Pathways
Your essential guide to leaving school
Whether you're heading to university, starting an apprenticeship, taking a gap year, or diving straight into the workforce, there's a surprising amount of practical admin that needs sorting before you walk out the school gates for the final time.
We've put together some pointers to ensure that you're all set and ready leave school and leap into your next chapter with minimal hurdles. It's best to think about all these things before you leave school so you'll not on be prepared but feel ready, and you can also utilise all the resources and expertise that your school can offer rather going it alone.
Sort your digital life
These days we rely on technology for nearly every part of our lives - here's how you can make sure you won't lose any important information and prepare for what's next.
Create a personal email address
Your school email account will be ditched and any information stored in it will be unavailable to you shortly after you finish. This might not sound dramatic until you realise that universities, training providers, and potential employers will need to contact you, or you've got certificates and references in there that you'll need.
Set up a professional personal email address now (and by professional, we mean something sensible - partyanimal2007@email.com won't impress a future employer). Aim for some variation of your actual name and remember to make it secure by creating a long enough password and updating it regularly.
Once you've created it, update every account that currently uses your school email address, from your Unique Student Identifier (USI) to any external providers (e.g. if you've completed any vocational courses, university application systems, or job search platforms you've registered with).
Go through all your school emails and make sure you've forwarded anything important that you may need in future to your new personal email address or downloaded it and saved it to your Cloud, home device, or even a USB.
Audit your social media
It could also pay to set up a Linked In profile and add that to your email footer and resume. Remember to make sure any other social media profiles reflect you in a positive light to future employers and that there's nothing online you wouldn't want them to see.
Don't forget your phone
While you're at it, check your mobile phone voicemail message. If it's still the joke recording you made when you were 15, now's the time to record something more professional for when universities or employers want to get in touch.
Gather your achievements
Keep track of all the awesome things you’ve achieved by creating a portfolio. Save copies of any of your works that have won awards, certificates you've been given, references, letters of recommendation, or anything else that you've received during your school years that positively highlights your hard work and skills.
When it’s time to apply for jobs, apprenticeships, or uni, you’ll have everything in one place to show what makes you stand out. And don't forget to keep adding to it as you achieve new things - it’s your personal repository of all your accomplishments.
Update your professional resume
In a competitive job market filled with other school leavers, your resume is the first impression future employers will get of you, so yours needs to shine. It doesn't need to be fancy, just clear, honest, and professional.
Start with the basics
Make sure your resume has your name and up-to-date contact details at the top. Include a brief career objective, one or two sentences explaining what you're looking for (remember to tailor this to every application you do). For example, "Recent school leaver seeking to begin a career in hospitality" is perfect.
List your key skills
Next, think about what you're genuinely good at; perhaps you're brilliant with computer programmes like Excel and PowerPoint, or you've developed strong communication skills through group projects. Be honest here as you'll need to back these up in an interview.
Add your education history
Don't forget to include all the subjects you studied at school, any vocational certificates you've earned, and extra certifications like a first aid certificate, responsible service of alcohol, or your driver's licence.
If you've completed any vocational training, make sure you list the correct qualification codes and names. These details matter more than you might think.
Don't forget your experience
Work experience, volunteering, and casual employment also belong on your resume, no matter how minor they seem. Your weekend job at the local café or the volunteer work at the community centre demonstrates work ethic and reliability. Include the dates, the organisation's name, and a brief description of your duties.
One handy technical tip, always send your resume as a PDF, never as a Word document. PDFs look professional and won't change format when someone opens them on a different device.
Master the art of great cover letters
In addition to a great resume, it's a good idea to have a template for a stand out cover letter. Remember, you'll need to tailor it to each job advertisement specifically to match the requirements listed. Keep it brief and to the point, employers will use it to review whether or not they'll take the time to check out your resume.
If you need some help, we have some tips and a step-by-step guide you might like to check out.
Be interview ready
If you've never had a proper job interview before leaving school, the prospect can feel intimidating. The secret? Preparation. There are plenty of resources online to help you prepare, or you could ask your careers advisors or teachers for tips or a mock interview.
Do some research
Research the company beforehand to understand what they do and why you want to work there.
Practise answering questions
Prepare answers to common questions like "Why do you want this job?" and "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" Practice these answers out loud - it might feel a bit silly, but it genuinely helps.
Prepare proof of your achievements
You could also take copies of your resume to the interview, along with certified copies of any certificates you've earned. If you've completed projects or practical work, bring examples of them too (remember the portfolio we talked about before?).
Organise your outfit
You'll need to dress appropriately for the interview (even if it's online). You might have to go shopping or borrow some outfits to make sure that you're ready. Smart casual works for most situations, but research the company culture if you're unsure.
