We already know that the dynamic and changing workforce will see young people shifting through several jobs, and careers in their lifetime. It’s an exciting time, and might seem daunting to students. But it needn’t be. As jobs change and new jobs emerge, whether they realise it or not, they will be more prepared for this shift than they think.

In their recent report ‘The New Work Mindset’, the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA), explores the need to shift mindsets in our approach to jobs, careers and work.

Sometimes when considering a career, students are so focussed on what they think they want, that they can’t see the many options available to them. Instead of students concentrating on their dream job, we should be encouraging them to expand their options by exploring their dream job cluster!

So, just what is a job cluster? 

Job clusters are jobs that require similar personal attributes and portable skills. By studying 2.7 million job adverts and using an algorithm to look at more than 1,000 occupations, FYA found there are seven large job clusters based on similar skills sought by employers. The report also found that ‘when an individual trains or works in one job, they acquire skills for thirteen other jobs’.

The 7 Job Clusters

Artisans

• Builders
• Tasks related to manual skills
• Technical service and production

Designers

• Constructors and engineers
• Skills and knowledge of science and maths
• Products and building

Technologists

• Futurists
• Understanding and manipulation of digital technologies

Carers

• Supporters
• Improvement of physical health and well-being
• Medical and personal services

Informers

• Professionals
• Educators and information providers
• Business services

Coordinators

• Administrators
• Behind the scenes services
• Repetitive processes

Generators

• Interpersonal communicators
• Sell and serve
• Hospitality and entertainment

Through their schooling, part-time work, sport, volunteering and hobbies, young people are already developing the skills that will see them succeed across a variety of jobs.

What we have to do is to help them to focus on their strengths and interests.

Why not make this a bit of fun? Work-Ready has a great mind-mapping activity that will have your students focussing on their strengths and interests and exploring their dream job clusters.

The interactive ‘It’s a Brainstorm’ editorial in the EQUIPD e-magazine helps students to expand on their thinking, and come up with exciting jobs or possible career pathways they may not have dreamed of.

www.fya.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/The-New-Work-Mindset.pdf