School students — What's your plan?

We all have different kinds of smarts — most of us actually have all kinds, but some are stronger than others. Take a look at these smarts, and think about which are your strongest — this will help guide your decision making about what kind of work will suit you, and also help you feel more confident about what you have to offer a future employer.

You probably have more than one of these smarts, but it's likely one or two are stronger than the others. Take a note of which smarts you think are your strongest.

Sometimes it's easy to focus on the things about ourselves that we don't see as positives, but the way other people see you can often be quite different to how you see yourself.

It's important to know what people like about you, and how they see you, because this is how you'll discover things about yourself that you didn't realise. There could be all kinds of great things about you, that you don't know! Here's some ideas for how to go about finding out.
 

• Ask a close friend what they like about you. Why are they your friend? 
• Ask your friends how they would describe you to someone who doesn't know you. 
• Talk to your family about how they see you — bearing in mind they may see or know a different side of you than your friends see or know.
• Find out how people feel around you, what kind of "vibe" do you give? Do you come across as friendly, or a bit standoffish? Are you chatty and open, or more quiet? 

Of course you'll need to be prepared to hear some things that you weren't expecting — maybe even some things you don't like. But it's better to know, so that you can look at ways to change any negative perceptions. For example; if someone says you can be intimidating, ask for specifics — is it the way you speak, your body language, your voice? All feedback is useful, and can help you to make sure that people are seeing your best you. 

Having interests is important — not only do your interests say a lot about you, but they also help you to make connections with other people. And when it comes to planning your future, you're more likely to be successful and feel fulfilled in a career that aligns with something you're personally interested in. 
 

• Do you love sports? Maybe you should pursue a career in sports administration, or something like personal fitness or coaching. If you're keen to take an academic route, a career in sports science or even as a sports physio might suit you.
• Are you into science? Many careers of the future will be in scientific fields, and there's a huge range of careers to choose from! Perhaps you would like to work in a laboratory testing, analysing and creating things? Or maybe you also have an interest in the environment — you could become an environmental scientist or work in conservation. The options are endless! 
• Do you love technology? The obvious career would be in information technology and communications — maybe as an IT specialist, a programmer, a software developer or game designer, or even in cyber security — but most jobs require a level of tech savvy, as technology is fast becoming part of many industries such as mining, engineering, building and construction and in the business world. 
• Are you a fashionista? How about a career in fashion design? You may also enjoy working in a retail fashion store, or even in a field such as journalism for a fashion magazine. You could turn your passion for fashion into a fantastic career!
• Do you love being outside, in nature? Great — there's so many career paths you could take! Conservation and land management involves working in environments such as rivers, oceans and on land and offers a range of job opportunities. Or perhaps you would like to work in agriculture — on a farm, growing crops? There's also the horticulture industry, which also offers a range of job opportunities. 
• Do you love animals? Perhaps a career as a veterinarian, or as a vet nurse? Or you could study to be a zoologist, or work in animal rescue, or even set a goal to own your own dog grooming business or run a hobby farm business. So many options!
• Are you into food, or cooking? Maybe a career in hospitality would suit you — you could be a chef, or run your own catering business or even one day own a restaurant or bar. Hospitality is a huge industry in Australia, with a fantastic range of opportunities, so if you have interests in this area you should definitely consider it for your future career.
• Do you love to travel? The tourism industry in Australia, and all around the world, is vast and diverse with a wide range of career options available. Although travel and tourism is impacted currently by the global COVID-19 pandemic, if you start planning now and do some training you'll be job ready when the industry comes back to life and the job opportunities are flowing. 

This is just a few examples... what's on your list of interests? Take a moment to note some of your favourites.

Fair enough you're still at school, so you may not have a lot of work experience yet, but you still have a whole bunch of skills already... maybe you just don't know it! As part of your lifelong learning, skills are gained through life experience — not just from education and training or work — so it's important to recognise the skills you do have as they are directly transferrable and relevant to any workplace. 
 

• Do you do jobs around the house, like cleaning or mowing the lawn? 
• Have you done things like babysitting, or been involved in things like fundraising or events in your community? 
• Are you a handyperson? Do you know how to do things like minor car repairs or little fixes around the house? 
• Have you done any volunteer work, or are you a member of a club or group? 
• Do you use a computer at home or school? Are you a gamer? 

These are just a few examples of things that require skills — think about the kinds of things you have done or know how to do, and make a note of the skills you have used or gained through these experiences. 

