Career Pathways After School: Find Work

A paid job means an income, freedom and the chance to learn and do new things. Getting a first job is not always easy and people often have to apply for a number of jobs before they are successful.

As a parent you can provide support and advice to your child, and point them in the right direction. Help them not to become disheartened, if this process is challenging.

In career programs conducted at schools, as well as learning about themselves and the world of work, young people can also learn practical skills they will need when looking for work, such as:

• applying for jobs
• writing resumes
• interview skills
• presentation skills.

They can also experience workplace learning while they are still at school, through work experience and structured work place learning.

There are many services to help young people explore education and training options and find suitable work. While at school, careers advisers, Managed Individual Pathways coordinators, year level and subject coordinators can help. After school, Centrelink services can provide information about the options that may be available to help your child, including income support and job seeking assistance.

Skills needed

Today, employers are looking for young people that are "ready for work". What employers are interested in, and what they are looking for, are employability skills. These are skills needed to function in a wide variety of life and work settings. They are not technical skills, but are skills that allow people to do their jobs well. They include:

• communication skills
• teamwork skills
• problem solving skills
• taking initiative and being enterprising
• planning and organisation skills
• self management skills, including time management skills
• ability to learn and understand quickly
• ability to use and adapt to new technology.

Future job markets

In planning a career consider which skills will be in demand in the future. Currently there are shortages in areas requiring technical and trade skills such as electricians, bricklayers, carpenters, chefs and more. There are also shortages in nursing, accounting and health.

More information

For related website information, see:

• Centrelink – provides information for people looking for employment and study and training opportunities and financial support
• Job Guide – describes around 600 different jobs and the qualification or training needed to do them. You can also work out which jobs best suit your child, based on their interests and abilities
• Job Outlook – includes information on future job prospects, average weekly earnings, skills needed for work tasks and typical work activities
• myfuture – an Australian online career exploration and information service that helps people find out about career options and plan for their future
• Year 12 What Next – shows you the options that are open to your child if they complete Year 12
• Youth Central – detailed information on finding work, applying for jobs, starting a business and employment rights and responsibilities.