Get your personal identification sorted
As an adult, having proof of your identity is essential for pretty much everything, from employment and further education, to banking, voting, and renting.
The magic number is 100 points of identification here in Australia, which typically includes items like your birth certificate, passport, driver's licence, Medicare card, and bank account details.
You'll also need your own Medicare card (you can apply for your own from age 15 upwards). Keep your immunisation records up to date and accessible - some jobs, particularly in health or childcare, require proof of immunisation.
Make sure you have both original documents and certified copies. A Justice of the Peace (JP) can certify your documents for free; you'll find them at many schools, shopping centres, and post offices.
Don't forget to enrol with the Australian Electoral Commission so that you're eligible to vote - voting is compulsory in Australia for anyone over the age of 18.
Navigate the financial essentials
Once you're earning, you'll need to understand basic finances - your income needs to cover rent, food, transport, phone bills, and hopefully some savings. Here's some basics to get you started.
Open your own bank account
We recommend that you open a bank account if you haven't already. Research accounts designed for young people, as many offer fee-free banking or other perks such as high-interest savings accounts.
Don't forget to update your new bank account details with your employer, the Australian Tax Office (ATO), or anyone else you might receive payments from or send money to.
Look into financial support options
Whether you're planning to study, find an apprenticeship, or jump into work, there may be government payments from Services Australia to provide you with some extra money. You should also look into scholarships that you might be eligible to apply for.
If you're receiving certain payments or earn under a certain amount of money, you may qualify automatically for a Low Income Health Care Card - this can provide you with valuable discounts on prescriptions, doctor's visits, and even public transport fares.
Master budgeting basics
Learn how to create your own personal budget and get tips on how to stick to it. This skill could help you to live within your means and stay out of debt. If there's anything you're unsure about, ask your parents, a trusted adult, or even consult a professional for advice.
Don't forget about tax
If you don't have a tax file number yet, it's a good idea to apply for one through the ATO. You can't be paid legally without one, and they can take a couple of weeks to arrive.
Once you're earning, you'll also need to start completing a tax return each year. Don't worry, it's not all that hard and there's plenty of help around - this blog will walk you through all the basics.
Consider your next steps carefully
Whether you're applying for university, TAFE, an apprenticeship, or entering the workforce directly, don't wait until school finishes to start applying. Competition is fierce, and early applications often have better success rates.
For university, ensure your applications are submitted through the correct channels and by the appropriate deadlines. For apprenticeships and traineeships, register with multiple group training organisations and check their job boards regularly. Many apprenticeships are advertised months before they begin.
Don't overlook scholarships. Hundreds exist for school leavers, covering everything from academic merit to financial need, specific courses, or demographic backgrounds. The application process takes time, but the financial support can be transformative.
Build your professional network
If you don't really love the thought of professional networking right now, that's OK - there are other ways for your to begin building connections.
Before you leave school ask some of your teachers, tutors, mentors, or other professionals in your life if they'd be willing write you a reference or be a referee for you after you've left. Do the same for any employers you've had while you've been in school and even ask friends of the family or parents of your friends who know you well if you can stay in touch and let you know about upcoming opportunities.
If you're looking for work (even part-time or internships), set up job alerts on multiple employment websites like SEEK and Indeed so opportunities land directly in your inbox.
Follow companies you're interested in on social media. Many advertise positions there first, and it demonstrates initiative when you can mention in an interview that you've been following their work.
Sort the practical life skills
Can you cook basic meals? Do you know how to do laundry? Can you change a tyre? These aren't glamorous skills, but they're essential for independent living.
If you're planning to move out or share accommodation, familiarise yourself with tenancy laws and understand your rights and responsibilities as a renter.
If you're driving, understand the costs involved: licence renewal, registration, insurance, fuel, and maintenance. Budget for these expenses realistically. Public transport might be cheaper initially, even if it's less convenient.
Look after your wellbeing
The transition from school to whatever comes next could be emotionally challenging or a little stressful at times. That's completely normal. Maintain connections with friends, stay active, and don't hesitate to reach out for support if you're struggling. Most universities and TAFE institutions offer counselling services for students.
Remember to find and register with a new medical practice if you'll be moving away from home. Hopefully you won't need to use them but it's better to be prepared if you are under the weather at some point.
Take the leap with confidence
You've spent years developing skills, knowledge, and resilience. Now it's time to apply them in new contexts. Everything might not always go according to plan, that's not just okay, it's expected. The key is staying organised, remaining flexible, and continuing to learn from every experience.
Use this guide as your roadmap, tick off each item systematically, and you'll walk into your next chapter with confidence.
Ready to take control of your transition from school? Download our comprehensive School Leaver's Toolkit and start ticking off those essential tasks today.