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Your high school journey is racing toward the finish line—exciting, right? But what happens next?

After the celebrations fade and the memories start to settle, most students ask themselves: “Where do I go from here?”

 

Whether you’re finishing up in Year 11 or 12, stepping out of school is the beginning of a brand new chapter—and it’s all about shaping your future.

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The good news? You’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed by choices. There’s a world of opportunities waiting for you, and that can feel like a lot—but it’s actually an advantage!

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Here’s the best part: Every pathway you see ahead can lead you to your goals. So take a deep breath, explore your options, and remember—whatever you’re dreaming of, there’s a way to get there. Your future is yours to create!

University

If you are set on going to university, it's important you consider what "going to uni" actually involves and whether or not it's right for you.

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You can get assistance from the government to lessen the financial burden. What that also means, however, is that studying in uni can lead to a HECS HELP or FEE HELP debt, which you'll begin paying off once you begin work.

The shortest degree takes about three years to complete, so anyone heading into uni needs to know they're postponing travel - and earning money - for a little while. You can always defer for a semester or two, but that'll only push your graduation date further away.

Now, there are some jobs for which you absolutely need a university degree e.g. doctor, lawyer, teacher and engineer.

Then, there are jobs for which degrees aren't essential, but prospective employers will request anyway. If there's a specific profession you're aiming for, have a look through some relevant job ads to see if there's any application criteria.

VET - TAFE & Apprenticeships

Uni isn't for everyone. The good news is that there are plenty of learning opportunities outside of university for students to consider.

Vocational Education and Training (VET) covers the different pathways that can help you get skilled up for a range of industries and careers without university.

TAFE, Registered Training Organisations (RTO) and apprenticeships fall under the VET banner. TAFE, for instance, is where you can get certificates and diplomas (which can also help you to cross over to university, but also skill you up for particular vocations). RTOs are Registered Training Organisations that also offer certificates and diplomas. And then there are apprenticeships, which offer you hands-on experience in your chosen profession.

There are a lot of benefits to these options. For instance, there are certain jobs for which you'll require a certificate or diploma not available at university, and this might be the only way to learn about — and get qualified for — certain trades. 

As with uni, you'll get to work with experts and get on the job training alongside practicing professionals. You'll also get to earn while you learn, taking home a payday for your study.

Certificates and diplomas usually take between one to three years, meaning you can enter the workforce sooner, if that's what you're hoping to do.

These study options are also slightly cheaper than those at universities. HELP is still available, mostly, but be wary as some courses require up-front payment.

Work

For some, the transition to work right after high school will be a permanent one, and that can be another pathway to your dream career.

You may start casual, which means flexible, usually minimal hours. There's also part-time, which is for roles that only require you to work a few hours or days a week, and full-time, which means you'll be working around 38 hours a week in your role. 

There are also Fly-In, Fly-Out work opportunities, usually on mining sites, and shift work, which can mean work for multiple days in a row or at unusual hours.

There are plenty of benefits to working: You get to start earning money immediately and begin building your superannuation, which is money set aside from your pay to help you later on in retirement. 

You'll gain some great experience and learn how to navigate professional environments, which is its own very valuable skill.

Some employers — like the Australian Defence Force and others — offer their own pathways towards qualifications, so you can start work and still be on track to get a degree or diploma.

GAP YEAR

Gap years have plenty of benefits: They get you out of the study bubble and help you gain some life experience, either by leaving home to see the world, or by putting others first through volunteering.

Working helps you save money, if you want to move out before studying, or pay off your travel without having to take out a loan.

Even the 'chilling' option helps you reboot if you're burnt out from study, and gives you the time and mental breathing room to think about what it is you want to do with your life. And in all these scenarios, the hours can be pretty flexible.

Still, if you're not working, a gap year can be expensive. Also, when it comes to working, your options will be limited without a qualification. You might also find yourself a year behind your peers when it comes to study, if that is the pathway you want to return to afterwards.

Though this may sound very, very tempting, a lot of thought and certainly some deep discussions with your parents need to take place before you agree to a gap year. No matter what, use your gap year productively

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