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Many young people today aren’t sure if they want to continue their studies, enter the workforce, or begin some type of training. There are many alternative choices for both those who have completed Year 12 and for those who left school in Years 10 and 11. If you aren’t sure which pathway is right for you, here is a guide to the options that are available to you.

Options for School Leavers

2010 is the first year that students in NSW must stay in school until age 17, which ensures that all students complete Year 10 and receive a School Certificate. Raising the age will benefit school leavers, by guaranteeing that they have the maximum preparation before entering the workforce or beginning training.

Among the options available to school leavers are: enrolment in a secondary school; enrolment in vocational training at TAFE NSW; undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship; undertaking employment; or undertaking a combination of employment and training or education.

Vocational Training and Apprenticeships for School Leavers

There are many options for vocational training and apprenticeships for school leavers. Apprenticeships and traineeships are one of the best ways to get job training and qualifications. Apprenticeship and traineeship training is highly regarded by business and industry, and is government regulated.

One option is a school-based apprenticeship, in which a student will be able to complete the first year of their apprenticeship while simultaneously completing Years 11 and 12 of their schooling to receive their Higher School Certificate.

For those who are not interested in that option, TAFE NSW offers courses in a wide array of vocational areas. Many of these courses correspond to an apprenticeship program. Some of these programs will have no formal entry requirements, while others will require that a TAFE course be completed before or during the apprenticeship period.

At apprenticepower, there is a catalogue of apprenticeships available and information about common TAFE requirements for each type of apprenticeship.

Options After Year 12

After completing Year 12 and acquiring a Higher School Certificate (HSC), some students may determine that attending uni is not the right choice for them. These students have the alternative options to: search for a job; enrol in part-time study; enrol in vocational education at TAFE NSW; or, undertake an apprenticeship or traineeship.

Vocational Training and Apprenticeships after Year 12

Many students today take vocational courses as part of their HSC curriculum, so those who have completed Year 12 may already have some vocational experience. Even for students who aren’t familiar with vocational work or TAFE courses, vocational training is a great option.  This type of work and training provides a practical, hands-on approach to training and education.

Apprenticeships are available in a wide array of vocational fields, and those who have earned their HSC should be qualified to begin the training for any of these positions. Apprenticeships and traineeships, which are subject to government regulations, are well-respected by business and industry.

Completing an apprenticeship or traineeship is one of the best ways to get hands-on experience and training in the field of your choice. At apprenticepower, there is information about different types of apprenticeship programs that can help you choose which field interests you most.