In focus: Alternative options and pathways

There are loads of roads which will get you to Rome, some are direct and some involve a less common path. Along your travels you might even find more appealing places to visit or stay. Careers is like this. You don’t have to have a destination in mind, but it is important to have an interest in the journey ahead, a willingness to learn along your journey, some alternatives, should road blocks appear, and an idea of what you would like to try next.

The most common post-school options include employment, traineeship or apprenticeship, productive gap year, volunteering or further study, possibly at TAFE or university. And depending on the student, a career action plan may make reference to some or all of these as possible options. With good reason too! Approximately one third of people who pursue further study withdraw or make changes to where or what they study. While almost half of those commencing apprenticeships or traineeships cease or make changes. And research suggests we can expect to have around 17 employers across our career. For our Year 12s (and others) grappling with a year of uncertainty, I want to normalise something, which is reiterated by the info in the ‘Where are they now’ section of the newsletter….It is normal and very common to be unsure about what you want to try after your current role, in this case as a secondary school student. Making use of all your resources and having options on the back of good research and planning will be helpful for a rewarding future.

The following provides ideas possible for alternative options relating to further study. 

Options could be built on the basis of course and entry requirements; level of qualification, time frame and job outcomes; or closely associated professions. There are so many options and permeations in careers and pathways that this is difficult to represent, but hopefully the following provide relevant examples to demonstrate alternatives where Plan A might be considered ‘best case’ and Plan B and C and D could reflect back up options:

• Course and Entry requirements

When comparing courses, check details like qualification, majors, units, length, accreditation, etc. very carefully and choose the courses that best meet your needs and interests. 

If you are unsure, consider a general rather than specialised course or look for one with flexibility.

Also note, that ATAR is not a requirement, nor does it reflect the quality of the course, it is just a guide as to the degree of competition associated with entry into a course.

• Level of qualification

When comparing qualification level and associated jobs, use reputable industry organisations and government websites. Recent entrants/graduates to the industry or job can also be a helpful source of information.

• Closely associated professions

When comparing associated professions students may like to consider resources like Job Outlook https://joboutlook.gov.au/, Morrisby, My Future, and The Good Career Guide. These sources can help guide job prospects, additional study or placement requirements, pay, gender ratios, closely associated or linked roles, etc.

Alternative pathways to higher education

If you are considering university studies but think that you won't qualify for entry, there are a range of support programs and different pathways available to you. See MyFuture Career Insights https://myfuture.edu.au/career-insight/details?id=alternative-pathways-to-higher-education#/

The attached document (CCN Pathways Programs to University 2022) might also provide a guide for students exploring alternative pathways for 2022.

Employment: What’s the secret behind making the most of your first job?

There are so many things to think about when deciding on your first job: Will it be interesting? Rewarding? What will it pay? How quickly can you get promoted?

But a recent report from the Foundation for Young Australians highlights another question to consider: How will the experience of your first job help you get your next job?

The report says that you can expect a dizzying 17 changes of employer during your career. And you might end up working in 5 different industries.

So the key to success will be flexibility. In other words, you’ll need skills and experience that allow you to switch easily between careers.

The good news is that training for your first job will on average give you skills for 13 other jobs. But some first jobs are definitely more strategic choices than others.

Find out about your rights at work 

Learn about your rights, responsibilities, how to resolve issues in the workplace and rules about unpaid work, https://bit.ly/1Svl7DP

Learn about safety in the workplace Your rights and responsibilities - https://bit.ly/2K2AYPK and how to stay safe - https://bit.ly/2VA24j5 

Do you need a Tax File Number (TFN)? If you are planning to get a job or if you would like to study at university or TAFE next year, you will need a TFN. To start the application process, go to http://bit.ly/2aLCSjJ

Apprenticeships and Traineeships

An entry level position which combines on-the-job experience and a formally recognized VET qualification. Check out:

• AAPathways especially https://www.aapathways.com.au/aatis-blog/apprenticeship-and-traineeship-programs-for-2022-a 
• MEGT Careers Hub (registration required)
• Skillsroad (registration is helpful)

Volunteering

Looks so good on a resume! And a great skills and networking builder. Check out: 

• https://www.volunteeringvictoria.org.au/
• https://govolunteer.com.au/
• https://www.australianvolunteers.com/

Gap Year

More challenging in the current context, but still doable and of great value if a ‘productive gap year’ is undertaken such that in one year you could get an incredible amount of work, financial, personal and travel skills that employers look for.  

Study, Work, Grow has produced a handy Gap Year Guide 2022 which takes an in-depth look at what a Gap Year could mean for you, the benefits, the options and some of the important things you need to consider.

The 2022 guide covers:

• Is a Gap Year right for you? Take the Quiz - Gap Year - Study Work Grow
• Steps to planning a Gap Year
• Overseas Gap Years
• Working Gap Years
• Volunteering Gap Years
• Learning Gap Years
• Finances, COVID and much more