We all have personal values — things that we are passionate about, and things we believe in for ourselves and/or others. When considering your future plans, it's important to focus on the type of work that isn't going to compromise your values or conflict with your ethics in a way that you won't be comfortable with. Here are some examples.
 

• Do you enjoy taking direction from others, or do you prefer to work more independently?
• Is health and fitness important to you?
• Are you a person of faith?
• Is it important that you can have a healthy work-life balance?
• Are you against testing products on animals?
• Would you want to continue studying throughout your life, for example doing TAFE courses or going to university? 
• Are you a vegan, or vegetarian?
• Is family a priority, could you work long hours or be away from home?
• Do you feel it's important that the work you do is valued?
• Is it important that you will have opportunities for promotions and career progression?

Take a moment to note down any of your personal values and/or beliefs that could come into play for your future job and career. 

In today’s competitive job market, having the right skills and qualifications is important. Vocational education and training (VET) provides practical skills and knowledge aligned with the needs of industry and business, through nationally recognised qualifications, to prepare you for getting a job. 

VET programs can:

• develop your employability skills (for example; communication and problem solving skills);
• give you industry specific skills and an understanding of the world of work; and
• help you to explore and plan your career options.

There are a range of VET courses available, and you can even do a VET course while you're still at school so that by the time you complete Year 12, you will already have a qualification. 

Who provides the training?

VET can be provided at your school, at a TAFE college or registered training organsiation (RTO), or in a workplace. Some VET programs use a combination of these training options.

What sort of qualifications can I get?

VET programs range from Certificate I and II level, which are designed to give you skills and knowledge to get started in your job and career, through to Certificates III and IV for more in-depth training and been Diploma and Advanced Diploma levels for specialised training and high level skill development. A VET qualification is recognised nationally, so wherever you go your qualification will be recognised.

VET or university?

For some jobs — for example; in the medical field, or teaching — you will need a university degree. University training is typically more academic in nature, with theoretical and group learning, with applied learning in labs when relevant. VET is more practical in nature, and covers a range of occupations including trades, to get you job ready. VET can provide excellent pathways into university; however for many people a VET qualification is all that's needed to get into a job or career. We recommend speaking to a career professional to help with the decision about which is the best option for the career goals you want to reach, or contact your local Jobs and Skills Centre on 13 64 64 for free information, advice and support about training and career planning. 

VET programs funded by the Department of Training and Workforce Development

WA TAFE colleges and some private VET training organisations are funded by the Department to deliver a number of fee-free places to secondary students, in industry supported VET qualifications that are aligned to the State's industry needs, to help students achieve their WACE. Courses that may be available are listed in the Department's VET for secondary students funding policy.

Please note that the options available for home-educated students are different. 

Please visit our Still at school? page for further information

If you’re currently a secondary school student, you have the opportunity to study a nationally recognised vocational education and training (VET) qualification while still at school under a VET Delivered to Secondary Schools (VETDSS) program. If you do a VET qualification while you are a full time secondary student, this may also count towards your Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) so you can leave school with your WACE and a qualification — ready to kickstart that career! Some VETDSS options include paid employment as part of the program. 

What can I study?

There's a large number of VET courses available for secondary students — from agriculture and automotive; to hospitality and retail; through to information technology, healthcare and a range of trades — and your school will have different qualifications to choose from.

We recommend speaking to a career advisor or VET coordinator at your school to help with the decision about which is the best option for the career goals you want to reach, or contact your local Jobs and Skills Centre on 13 64 64 for free information, advice and support about VETDSS and other training options.
 

• Visit our school students training page to see the VET options available while you're at school

How does VETDSS work?

Depending on the qualification you choose, and the way your school sets up the program, your VETDSS program will work in one of the following ways.
 

• Institutional-based training (IBT) — This enables you to complete a VET qualification without a formal employment arrangement. The training can be delivered at your school, or at a TAFE or registered training organisation (RTO) — or a combination of both — and your qualification likely counts towards your WACE.
• Pre-apprenticeships and pre-traineeships in schools — These are Certificate II programs that give you the relevant skills and can provide a pathway to an apprenticeship. You will continue to attend school, but also attend training at a TAFE college or registered training organisation for your VET program. You will also be placed with an employer for on the job training, so that you can gain hands-on skills and experience. Both programs count towards your WACE.
• A school-based apprenticeship or traineeship (SBAT) — These are employment based training programs for full time school students. With an SBAT, you  will get paid for your employment so not only are you gaining job ready skills and experience but you can earn while you learn. A TAFE, RTO or your school will provide training that complements the work you do. SBATs count towards your WACE.  
• Aboriginal school-based training (ASBT) — For Aboriginal students, an ASBT offers two pathways: employment based training (as per a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship); or institutional based training. There is no cost to you for the training*
• VET industry specific (VIS) courses — These programs combine a VET qualification with workplace learning and may contribute to the WACE requirements. 

