Has your child finished school and is still deciding what to do next? Skillset’s Youth Connect program offers free, customised career advice to help school leavers plan and achieve their training and career goals. If you’re looking for guidance, make an appointment with one of our career consultants today.
In the meantime, here are some short and long-term options to consider:
1. Find a Paid Job
There are plenty of job opportunities for school leavers, especially in regional NSW where businesses are actively looking for staff. Entry-level roles often require only a Certificate I or completion of secondary schooling, making them accessible for recent graduates.
If your child is ready to start working but doesn’t know where to begin, Skillset has a range of local job vacancies.
2. Consider Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to gain experience, build confidence and develop soft skills like teamwork and time management. It also looks impressive on a CV and can help school leavers explore different industries.
Opportunities can be found through:
- Volunteering Australia
- SEEK Volunteer
- NSW Volunteering
- Local organisations such as Meals on Wheels or community centres
3. Undertake a Course
Further study can open doors to new careers. Options include:
- TAFE NSW for vocational training
- Microcredentials for short, industry-relevant courses
- Online learning platforms like FutureLearn, Open Universities Australia, Coursera, edX, Google Digital Garage, Microsoft Digital Skills and LinkedIn Learning
Microcredentials are a great way to upskill quickly and earn a certificate that can be added to a CV.
4. Explore Apprenticeships or Traineeships
An apprenticeship or traineeship allows school leavers to earn while they learn, gaining practical experience and nationally recognised qualifications. Many programs are government-funded, reducing financial barriers.
Leaving school is a big step, but there are plenty of pathways to success. Whether it’s finding a job, volunteering, studying or starting an apprenticeship, Skillset can help your child make the right choice.
Contact us today to learn more about our Career Support programs and how we can support your school leaver’s next move.
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Skillset would like to acknowledge and pay respect to the traditional custodians of the lands on which we work.We are honoured to be on the ancestral lands of those whose cultures are among the oldest living cultures in human history. We pay respect to the Elders, past, present and to the younger generation of the community who will be the future leaders in years to come.