Leaving school and wondering what's next?
Key takeaways
- Explore career options using resources like myfuture and Job Jumpstart to find jobs that match your interests and skills.
- Access free career advice sessions from Headspace and Skillsroad to get personalised guidance.
- Consider different pathways such as apprenticeships, traineeships, further education, or starting your own business.
- Use the School Leavers Information Kit to understand your options and create a plan for your future.
If you're leaving school and feeling unsure about your next steps, don't worry—plenty of resources are available to help you navigate this transition and explore careers.
What is a career?
A career is more than just a job; it includes all the learning and work experiences we have throughout our lives, whether paid or unpaid. Here are some things that can help build a career:
- Education and training, like short or online classes
- Work experience
- Involvement in community activities
- Starting your own business
- Paid jobs, whether full-time, part-time, or casual
- Life roles, like being a parent or carer
- Volunteering
- Hobbies and travel
Many factors influence our careers, such as our interests, age, education, family, cultural background, and society. These factors can change over time.
In today's world, most people won't stay in the same job for their entire lives. It's normal to change careers several times.
Free career advice
Career advice for school leavers
If you're a school leaver in Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory or anywhere else in Australia, you can access free career advice sessions tailored to your needs.
Tips
- Book a session: Schedule a career advice session with Headspace or Skillsroad to discuss your options.
- Prepare questions: Think about what you want to ask during your session to make the most of the advice.
Explore career and study ideas.
Register with myfuture to get career and study ideas and learn about different jobs. This platform can help you explore various career paths and find the one that suits you best.
Tips
- Create a profile: Set up a profile on myfuture to track your interests and career ideas.
- Use career quizzes: Take career quizzes to discover jobs that match your skills and interests.
Support for early school leavers
If you left school before finishing Year 12 and need support for your next steps, visit Start your journey at Job Jumpstart. This resource offers guidance on how to move forward and find opportunities that match your interests and skills.
Tips
- Explore options: Look into different pathways such as apprenticeships, traineeships, or further education.
- Seek mentorship: Find a mentor who can provide advice and support as you transition to work or further study.
Navigating life after school
The School Leavers Information Kit provides everything you need to navigate life after school. It covers various topics, including further education, training, and employment options.
Tips
- Read the kit: Go through the School Leavers Information Kit to understand your options. It’s available in various languages, and there are versions for:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- People with disability
- Regional, rural and remote school leavers
- Make a plan: Use the information to create a plan for your next steps after school.
Remember, it's okay to feel uncertain about the future. There are many resources and people ready to help you find your path. Good luck, and don't hesitate to talk to a teacher, a career advisor, or your Family Partnership Coordinator if you have any questions!
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