*Some eligibility conditions apply, and you may need to pay for items such as tools or text books for your course. Please check with your school for information about this.

The Aboriginal school-based training program (ASBT) is for Aboriginal students in years 10, 11 and 12. The ASBT program aims to help Aboriginal students gain the skills to keep studying after school or get a job. This program is a good option if you need to develop your skills a bit more before doing an Aboriginal school-based apprenticeship or traineeship. Finishing an ASBT course may help you get your Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE). 

There are two options:

1. a training program to get you ready for work or further study; or
2. an Aboriginal school-based apprenticeship or traineeship.

Both options are available in metropolitan or regional Western Australia; however, not all schools offer the ASBT program. You will need to check if it is available at your school. 

You will do your training at school or at a TAFE or private training provider, or a combination of both. Depending on the option you choose, your VET program may include part time employment for on the job training, and you will be paid for this. You will not pay any course or resource fees for your training, but you may need to buy tools, protective clothing and/or text books for your course. 

Aboriginal school-based apprenticeships and traineeships 

This option is available for full time Aboriginal students who are at least 15 years old and ready to do a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship.  As an Aboriginal school-based apprentice or trainee you will go to school, and do training at a TAFE or private training provider. You will also work part time, so that you can get on the job training and experience with support from an employer in your industry area — you will be paid for this. 
 

Please visit our Still at school? page for further information

Pre-apprenticeships (PAiS) and pre-traineeships in schools are Certificate II level qualifications that have been approved by industry as suitable for secondary school students. Both programs give you the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills to give you a head start on an apprenticeship or traineeship, but they will also give you entry-level skills and knowledge to help you find work and kickstart your career.

Pre-apprenticeships and pre-traineeships in schools are available in a range of trades and industries including automotive; hospitality; tourism and landscaping; and a range of trades areas including automotive, building and construction, electrical, manufacturing, hospitality, tourism, landscaping, health, and community services — to name just a few! 

In a pre-apprenticeships or pre-traineeship in schools program, you will attend school; do your training at a TAFE or private training provider; and complete a work placement with an employer in your chosen industry. With both programs, you can:

• do your training while still completing your WACE, and receive VET credit transfer towards your WACE; 
• gain valuable workplace experience; and
• receive credit towards an apprenticeship or traineeship, if you choose to continue on this path and secure a job with an employer.

A list of pre-apprenticeships and pre-traineeships in schools is available here

You will not pay any fees for your pre-apprenticeship or pre-traineeship training at school, but you may have to buy uniforms, protective equipment, text books or trade equipment/tools if these are required for your chosen course. Please check with your school's VET Coordinator or career advisor for more information about this.

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBA or SBT) are paid employment-based VET programs — at Certificate II or III level. In an SBA or SBT you will be a full time student at school, and also be employed part time in an industry workplace for on the job training so that you can gain hands on workplace experience — you will be paid for this work. SBATs are an excellent option to kickstart your career in your chosen field.  Depending on how your SBAT program is set up, you will work and train on the job with your employer and may also train at a TAFE or registered training organisation for one or two days a week, and spend the other days at school completing your Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE). 

There's over 250 SBATs available in a wide range of industries and trades including manufacturing, electrical, tourism, building and construction, business, information technology, animal care, healthcare, engineering, automotive, sport, hospitality and retail and business, and in primary and food industries. For an up to date list of qualifications that are available as an SBAT in Western Australia, please refer to the Register of Class A/B qualifications and look for a "Y" in the "School-based" column.
 

• View the current Class A/B Register - external site

The Guide to Western Australian school-based apprenticeships and traineeships has been developed to help you understand more about how SBATs work, and what's involved in undertaking an SBAT while you're at school.  The guide provides detailed information on the key aspects involved in a school-based apprenticeship and traineeship (SBAT) arrangement — including a clear explanation of how the employment component works — as well as a range of examples of SBATs in practice.  It also provides links to fact sheets and other relevant information and websites.   View the SBAT guide - external site

Workplace learning is a structured and formalised program for students in Years 11 and 12.

