If you’re a student, the decisions you make now won’t lock you in forever. But there’s still lots to consider before you finish school. Whether you’re thinking about going to uni, doing an apprenticeship, or starting a job, the Department of Human Services offers a range of support for school leavers.
-
Go to uni or TAFE
Further study can help hone your skills and give you expertise in a speciality area. You can base your study around your interests—whether you want to follow your talent in music or experiment as a scientist. University or TAFE is a great way to get the knowledge you need for specialised work.
If you’re studying an approved course full time, you might also be eligible for a payment from Centrelink to help with your study costs. You might get:
- Youth Allowance if you’re a student aged 16-24, or
- ABSTUDY if you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student.
2. Do an Australian Apprenticeship
An Australian Apprenticeship gives you on the job experience as well as further study. Plus, you can get paid while you train. There’s a broad range of apprenticeships, so you can follow your dream—whether it’s the next MasterChef or House Rules champ.
You might also be eligible for financial assistance from Centrelink to help with your study costs. If you’re doing your Australian Apprenticeship full time, you might get:
- Youth Allowance if you’re a student aged 16-24, or
- ABSTUDY if you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student.
3. Enter the workforce
Maybe you’re done with the books and ready to enter the workforce. You’ll need a resume ready to go. You can get tips for resume writing, help to prepare for job interviews and to look for work. See tips to prepare for jobs and find careers on the Department of Jobs and Small Business Job Jumpstart website.
If you want to do work experience, you can get help to do this through Youth Jobs PaTH on the Department of Jobs and Small Business website.
You might also be eligible for assistance from us while you’re looking for work. If you’re 21 or younger and looking for work or unable to work you might get Youth Allowance as a job seeker.
4. Take a gap year
If you need to take a break to decide what’s next, that’s OK too. Doing some different jobs, taking time out or going travelling can help you figure out which path to take.
If you work during your gap year and then do further study, you might be able to get a student payment as an independent student. Read more about Youth Allowance or ABSTUDY.
More information
- Read more about different pathways for students after secondary school on our website.
- Meet some of our 2018 students to see the different pathways you can take after school and the support options available.
