In focus: Post-school transitions and maximising outcomes
The value of understanding school to work transitions
The changing world of work actually means that young people are increasingly finding this to be quite a complicated time in their lives. Instead of making one or two transitions between school and work, they might be taking up to 15 (NCVER). While there appear to be five common pathways, research has highlighted that the pathways young people take are diverse, individualised and complex. We all want our young people to thrive in the future, so having an understanding for the complexities associated with the school to work transitions can be beneficial.
LSAY provides a great graphic summarizing 25 years of youth transitions https://www.lsay.edu.au/publications/search-for-lsay-publications/25-years-of-lsay-infographic
TIS provides a video recording of the recent session Transitions and moving away from home Q&A webinar https://www.tis.org.au/webinars/
BBLLLEN School Leavers Resources
Our local LLEN has provided some handy materials for school leavers. Printed copies of the attached resources will be distributed to Year 12s soon and are available on the BBLLLEN website https://bawbawlatrobellen.com.au/resources/
School Leavers Information Kit and Information Service
The kit has a range of resources and information to help you understand all your education, training and work options. While the information service aims to provide more tailored support or guidance.
Website https://www.yourcareer.gov.au/school-leavers-support/
Call 1800 CAREER (1800 227 337)
SMS 'SLIS2020' to 0429 009 435
Main post-school options: Have you considered, one or a combination of the following…?
- Employment
- Productive GAP
- Volunteering
- Traineeship/Apprenticeship
- Further study at TAFE
- Further study at University
- Further study at Private Institution
Key resources: Have you checked…?
- Services Australia – Leaving School https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/subjects/leaving-school
- Your Career – School Leavers Information Kit and Service https://yourcareer.gov.au/school-leavers-support/
Mrs Martin’s (Careers and Pathways Coordinator) availability: Do you need some help with your options and next step…?
- Mrs Martin works Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, bookings via the Careers Doc on Simon
- Thursday 16 December 10am -1pm available in person for 2021 Year 12s, Jericho 10
- Change of Preference Period 16 - 20 December via email emartin@mscw.vic.edu.au or leave a message on my school phone 0356226246 and I will call you back as soon as practical.
- January Offers Friday 14 January from 2pm – 5pm via email or phone, and checking these at intervals following Offers release.
- February Offers and Subject Change Requests, back to normal school hours (Tues – Thurs)
Remember...
Students who do best at university or TAFE or in the workforce are not necessarily those with the highest ATARs but those with persistence, determination, organisational and self-management skills that are also assertive in asking for help. Make sure you choose a course or next step you will enjoy and are interested in; otherwise you may experience problems with motivation. Form friendship groups with other students so you can be active in groups that discuss work and share ideas. Students that are engaged in learning communities and networks have a more positive further study experience.
The maths graduate turned carpenter showing university isn't always the answer to get a job you love
Ellie Farrington felt like she only had one option for what to do after high school, and it didn't involve learning a trade.
The now-27-year-old started an architecture degree at university before switching to mathematics, but when she graduated, she still wasn't sure she'd made the right choice.
"I took a year off and worked in hospitality and travelled and did a lot of thinking about what the next step was for me," she said.
"And that was really the first time that I had the thought to undertake an apprenticeship."
Farrington is now a qualified carpenter in Toowoomba and was named the 2019 Queensland Apprentice of the Year. Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-10-26/the-maths-graduate-turned-carpenter-university-trades-apprentice/11638646
This article is a reminder that pathways are diverse and complex and that finding a career that you love may take time, self-discovery, research and experiences.
Pathways Programs to University in 2022
There are many different ways to get to the same destination, and that applies to university too. Sometimes students do not quite meet the entry criteria to go straight into a university course – maybe their ATAR was not high enough, or they did not attain the minimum study score in a prerequisite subject. The encouraging thing is that many universities have recommended pathway courses to degrees they offer. Mrs Martin is able to provide advice to students about pathway programs.
The attached document also provides some common pathways programs available for 2022.
Tertiary Study – How can you balance university, work and life? Or perhaps you are interested in making a GAP year work? Or maybe the benefits of volunteering for your career?
My Future has a range of useful, easy to read articles providing advice on these, plus many other areas relating to careers in their Career Insight section. Given this is a free online resource, all students (and their loved ones) are encouraged to make use of this handy resource. www.myfuture.edu.au
Further study resource – Beyond School Study Guide
The Australian Government resource called ‘Beyond School Study Guide’ aims to assist students and families in understanding Government support available to them when pursuing vocational and higher education study after school.
It also outlines the differences between public and private education institutions, vocational and higher education, and what financial support is available.
Year 12 students
University applications, please take the time to check you are up to date with your university applications. You can download a 2-page checklist via https://bit.ly/3GP3IpJ
And please utilize the attached Change of Preference document
TAFE applications are open for most TAFE institutes and private providers. Competitive courses may have early closing dates so it’s advisable to start your application as soon as possible.
Apprenticeships and traineeships, do you know the process? Could be worth check this website, Steps to an Australian Apprenticeship - AAPathways and keep in mind it’s important to sign up to local Apprenticeship Network Providers. They will be able to assist you with your search. You can find their contact details via www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/apprentices
Gap Year Programs, Year13 have put together a list of companies that offer working holidays, travel, and volunteer gap year programs, https://year13.com.au/explore/travel
Volunteering, beef up your resume, give back to the community, make connections, develop career ideas, and boost your employability skills through volunteering. Search for opportunities via https://govolunteer.com.au/