Through these programs, you have the opportunity to gain practical on-the-job experience through a work placement with an industry employer, which can give you valuable skills and experience in a field you're interested in. This also can contribute to your Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE).

Find out more on workplace learning from your school, or visit the School Curriculum and Standards Authority website - external site.

If you would prefer to leave school to pursue your career goals, a pre-apprenticeship or pre-traineeship is an excellent option.

A pre-apprenticeship or pre-traineeship is a Certificate II program that includes a work placement component, coordinated by your TAFE or training provider. You will get industry specific training, combined with hands-on experience in a real workplace, to gain valuable industry skills and knowledge that will prepare you for employment and make you more competitive when applying for jobs or if you choose to continue on to an apprenticeship or traineeship. It also gives you an opportunity to find out whether a particular industry or type of work is right for you.

Do I have to do a pre-apprenticeship/traineeship to get an apprenticeship/traineeship?
No, there is no requirement to have completed a pre-apprenticeship or pre-traineeship before starting an apprenticeship or traineeship. However; if you do go on to an apprenticeship or traineeship you may receive credit for the units you have completed, which could shorten the time it takes to complete an apprenticeship or traineeship. Employers will also value the skills and knowledge that you have already gained through your pre-apprenticeship or pre-traineeship, which can give you an advantage when applying for an apprenticeship or traineeship.

There are many pre-apprenticeship and pre-traineeships courses​ on offer at TAFE colleges and training providers throughout Western Australia, in a wide range of industry areas. Please visit our Pre-apprenticeships and pre-traineeships page to find out more.
 

Some types of work require specialist skills and knowledge or you'll need to be trades qualified — these jobs are offered through an apprenticeship or traineeship. In an apprenticeship or traineeship, you combine work with training for a nationally recognised qualification — you're employed, so you'll earn while you learn, and you come out not only skilled and experienced but also with a nationally recognised qualification. 

Apprenticeships typically take three to four years to complete and traditionally cover skilled trade areas such as automotive, engineering, electrotechnology, and building and construction. An apprenticeship is a structured program with a combination of on the job training, where you gain hands-on skills and knowledge, and off the job training at a TAFE or training provider. Your off the job training may be scheduled on a weekly or monthly basis (eg; one day per fortnight), or as a block release across the year — for example; you might work full time for six weeks and then do a two-week block of training. Upon successful completion, apprentices become a qualified tradesperson. You will be paid as an employee during your apprenticeship.

Traineeships can take between one to two years to complete and offer a broad range of vocational and occupational choices — anything from business and finance, human resources, multimedia and information technology, through to sport and fitness, agriculture, hospitality and civil engineering. A traineeship is a structured program with a combination of on the job training where you gain hands-on skills and knowledge, and off the job training at a TAFE or training provider. Your off the job training may be scheduled on a weekly or monthly basis (eg; one day per fortnight), or as a block release across the year — for example; you might work full time for six weeks and then do a two-week block of training. You will be paid as an employee during your traineeship.

To do an apprenticeship or traineeship, you must be employed. So how do you find an employer?
 

• Contact your local Jobs and Skills Centre on 13 64 64. Your local JSC works closely with employers, and they know where the apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities are. They can also provide free information, advice and support to help you choose the best option for your career goals and even assist you with preparing a resume and applying for jobs.
• You can go out and find an employer yourself, search for advertised opportunities, or contact a company directly. Many employers run regular apprenticeship and/or traineeship recruitment programs, so if you have a particular employer in mind you can check their website to see when the next opportunities will be available. 
• There are a number of Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) providers in WA that are funded by the Australian Government to provide advice and assistance to help you find an apprenticeship or traineeship and organise everything to get you started. 

You can find out more on our Apprenticeships and traineeships page here, and there's also some great information on the Australian Apprenticeships website - external site about finding an apprenticeship or traineeship; including some useful tips for how to approach employers.

If you're considering an apprenticeship or traineeship, another great option is to go through a group training organisation (GTO). GTOs employ apprentices and trainees across a range of different industries — you are directly employed by the GTO, but they 'host' you out to an employer for work. This can be a great option as you may have the opportunity to work with more than one employer during your apprenticeship or traineeship — giving you a wider range of experience. GTOs are experts in hiring apprentices and trainees, and are regulated to make sure they are doing the right thing by their employees.

Step 1: Register with a GTO
You can look through our list of WA GTOs here, and check their information to find what industry/sector and/or type of apprenticeship or traineeship they specialise in. The next step is to register with the GTO (you can register with as many as you like) so that they have your details if a suitable vacancy arises.

