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What if I don't want to finish school?
Research shows that if you finish school, you’re more likely to get a job. But if academic study isn’t for you, there’s now a broad range of vocational education and training you can opt for as part of your year 11 and 12 studies.

School-based apprenticeships mean you can start working towards a trade during school hours, mixing study with technical training and paid employment. You may be able to complete these apprenticeships at one of the Federal Government’s 25 new technical colleges. Find out if there’s one near you at www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au.

These new colleges offer apprenticeships in areas where there is a need for more workers – metals and engineering, automotive, building and construction, electro-technology and commercial cookery.

Because it’s hands-on, vocational education and training is an excellent way to quickly find out if a job is really for you.

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Research your career choices
So you have a career in mind. Your first step should be to find out what qualities and qualifications you’ll need. Talk to your careers counsellor about it.

If you need to study at university or TAFE, there may be prerequisite subjects you need to complete at school. Find out about the course requirements early on to avoid disappointment.

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What if I don't have a career in mind?
Don’t worry if you’re not sure what you want to do with your life just yet – there’s plenty of time to decide. The choices you make now won’t lock you in for life. And don’t be afraid to have big dreams. Maybe you’ve always wanted to run your own specialty car business, or you’ve dreamt of writing the scripts for your favourite TV show. Make contact with the TV production company or the local car garage and see if you can get some work experience. That way you can find out if the job really suits you.

If you’re still stuck for ideas, check out some careers websites like www.myfuture.edu.au or www.graduatecareers.com.au.

Other sites like www.jobsearch.gov.au showcase hundreds of different jobs, quote weekly wages, job prospects, and suggests where you can go for training.

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Skills every worker needs
These days qualifications alone are not enough. Employers want motivated workers with good communication and organisational skills. They want people who show initiative and can work as part of team. Having a sense of humour will also hold you in good stead.

In some sectors jobs are constantly changing, so being flexible and adaptable is really important. Twenty years ago mechanics would never have encountered cars with on-board computers. These days they are commonplace and mechanics have to frequently retrain to keep up with the technological advances.

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Find out about skill shortages
It’s worth monitoring which Australian industries need more workers.The mining industry is booming in Australia at the moment and other sectors like healthcare are crying out for qualified personnel. If you get the right skills to work in these areas, you’ll have lots of job opportunities.

Skills in demand include: engineering, pharmacy, registered nursing, automotive trades, agriculture, mining, construction trades and health professions.

Up to date information on the skills in demand can be found at www.jobsearch.gov.au by scrolling across to the 'good prospects' button.

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Overview Career Advice

TRAINING
Excom Education
Forest Works
Green Corps
NIDA
Spatial Sciences Institute
Thomson Education Direct
World Education Program Australia
Worldskills Australia
Australian & NZ Institute of Insurance & Finance
Australian Institute of Building Surveyors
Australian Institute of Fitness
Australia Institute of Landscape Architects
Construction & Property Services Industry Skills Council
EE-Oz Training Standards
EF High School Year Overseas
CAREER/WORK OPPORTUNITIES
MBA (NSW)
McDonalds Australia Ltd
Meat Industry (MINTRAC)
Minerals Council of Australia
Service Skills Career Gateway
Skills for the Future
Beaurepaires
workplace.gov.au (Indigenous Australians)
AFL Sports Ready Ltd
Australian Defence Force
BP
Brumby's Bakeries
Coles Myer
Dept of Employment - Job Juice
Housing Industry Association
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