Learning Curve
If the career you want to follow requires further study, you have to determine
where and how you would like to achieve those qualifications. University
and TAFE are not the only options.
There are independent colleges and institutions, registered training organisations
and even a range of short courses at community centres that can help you
get where you want to go.
Your interests and skills can play an important part in your decision as
can your performance in certain subjects at school. For example, if you
were good at maths you may decide to be an accountant. But going to university
to do a degree may not be on your agenda.
You may prefer to study at night and work, so looking for an internship
program with an accountancy firm would be a better avenue to follow, or
enrolling in a TAFE Diploma program that also provides higher education
pathways.
Volunteering
Volunteering overseas is also a popular choice, especially if you really
want to immerse yourself in a new culture. It may not be everyone’s
idea of a holiday, but volunteering for aid organisations or community organisations,
both at home and overseas, can be extremely rewarding.
It can also give you practical experience in the field in which you are
thinking of working. For example Environmental Science students
taking part in a volunteer conservation program gain invaluable
hands-on experience which may even lead to paid employment, or those thinking
of taking up teaching as a profession can see if working with children is
really what they thought it would be if they decide to volunteer their time
in an educational program.
International Volunteers for Peace:
www.ivp.org.au
Gap Australia:
www.gapaustralia.org
Australian Volunteers International:
www.australianvolunteers.com
AusAid, Youth Ambassadors:
www.ausaid.gov.au/youtham
Take time out
Jumping straight into work or into further study aren’t the
only options available when you finish Year 12. Taking time out
to travel, work or volunteer is becoming much more popular and
can benefit you in the future. A lot of employers look favourably
on job candidates who have travelled and worked, believing the
experience they get can help them in their careers.
There are lot of things you can do if you decide to take a Gap
Year. There are books and websites about working programs overseas
and how to get the necessary visas. The work you do doesn’t
have to be related to the career you may be thinking of pursuing.
In fact, the type of work available depends on the country in which
you choose to go to. Traditional travellers’ jobs include
hospitality, fruit and vegetable picking, teaching English, child
care and working in ski fields.
The Defence Forces have a new one year GAP scheme. For more information
visit:
www.defencejobs.gov.au
You can find out more about overseas work through newspapers and
magazines, travel brochures, the internet, fellow travellers, hostels,
government-run employment service and recruitment agencies.
www.liveworkplay.com.au
www.iep.org.au
www.owh.com.au
www.statravel.com.au
Hot Jobs
According to industry studies, the Community Services and Healthcare sector
will experience the fastest record of growth than any other industry over
the next five years. In fact, the sector is expected to account for 24 per
cent of all new workforce growth.
Another similar study revealed there were still 60,000 unfilled
skilled positions across construction, automotive trades and metalworkers
and 39,000 across building and engineering, accounting, auditing,
healthcare and computing.
Research has also revealed that the Transport & Logistics
Industry has many unfilled positions and is seeking young people
to enter the industry. For more information visit: www.tlisc.com.au
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