In an era of rapid economic change and increasing job market competitiveness, whether you are currently working or are looking for work, investing in vocational education and securing new credentials can significantly boost your competitiveness and enhance your career prospects.

1. Better Career Opportunities

In today's job market, having a degree is no longer a guarantee of securing a job. Prospective employers are looking for candidates with practical skills and industry knowledge, both of which Vocational Qualifications provide. Compared to the 58% of those aged 15-74, 79% of those with a completed qualification were employed as of May 2022 (AIHW 2023). Vocational Qualifications, in particular, equip you with specialised skills that make you more valuable to employers, therefore you are a more attractive candidate than your peers.

Vocational education allows you to acquire new skills and update your existing knowledge giving you an edge over other candidates with similar qualifications. Having a broader skill set not only makes you more marketable but also enhances your productivity and efficiency. According to the 2022 employment outcomes, 65% of students had improved their employment outcome upon completing their qualification, with 49.6% of unemployed students finding a job after their training (NCVER 2022).Even a short-term vocational program can make a significant difference, showcasing your commitment to learning and improving.

Earning a Vocational Qualification is not as daunting as it seems. If you are unsure whether you have the capacity to commit to a full program but still want to build your knowledge, then AIM’s Qualification Microcredentials are the perfect way to achieve your goals. Built from the individual units of a full Vocational Qualification, these Microcredentials offer the same level of knowledge, yet can be attained in a much shorter time frame. A Microcredential is a formal recognition of your skills and can be a stand-alone credential or used towards a full Vocational Qualification.

If you're self-employed, vocational education can be a game changer. Learning new skills, such as business analytics or digital marketing, eliminates the need to outsource, saving you money and allowing you to offer more comprehensive services to your clients.

2. Foster Creativity and Innovation with Vocational Education

Vocational education can stimulate creativity and innovation, introducing you to new concepts and ways of thinking. Learning about different subjects from various perspectives can broaden your understanding and spark innovative ideas. Creativity is a highly-sought after skill with around 60% of CEOs placing it over integrity and global thinking in importance rankings (Upland Software 2023).

A well-rounded education can encourage you to think outside the box and approach tasks and challenges in creative ways. Innovation rarely comes from a narrow perspective; it requires a broad understanding and a creative mindset. Drawing from your knowledge and applying skills learnt from different areas of business allows you to provide a unique and holistic perspective to any business problem. AIM provides Vocational Education in Project Management, Human Resources, Leadership and Strategy, and more. We’ve got you covered for the knowledge you need to develop a practical blend of skills deriving from various business disciplines, to drive your individual and business success.

Not only does this make you stand out from your peers, but it also displays your ability to critically tackle problems, a skill that is highly sought after in today’s business space.

The importance of continuous learning in today's competitive job market can't be overstated. Prioritising vocational education is key to staying competitive and getting ahead. When it comes to Vocational Qualifications, AIM is your trusted partner. We have been a leading provider of vocational training for over 80 years, and with a track record of excellence, you can be confident of gaining the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.