Pathways to Secure Employment

The annual leaving school ritual is upon us, where a select few who have achieved highly in the final exams are lionised and will probably go onto exciting, important careers.

And while we obsess about school rankings and ATAR scores, the majority of students will be thinking about a job and how they will get there.

Not everyone will enter or will want to enter the professions but there is a huge demand for people with practical skills who can contribute to the massive public works planned for NSW and indeed all over the country, meaningful jobs that are also well paid.

“Year 12 graduates hinging their future on specific HSC results should consider apprenticeships and traineeships to gain a head start in life,” says Apprenticeship Careers Australia National General Manager, Luke Radford.

Radford explains that, “The country is experiencing a national skills shortage in most sectors, there has never been a better time to enter the workforce. Through pre-employment or traineeship and apprenticeship programs, participants gain practical skills, nationally recognised accreditation with real-world experience.”

Apprenticeship Careers Australia not only provide opportunities in traditional trades, they have recently commenced facilitating programs in the Healthcare sector, servicing community care, disability support, and aged care, where demand is at an all-time high.

“With the current and forecasted shortfall in health workers, training in this area will strengthen an individual’s employability well into the future, it can set them up for life.” Radford said.

There are also local state-based opportunities like the NSW Government Infrastructure Traineeship Program, which is providing Year 12 school leavers from 2021, and 2022 the chance to participate in business, project management, and procurement traineeships.

Unlike the university experience, which is characterised by a lack of money, trainees who are accepted will be walking into a paid, stable job that will open up a wide range of career options upon completion.

Two years of full-time paid work, while studying 1-2 days per week will lead to a Nationally recognised Certificate IV-level qualification from TAFE NSW.

Apprentices will gain workplace experience they can take anywhere with nothing to pay for their qualification, which contrasts with the university pathway. There is a February 2023 start so successful applicants can enjoy their summer first. The program is available in Metro and Regional areas across NSW.

Radford adds “These projects are massive infrastructure developments; they provide a unique opportunity to be part of something big. School leavers have more options than ever, it’s an exciting time to be starting your career, with many options to choose from.”

For more visit Apprenticeship Careers Australia www.apprenticeshipcareers.com.au or call 1300 765 155.