Do a personal stocktake
Getting to know yourself a little better will help you find out
which career is right for you. The first thing you should do is
carry out a personal stocktake. Think about all your strengths,
weaknesses, skills, talents, likes and dislikes. Make a list of
everything you know about yourself – and ask people close
to you, like parents and teachers to help you. Also, talk to your
school careers advisor.
Maybe your mum’s impressed by your cooking skills and your
teacher admires the way you help others. All these observations
help you see a clearer picture of yourself.
Once you’ve made your list, think about matching your skills
and preferences to jobs. If you enjoy working with children, consider
teaching or childcare.
If you have an artistic streak and love playing computer games,
consider training to become a game scriptwriter or animator.
Your list might look something like this – only longer:
- I like bushwalking, surfing and being outdoors.
- I’m a valued member of the school football team.
- I’d like to do more travelling.
- I’m a bit of perfectionist.
- I get my highest marks in maths and science.
With their love of the outdoors and strength in science, this
person might consider an environmental career where they could
do research, fieldwork or go into management.
All the environmental jobs you can think of are at www.environmentaljobs.com.au
Now it’s your turn. For all the career ideas you can think
of check out www.myfuture.edu.au ,
where you can even do a career assessment on-line.
What skills and qualifications will I need?
Find out how you can achieve your goal. Do you need a university
degree, a vocational qualification or can you learn on the job?
Do you need to complete any prerequisite subjects?
Factor in what kind of learning suits you. If you don’t
like academic study, don’t pursue a university degree. Find
out if you can get the skills you need in a different way - through
TAFE or on-the-job training. You can always move between university,
TAFE and vocational education and have your prior study and experience
recognised.
Do I have to finish school to get a job?
In short, yes. While it's possible to get a job, apprenticeship
or traineeship without completing year 12, you are likely to be
overlooked in favour of candidates with more skills, training or
experience. This doesn't mean you have to sign up for years
of study. You can start learning a trade or craft through a school-based
apprenticeship in years 10, 11 and 12.
School-based apprenticeships mix study with technical training
and paid employment, and are nationally recognized. Also, many schools will be setting up Trade
Training Centres as part of a Federal Government program to address skill shortages.
Ask your careers counsellor what’s on offer at your school. Explore the
different options at www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/student/school-based.asp
There are also 24 new technical colleges in Australia. These were
built specifically to deliver year 11 and 12 school based apprenticeships
in major skill shortage areas. Find out if there's one in your
area at www.australiantechnicalcolleges.gov.au
 
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