ACT: 1.9%
    NSW: 28.7%
    NT: 0.7%
    QLD: 20.0%
    SA: 5.7%
    TAS: 1.7%
    VIC: 33.8%
    WA: 7.5%
  • Employment Size
    Age brackets
    15-19: 0.9%
    20-24: 7.6%
    25-34: 19.9%
    35-44: 21.9%
    45-54: 23.8%
    55-59: 10.9%
    60-64: 9.1%
    65 and Over: 5.8%
  • Employment Size
    Education level
    Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 11.9%
    Bachelor degree: 26.8%
    Certificate III/IV: 10.9%
    Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 37.7%
    Year 10 and below: 2%
    Year 11: 1.6%
    Year 12: 9.1%
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