If you’re feeling bored due to COVID-19 self-isolation, consider online learning. COVID-19 is a human tragedy, affecting millions of people across the world. It is also having an increasing impact on the global and Australian economies. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, two-thirds of businesses across all sectors have reported a reduction in cash flow or revenue. Around the same number have indicated they have suffered decreased demand for their products or services, and one in ten said they had paused trading altogether. 

The impact of the crisis on the Australian labour market has also been dramatic and multifaceted. Reduced work hours have been reported by 25 per cent of businesses with 19 employees or fewer, and 34 per cent of businesses with 200 or more employees. And experts believe the economy will be in ‘hibernation’ for some time to come. 

As a result, many of us are spending more time with children who are no longer physically at school. And some of us are negotiating the challenges of working from home. However, the COVID-19 crisis also presents a unique opportunity to up-skill and re-train some of Australia’s labour force – from home! 

The COVID-19 crisis continues to evolve rapidly, and nobody knows the intricacies of the impacts. But the reality is things will eventually change. And if you have the time, it’s a unique opportunity to learn a new hobby or up-skill in a subject that could positively impact your career. Here we look at some of the areas that have most been impacted by COVID-19, and where future opportunities may lie.

Childcare Sector 

According to a recent industry report, preschools are being ‘moderately’ affected at the moment by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is partly because fear has influenced many parents’ decisions to keep their children at home. This in turn has reduced the demand for many preschool services. 

However, the Federal Government’s Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package (which at the moment offers free childcare to essential workers), is expected to help retain staff and keep early childhood centres operational over the coming months. The package is also likely to support the continual growth in demand for childcare services, which will continue once the challenges of COVID-19 are over. 

Read more about online learning in Children’s Services here.

Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Sector

The downturns due to COVID-19 in these sectors have eventuated due to many factors, including border closures, restrictions on domestic travel and the mandatory cancellations of public events. Bans on international travel to Australia have also caused many tour operators to suspend or even end their operations.

Before the advent of COVID-19, the accommodation and food services sector accounted for 8 per cent of Australia’s jobs. Now, and according to a report issued by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, around 70 per cent of businesses have reduced work hours, and about 43 per cent said they had placed staff on unpaid leave, including standing them down.

The travel and tourism sector was also one of the biggest in the country, employing over 5 per cent of the country’s workforce, and due to COVID-19, it is now expected that ticket numbers will be down 25 per cent – if not more – in the coming months. 

However, despite these challenges, the industry will eventually regain its vitality. After all, people love to be entertained, visit new destinations and enjoy life-changing experiences. And once COVID-19 is over, they will again –, and the industry will need the workforce to make that happen.

Read more about online learning in Hospitality, Tourism and Events courses here. 

Psychology/Counselling Sector 

The Australian government has continually stressed the importance of social distancing, self-isolation and/or quarantine to assist with ‘flattening the curve’ during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, one of the devastating downsides to this behaviour can be confusion, anger and traumatic stress. This is particularly the case if it is combined with acute loneliness, a loss of income, limited access to necessities or an increase in alcohol consumption or domestic violence.

According to Job Outlook, the Health Care and Social Assistance sector was already expecting strong job growth over the next five years until 2023. This was partly due to the ageing population, the NDIS and the growing demand for home-based care services. Given our current circumstances, the demand for mental health services will no doubt rise even more, and the industry will continually need trained experts with the skills to assist those most in need. 

Read about our Psychology and Counselling online learning courses here. 

IT Sector

The internet is changing right before our eyes, with the amount of data traffic across Australia rising while we endeavour to stay at home. From video conferencing for work and ‘live’ chats with extended family to streaming content while self-isolating, many of us are more online than ever before. 

Additionally, with more people working remotely, internet speeds are being challenged, and cybersecurity has become even more critical. However, these demands also present new insights and the scope for new technologies and digital skills. Our point? The internet is at full throttle, and IT experts have become and will continue to be, even more in demand. 

Read more about online learning in IT courses here.

Other Sectors

Online learning during COVID-19 is a great way to enhance your CV, increase your confidence and keep your mind active. From the retail, fitness, beauty and hospitality sectors, to business-related sectors like sales and marketing, admin, HR, government, transport, manufacturing and finance, if you’re looking to up-skill or embark on a new career, we’ve got the course for you. 

We also offer a range of self-development courses that will help with your job-hunting skills, including how to build your self-esteem and get your finances in order. Our courses can even assist you if you’re looking to change your career direction or inspire you to start your own business when the challenges of COVID-19 are over.

Are you looking to enter the workforce, up-skill or change career direction after COVID-19? Let us ease the burden on your hip pocket with 15% off all of our courses in April! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Offer available until 30/4/20