Career Pathways After School: Continue with Further Education and Training
For young people that want to continue their education after leaving school, there are several options available. These include:
No matter what option a young person chooses, the Victorian Government guarantees all eligible Victorians a government subsidised place in a diploma or higher vocational education training course of your choice through the Victorian Training Guarantee. For more information, see: Get Funding - The Victorian Training Guarantee
Training through Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Vocational Education and Training (VET) is education that is directly related to getting a job and is generally assessed by the student’s competency or ability to do the tasks necessary for that particular job. These courses can be undertaken at a Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institute, at a University or through a Registered Training Organisation. These courses are good for people who like practical and hands on instruction with a clear outcome or purpose.
In considering TAFE as an option, it is important to explore the course requirements including any prerequisites. You and your child need to consider:
- what study would best suit their abilities and interests
- which course at which TAFE institute is the best option
- what costs will be involved in TAFE study and how these can be met
- the costs of living, possibly away from home
- the opportunities for work after completing the course.
The career and course information centres at any TAFE can offer advice on studying at TAFE.
For information, see:
- Technical and Further Education (TAFE)
- Skills Victoria's Get Training
Further education at University
About 30 percent of students go directly to university from school to do a degree or diploma course. There are however alternative pathways by transferring from recognised VET studies or undertaking bridging or foundation programs to help prepare students for university courses.
In considering university it is important to explore the university and course requirements including prerequisite Year 11 and 12 subjects. You and your child need to consider:
- what study would best suit their abilities and interests
- which course at which university is the best option
- what costs will be involved in university study and how these can be met
- the costs of living, possibly away from home
- the opportunities for work after graduation.
The career and course information centres at any university can offer advice on studying at university.
For more information about applying and attending university, see:
More information
For information, see:
- Beyond School 16+ – outlines opportunities for further education after your child has left school
- Careers and Transitions – outlines the range of programs available to schools to assist young people on their pathway from school to further study or work
- Career Support for Students with a Disability – explains the additional support available to assist young people with a disability to follow a career path
- Community Involvement in Vocational Education and Training - Local Learning Education Networks (LLENs) are designed to improve the education, training or employment outcomes of young people between 15 and 19 years old
- Leaving School Early – explains reasons for staying in school and who can help
- Managed Individual Pathways – program to assist all students 15 years and over to develop an individual Career Action Plan with associated support as a means to continued education, training or full-time employment
- Planning a Career With Your Child – explains what a career is and the importance of having career conversations with your child
For related website information, see:
- Adult Community and Further Education (ACFE) Board – the ACFE Board promotes individual and community development through learning
- The Australian Apprenticeship Centre – helps people find their local Apprenticeship centre as well as general information and a step-by-step guide to finding an apprenticeship
- Skills Victoria's Get Training – outlines the range of training available in Victoria, including finding the right training course for a job
- Job Guide - this Commonwealth Government website describes around 600 different jobs and the qualification or training you will need to do them. You can also work out which jobs best suit your child, based on their interests and abilities
- myfuture – an Australian online career exploration and information service that helps people find out about career options and plan for their future
- Related Career Websites – contains a list of related career links and resources
- Skills Victoria’s Skills and Jobs Outlook – information about work opportunities now and into the future
- Victorian Training Guarantee – through this, the Victorian Government guarantees all eligible Victorians a government subsidised place in a diploma or higher vocational education training course of their choice
- Year 12 What Next – the Commonwealth Government website shows you the options that are open to your child if they complete Year 12
- Youth Central – this website includes detailed information on finding work, applying for jobs, starting a business and employment rights and responsibilities.