Step 2: Recruitment process
You will have an initial interview with the GTO, so that they can find out more about the type of apprenticeship or traineeship you're looking for and discuss options. If you are suitable, the GTO will either offer you an apprenticeship or traineeship or let you know when one becomes available.

When you start your apprenticeship or traineeship, your GTO will help you prepare to meet your host employer. They will also provide any pre-employment training that's required; such as workplace health and safety, and the basic personal protective equipment (PPE) needed for the role. 

After you start your apprenticeship or traineeship, the GTO will assign you a field officer who will be your direct contact point if there's any issues or if you have any queries about your apprenticeship or traineeship. Your field officer will also monitor your training and work, and check in to make sure that everything is going smoothly.

All aspects of your apprenticeship or traineeship through a GTO are the same as any other apprenticeship or traineeship — it's really only the actual employment arrangements that are different; ie you are employed and paid by the GTO rather than by the company where you're doing the apprenticeship or traineeship. 

TAFE colleges are located across Western Australia, with over 55 campuses and over 1,000 courses.

TAFEs provide a range of nationally recognised and accredited vocational education and training courses, and offer an adult learning environment where you will receive mentoring and support from industry-qualified lecturers. 
 

• To find out more about TAFE, and what each college offers, please visit our TAFE page

There’s a number of private registered training organisations (RTOs) across Western Australia. These private providers offer a range of VET courses, and many of them also support VET in secondary schools programs.

Some private RTOs receive funding through Jobs and Skills WA to deliver subsidised training — their details are included on our course list so that once you’ve found a course you’re interested in, you can look for a private training provider that suits you.
 

• Visit our course list - external site

If your career plans are for a professional occupation — for example;  in the medical field, specialised engineering or computer science — you may need to gain a university level  qualification such as a degree.  

You can browse the following WA university websites to see what they offer.
 

• Edith Cowan University (ECU) - external site
• Curtin University - external site
• Murdoch University - external site
• The University of Notre Dame Australia - external site
• The University of Western Australia (UWA) - external site

You can also speak to your local Jobs and Skills Centre to find out about how vocational education and training (VET) qualifications can provide you with a pathway into university, and potentially reduce the amount of time it takes to get a degree. Call your local centre on 13 64 64 for free advice and information on training and career options. 

If you're looking to build your skills, knowledge and experience to improve your career prospects — or to find out more about working in a particular field — there's other options you can consider.

Want to set up your own café one day? Skill up by learning the ropes at a local coffee bar to find out what it's like. Want to work in a world-renowned hotel or resort? Start at a smaller, less famous place and learn everything you can while you're there. Want to own an auto repairs business in the future? Try helping out a local mechanic to skill up with some hands-on experience.

Having work experience will make you much more confident when you go for that dream job.

Work experience
Although generally unpaid, work experience can be a fantastic way to get hands-on practical experience in a particular field or occupation. Employers value skills and experience, so this can give you an advantage when looking for work.

Internships and cadetships
An internship or cadetship is work experience combined with on the job training while studying for a professional, managerial or office career – similar to how people studying trades qualifications do an apprenticeship. An internship or cadetship can be done by secondary school students as well as those studying at college or university, and they're a great way to skill up. 

Internships are generally short term, and are usually unpaid. They may lead to employment with the company but there’s no guarantee of this. An internship or cadetship is a great addition to your resumé.

Volunteering
Doing volunteer work is like work experience, but it's usually with a group or community organisation rather than a business. For example; you could volunteer at an animal shelter, or an aged care home, or with an environmental group looking after waterways or bushland. Many hospitals and schools look for volunteers, as do charity organisations. Not only does volunteering help you skill up by getting hands-on experience, but you're also making a positive contribution to your community. 

Volunteering WA - external site is a good place to start looking for opportunities.

Do something related
Really want to be an information technology (IT) specialist? Skill up by getting experience on an IT help desk, providing support to computer users, and you can transfer these skills and knowledge when the right opportunity comes up to be an IT expert!

Want to be a nurse? Skill up by working as an orderly where you'll learn a lot about patient care and how hospitals run. This type of experience would be really useful when you apply to get into a nursing course. Maybe your career goal is to be an office manager, so try applying for positions such as an administration assistant where you can skill up and get experience that will enable you to work your way up to a management position.

Most people who are now in a professional role will tell you they started with something lower level and then worked their way up the ladder over a few years as their skills and experience grew. Apply this approach to your career plan — start small but think big — and you will be on your way to that dream job!