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.
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.
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.
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.
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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