STUDENTS
SF4NQ - Skills on Show Careers Expo
Thursday 22nd March
Student comment "THE BUZZ IN THE AIR MADE IT THE MOST EXCITING CAREERS EXPO WE'VE BEEN TO. I SAW JOBS I DIDN'T KNOW EXISTED" - go to the testimonial tab to hear what students said.
Take Control: Make your future work for you!
Being a teenager these days can be tough. Teens of today deal with huge amounts of pressure - especially when trying to decide what to do with their future.
Teens have to cope with the pressure of fitting in with those around them, the pressure of living up to parents' expectations and the pressure to make the right decisions.
Every teen fears the question "So what are you going to do after you finish school?" and answering with "I dunno" because you're not sure of what the right decision for you is yet.
There are so many options out there that it can be very overwhelming trying to figure out what you want to do when you finish school.
The good news is that with the introduction of the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) in 2008, you now have more training and career options than ever before.
The QCE gives you flexibility within school to create a learning program that matches your career goals, allowing you to take control of your own future. It is also the perfect opportunity to try out some career paths if you are unsure about what it is you want to do.
In order to gain your QCE you must achieve 20 credit points from a number of course options, including the traditional Queensland Studies Authority (QSA) subjects and vocational training programs.
A great place to start is with a school-based traineeship or apprenticeship. While everyone else is looking for work when they leave school, you will already be off and running. These are also a great way to gain not only the relevant qualifications you will need to get your career started but also valuable on-the-job experience and a foot in the door with potential employers.
There are more options out there than you realise! When talking about vocational training everyone automatically thinks of the traditional trades like plumbing, hairdressing, carpentry etc. And when considering university everyone knows about law, medicine, accounting etc.
But did you know about the PARAPROFESSIONAL job opportunities out there? If you aren't looking for a trade, if you don't have the OP needed to get into uni or uni just doesn't interest you then there are many options for you in this area!
Paraprofessional jobs allow you to achieve Certificate and Diploma level qualifications but have somehow been ‘invisible' in career counselling for teenagers. Don't limit your options by limiting your thinking! Remember, every lawyer needs a paralegal and every dentist needs a dental assistant!
Every industry has a number of opportunities in paraprofessional pathways that you may never have even considered - so think outside the square when thinking about your future. Take the time to research industries that you are interested in and ask questions. It could end up being the path to the dream career you never thought you could have!
Talk to your teacher about your options.
- Use the SF4NQ school resource booklet "steps to career planning".
- Get your permission form signed and return it to your teacher.
- Do up a resume and bring it to the expo.
- Talk to employers about work experience, leave your resume with those that interest you - AND FOLLOW UP.
- MAKE THE MOST OF THIS OPPORTUNITY
