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What Opportunities Do High School Leavers Have?

By Lumify Learn Team | November 9, 2023

Every high school graduate faces a crossroads; a pivotal moment where they must decide which path to take in their journey to a bright and fulfilling future. Choosing which path to take can be a daunting task, as each option comes with their unique set of challenges and opportunities.

If you’re a high school leaver, you may be wondering where you need to go next after graduation. In this blog, we will discuss some of the exciting opportunities that young people like you can take advantage of, and how you can benefit from them. We will also talk about how Lumify Learn can make the transition from high school to your dream career easier and faster.

What Career Pathways Can You Take After High School?

University Education

Choosing to go to university is a well-trodden path for high school leavers seeking a deeper understanding of their chosen field and the potential for career advancement. University offers a wide range of academic programs from liberal arts to highly specialised disciplines, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests and career goals.

Some key aspects of university education to consider include:

Academic rigor: Universities provide a comprehensive curriculum that includes theoretical knowledge and critical thinking skills. This can be valuable for professions that require in-depth expertise or research.
Networking opportunities: University campuses are hubs of academic and social activity, providing students with opportunities to network, collaborate, and make connections that can be instrumental in their future careers.
Career development services: Most universities have career centers that provide guidance, job placement assistance, and internships to help students transition smoothly into the workforce.
Personal growth: University is not just about academics, as it's also a time for personal growth, independence, and self-discovery. It can be a transformative experience that helps students become well-rounded individuals.

Traineeships and Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships and traineeships represent dynamic alternatives to traditional education, offering students a distinctive route into the professional world.

Apprenticeships involve a structured combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction, allowing students to learn and earn simultaneously. Typically lasting about four years, apprenticeships cater to a wide range of industries, from skilled trades like carpentry and plumbing to more modern sectors such as IT and healthcare. This hands-on approach enables students to acquire practical skills directly applicable to their chosen career path while receiving a wage for their work.

On the other hand, traineeships are shorter-term programs, often spanning from a few months to two years. They follow a similar model, blending on-the-job training with classroom education, but with a stronger focus on helping students develop valuable skills required for a particular job (including soft skills like communication and social skills). These programs are particularly valuable for those who wish to gain quick, specialised training and dive into their desired career swiftly.

Apprenticeships and traineeships help people succeed in the following ways:

Real-world experience: Students can gain practical, on-the-job training, and experience in the workplace of their chosen field from experienced professionals and training providers.
Earning while learning: Trainees receive a wage or stipend during their training, helping them cover their expenses and become financially independent.
Deep expertise: Students can develop a profound understanding of their chosen career path, making them highly competitive in the job market.
Mentorship: Students benefit from the guidance and mentorship of seasoned experts who can provide invaluable insights and support.
Versatile opportunities: Apprenticeships and traineeships span various industries, from traditional trades to cutting-edge sectors, offering a broad spectrum of career possibilities.
Job readiness: Students acquire practical, job-ready skills that prepare them for a successful and satisfying career.

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

VET programs (like the courses Lumify Learn offers) are designed to provide students with the practical, hands-on skills needed for a seamless transition into the workforce. Unlike traditional academic routes, VET focuses on equipping individuals with the immediate, applicable expertise required for a successful career start.

One of the standout features of VET is its versatility. These programs span a wide spectrum of industries and professions. VET is not limited to a specific field but rather offers pathways in areas such as healthcare, IT, hospitality, construction, and more. This versatility allows students to align their passions and aspirations with an array of potential careers.

