Employment for the taking in western Sydney

SANDRA Ongley has worked as a careers adviser for 25 years and has “never seen so many jobs”. She thinks there is no reason for young people in the area to be unemployed.

Careers adviser Sandra Ongley says there is an influx of jobs but not enough people applying for them. Picture: Carmela Roche

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BLACKTOWN has an influx of jobs available but a shortage of people applying for them, a local careers adviser says.

A careers adviser for 25 years, Sandra Ongley said she has “never seen so many jobs”.

She thinks there is no reason for young people to be unemployed.

“Get online — I found 12 entry level job ads in 10 minutes and 42 skilled jobs,” Ms Ongley said.

She said it was about bringing your skills to the forefront to prospective employers.

“Have a plan, not just to get a job for now, but think about where you want to be in 10 years’ time.”

Not having a university degree shouldn’t stop you.

“Many young people think ‘I didn’t go to uni, so I’m doomed,’ but there are lots of ways to getting a good job.”

Ms Ongley stressed the importance of completing Year 12.

“My biggest concern is people not staying at school to finish year 11 and 12,” she said.

“It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a great UAI, it’s about adult learning.

“At 18 years old, you have a greater ability to cope with the workload and you might be able to drive.”

Careers adviser Sandra Ongley says it is important to finish school as you will live a healthier life than those who do not.

Ms Ongley said a government study since the 1960s has followed the same group of people and showed that when those who dropped out of school were more likely to have drug and alcohol issues and health problems by the age of 24.

“I had brilliant young person with a great attitude and good presentation who got a job,’’ she said.

“But he didn’t finish school and he couldn’t work out how much cement to mix. That’s why the employer eventually had to let him go, because he didn’t have time to teach him basic maths.”

There are tools that are being under used by young job seekers.

Ms Ongley said young people should register at skillsroad.com.au, which has a wealth of information for people thinking of applying for a trade job.

“You can do the aptitude test before you go to your employer, rather than being embarrassed at the interview.”

Ms Ongley is at Vibe Cafe at Blacktown Library every Wednesday between 9am and 11am to provide free advice and can provide help with resumes.