Many jobs in Australia are changing fast. Everyone is talking about working more productively, and new technology and methods mean the '90's worker must be able to do lots of things well. The composition of the workforce is changing, with 40% female, and the gender restrictions on some jobs having disappeared.

So, bosses and workers are joining forces to 'restructure' jobs so that employees can become more productive and competent, and are fairly rewarded for their extra skills.

Every job gives you skills. Now, thanks to new work agreements, you'll get formal recognition for the skills you gain by working, which can help you to get where you want to go.

You may start off in a lower - paid, less - skilled job, but you gradually gain the skills and experience you need to work your way up, with a pay packet to match.

Under work agreements called 'awards':

* you are guaranteed the opportunity to get regular training;

* the skills you learn on the job are assessible. Simply by doing your job, you may qualify to receive an official grading that you can take with you if you change workplaces or career direction; and

* you'll also be rewarded for on - the - job experience with regular pay increases and promotions.

So, instead of feeling 'locked in' a job there is the opportunity to use the skills already gained to help secure further employment or to assist with further formal training. You don't have to stay in a 'dead - end' job forever if you don't want to.