School to work transition

1. Speak to your son or daughter regularly about their career aspirations. Assess where their aptitudes lie and discuss if their aspirations mesh with their ability and aspirations.

2. A part-time job from the age of 15 is an excellent way of developing a young persons’ work ethic and concept of the ‘world of work’. A word of caution however, it is important that the employer provides regular and predictable hours that do not interfere with the students study or training.

3. For students who have an aptitude and desire to enter the trades an Australian School Based Apprenticeship is an excellent way that a student can complete their senior studies and the first stage of their apprenticeship. Ask your school if they offer this option and in what trades it is possible. ASBAs are now available in every state of Australia.

4. Similarly, there are a number of School based Traineeships that students can take on through their senior years of schooling. These include qualifications in Early childhood, Retail, Business, Real Estate and hundreds of other options. Once again ask your school about possible options in this area.

5. If your school does not offer exactly what you want in terms of vocational subjects, TVET is also another good option. TVET subjects are vocational subjects that are offered by the local TAFE that allow students to complete and gain credit for their senior certificate. Contact your local TAFE for options and fee information.

6. Work experience in year 10 or the senior years is an excellent way for students to gain an understanding of a range of professional careers. Ask your school about options in this area. Work experience however does not always have to be organised through the school but if you use another mechanism make sure that your son or daughter is fully covered by workers compensation and other appropriate insurance and always personally satisfy yourself that they will be entering a safe and responsible workplace.

7. As your son or daughter gets older give them more responsibility in day to day duties. One way of boosting confidence and aptitude in dealing with others is to never (within reason) make phone calls for them that they can do themselves for example, ‘don’t ring in sick’ for them to their p/t employer and allow them to do their own research regarding training providers and education providers,etc.

8. Always maintain dialogue about their career path. Sometimes as a young trainee, apprentice or first year student it is extremely hard to maintain motivation. Help them keep their eye on their goals and affirm them at every possible checkpoint.