Students are thriving in VET as a career pathway for a number of reasons, including:

High demand for skilled workers: Many industries and employers are facing a shortage of skilled workers, which means that VET graduates are in high demand. This is especially true in industries such as IT, construction, and healthcare.
Good job prospects and salaries: VET graduates typically have good job prospects and can earn competitive salaries. According to a recent report, the median annual wage for workers with a vocational training credential in Australia is $56,000. This is higher than the median annual starting salary for graduates from bachelor’s degree programs, which is $54,000.
Hands-on learning: Because VET programs focus on hands-on learning, students gain the opportunity to develop the skills they need to be successful in their chosen careers. This can be a major advantage over traditional college graduates, who may have more theoretical knowledge but less practical experience.
Shorter training time: VET programs are typically shorter than traditional college programs, which means that students can enter the workforce more quickly. This can be especially beneficial for students who are eager to start earning a living.
Affordable tuition: VET tuition is typically more affordable than college tuition. This can make VET a more attractive option for students who are concerned about the cost of education.

Gap Year

A gap year offers students the opportunity to take a break from formal education to explore the world, gain work experience, or engage in personal growth. It's a chance to step off the academic treadmill and discover one's interests, passions, and independence.

During a gap year, students can explore various paths such as:

Travel: Many students use their gap year to explore new cultures, languages, and experiences by traveling abroad. This not only broadens their horizons but also enhances their understanding of the world.
Volunteer work: Engaging in volunteer work allows students to give back to communities in need, develop essential life skills, and cultivate a sense of social responsibility.
Work experience: Some students opt to work during their gap year, gaining valuable job experience and earning money to fund their future education.
Personal growth: A gap year can be an ideal time for self-discovery, self-improvement, and building character.

This break from the traditional educational path can contribute to personal development, the acquisition of practical life skills, and the clarification of career goals. Taking a gap year is a unique opportunity to step outside the classroom and learn from real-world experiences, ultimately helping students thrive when they eventually return to formal education or start their careers.

Which Career Pathway is Right For You?

Choosing the right pathway after high school is a deeply personal decision that must align with your interests, aspirations, and current situation. Let’s take a look at some key factors to consider when determining which pathway might be the best fit for you:

Personal interests and passions: Consider your hobbies, interests, and the subjects you enjoyed most during high school. Your chosen pathway should allow you to pursue a career that aligns with your passions.
Career goals: Think about the type of career you want to have. Some professions may require a specific educational path, while others are more flexible when it comes to requirements.
Financial considerations: Take a look at your financial capacity and consider the costs associated with each pathway. University education, for example, can be more expensive than vocational training or apprenticeships.
Timeline: Consider your desired timeline for entering the workforce. If you want a quicker job entry, apprenticeships or vocational education could be for you. Or if you have a strong desire to explore the world and gain a deeper understanding of your own interests and aspirations, taking a gap year might be the perfect choice for you.
Learning style: Do you thrive in hands-on practical settings, or do you excel in academic, theoretical environments?
Industry demand: It’s important to research the demand for professionals in your chosen field. Some industries may have a higher need for specific skills and qualifications.
Long-term prospects: Consider the long-term prospects of your chosen pathway. Will it lead to opportunities for advancement and growth in your career?

It’s important to remember that your choice isn’t set in stone. Many individuals explore multiple pathways during their educational and professional career. You can always switch paths or continue your education later should your interests and circumstances change.

Lumify Learn: Empowering You for Career Success

If you’re considering taking the vocational education path and want to start a career in IT, there’s no better option than Lumify Learn. We offer industry-relevant and nationally accredited courses in the following domains:

You can choose from certificates to diplomas to boot camps, whichever fits your interests and career goals.

Our courses are conducted by trainers and mentors who have many years of experience in their respective fields. Aside from teaching you the lessons, they will also guide and assist you throughout your learning journey by answering your questions, providing feedback, and sharing relevant insights and tips.

Completing a course with us could also make you eligible for a 33% credit towards a Bachelor IT degree course in select universities. This helps you save time, effort, and money by getting a head start on your degree. You can even participate in our exclusive Lumify Edge program, which will connect you to opportunities on the most in-demand skills in Australia.

To know more about the exciting and rewarding career paths in the IT industry, and how our courses can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need, download our free eBook and get ready to transform your future!

Take the first step to your dream career. Enquire with us on a course today.