How to become a 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

Average age
47
Future Growth
N/A
Gender Share
78% female
Average full-time
41 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
Very high skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
57%
Employment Size
2,300
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%
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%
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%