High School Survival Guide
No uni? No problem!
By Tammy Sofranic
If you are not keen on studying for a few more years or investing money in education, it doesn't mean that all doors are closed! Not everyone is meant to go to uni, and that is okay, there are plenty of exciting career pathways to pursue.
Let's check out some of the options that are out there.
APPRENTICESHIPS
An apprenticeship is a structured training arrangement, which usually lasts three to four years. The training combines practical experience at work with complementary off-the-job training with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
On successful completion, you are issued with a nationally recognised qualification and you have on-the-job skills, which are highly regarded by many employers.
Need more info about apprenticeships? Check out this video!
Traineeships
A traineeship is a training agreement between the trainee and their respective employer: the employer agrees to train the trainee in a specific industry, and the trainee agrees to work and learn.
Traineeships are available for people of all ages and usually last between one to two years (but can last longer), depending on the vocation and certificate level undertaken.
VET
No, not with animals! Vocational Education and Training (also known as VET) provides practical workplace-specific skills and knowledge. VET training in Australia can provide you with a wide range of academic qualifications, and there are hundreds of courses in various industries on offer.
Undertaking a VET course means you could study for roles in office management, retail, technology, marketing, electrical work, hospitality, construction and even areas management.
The courses are usually designed by relevant industry professionals with first-hand experience in their teaching role. They are ready and able to provide authentic, quality support and advice.
Internships
An internship is a period of work experience offered by an organisation for a limited period. Internships can be both paid and unpaid. Unpaid internships are short-term placements, for example, working for two weeks over the holidays. As an unpaid intern, you’ll mainly be observing rather than doing meaningful work. You may also get learning, training or skill development. Paid internships are graduate positions offered by employers.
Internships are beneficial because they can give you the sort of on-the-job experience that you can’t get in a classroom and will be a valuable addition to your resume.
Volunteering
There is so much more to volunteering than just working for free!
If you need the time to re-think your future, there is no better way to use it than to serve your community. Through volunteering, you can help others, make yourself feel better, learn new skills and meet new people. As the old proverb goes, if you plant good things, good things will be harvested.
Work experience
Work experience is any experience that a person gains while working in a specific field or occupation, but the expression is widely used to mean a type of volunteer work that is commonly intended for young people — often students — to get a feel for professional working environments.
TAKING A GAP YEAR
Gap years are very common, understandably so! A lot of people need the time to reflect and get to know themselves better before deciding on their career path. However, the pandemic changing our lives over the past year, it has also impacted the freedom and exploration possibilities during the gap year. However, not everything is cancelled and we're sure you can find something interesting to do and expand your horizons!
