MY FUTURE Careers Newsletter

Short Courses & Microcredentials

Here’s how you can boost your resume with a short course 

When you’re just starting out on your career journey, having qualifications on your resume can make all the difference. Short courses are a great way to add valuable skills and certifications to your resume without needing to commit to a full degree or diploma. They show employers that you’re proactive, willing to learn, and capable of applying your skills in real-world situations. Whether you’re looking for a part-time job, a career boost, or just want to expand your knowledge, short courses can help set you apart from the crowd.

 

Employers value skills that are practical and relevant, and short courses are a way to demonstrate that you have both. From First Aid to digital literacy, these qualifications not only give you knowledge but also offer you formal certifications that make you more employable. The following are examples of short courses you can take to give your resume a competitive edge.

 

First Aid and CPR

First Aid and CPR courses are highly regarded across many industries. Employers in areas like retail, hospitality, childcare, and even corporate offices appreciate employees who can respond calmly and appropriately in emergency situations. Having this certification shows that you’re responsible and equipped to handle unexpected health and safety incidents.

 

How to put this on your resume

First Aid and CPR Certified

  • Completed First Aid training (Provide First Aid and CPR) with St John Ambulance (2023)
  • Gained skills in responding to workplace and public emergencies with confidence and care

Lifesaving and water safety

If you’re interested in working at the beach, pools, or in outdoor recreation, a lifesaving qualification is a must-have. Courses in water safety and lifesaving demonstrate physical fitness, the ability to stay calm under pressure, and an awareness of public safety. It’s a great qualification for anyone looking to work in surf lifesaving clubs, camps, or aquatic centres.

 

How to put this on your resume

Bronze Medallion (Lifesaving and Water Safety)

  • Certified in surf and pool lifesaving techniques, including rescue and first aid
  • Developed strong swimming skills and an ability to assess and respond to dangerous water conditions

Refereeing or coaching

For those involved in sports, taking a refereeing or coaching course can open doors to paid or volunteer opportunities in community sports. These courses show that you understand the rules of the game, have leadership abilities, and can manage a group effectively. Refereeing in particular demonstrates decision-making under pressure.

 

How to put this on your resume

Level 1 Soccer Referee

  • Qualified to referee junior and community soccer matches through Football UK (2023)
  • Developed conflict resolution, rule enforcement, and leadership skills on the field

Barista and Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA)

If you’re looking to work in hospitality, having barista training or an RSA certification can be essential. These courses teach you the practical skills to serve customers in cafés, restaurants, and bars. Employers in this industry will expect you to know the basics, so having this on your resume can give you a head start over others who need training on the job.

 

How to put this on your resume

Barista Skills Certificate

  • Trained in making espresso, managing coffee machines, and customer service at XYZ Coffee School
  • Developed fast-paced multitasking skills and a high standard of product presentation

Workplace safety

Workplace safety courses are applicable in nearly any industry, from construction to retail. Courses like ‘White Card’ training, which is required for construction work, show that you understand the importance of health and safety regulations and that you can identify potential hazards.

 

How to put this on your resume

White Card Certification (Workplace Safety)

  • Gained skills in identifying safety risks and enforcing safety protocols in the workplace
  • Certified in WHS (Workplace Health and Safety) requirements for construction and trade environments

STEM and digital skills

Short courses in areas like coding, data analysis, or even basic IT skills are highly valued across industries, not just in tech. Learning digital skills can set you apart in a world where technology is becoming central to many job roles. For example, courses in Excel, programming languages, or even graphic design show employers that you’re adaptable and tech-savvy.

 

How to put this on your resume

Introduction to Coding (Python)

  • Completed a 12-week online course through Codecademy, focusing on Python programming fundamentals
  • Gained practical skills in coding, problem-solving, and logic development

Environmental care and horticulture

If you’re interested in outdoor work, environmental care, or even sustainability, taking a course in horticulture or environmental management can be a great way to show your commitment to the environment. It’s also a qualification that stands out for roles in parks, gardens, and conservation work.

 

How to put this on your resume

Introduction to Horticulture

  • Learned key skills in garden maintenance, plant care, and environmental sustainability
  • Developed hands-on experience in landscaping and green space management

Cooking courses

Whether you’re considering a role in hospitality or just love food, cooking courses can provide you with valuable kitchen skills. From basic cooking techniques to food safety, these courses demonstrate that you can work in a fast-paced, practical environment. Employers in the food industry will value your ability to prepare and handle food safely.

 

How to put this on your resume

Basic Cooking Skills Certificate

  • Gained experience in food preparation, kitchen safety, and customer service through college short course
  • Developed an understanding of safe food handling and storage practices

What to do next

First, think about which areas you’re interested in – do you want to work in hospitality, sports, technology, or the environment? Then, explore the short courses available in your area, either in-person or online. Many community centres, libraries, TAFEs, and online platforms like Coursera or Udemy offer accessible and affordable options.

 

Once you’ve completed a course, make sure to add it to your resume in a clear and concise way. Don’t forget to mention the skills you gained and how these can be applied to the workplace.

 

Never stop learning

Taking short courses is a simple and effective way to boost your resume, no matter what stage you’re at in your career. Even seasoned professionals well into their careers need to learn new things or update their skills.

 

Whether it’s First Aid, digital skills, or workplace safety, these qualifications will help you stand out and make you more attractive to potential employers. Short courses are a practical step you can take now to build a resume that gets you noticed.

 

You can read more about short courses and skills on our website here.