APPLYING FOR A JOB
Apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships are usually 4 years and traineeships 1 year. You attend TAFE one day a week and work 4 days a week.
You must find an employer to take you on first before you can register with TAFE.
Group training companies match employers with possible apprentices and trainees. You are employed by the training company so if your employer can no longer take you on, the training company will find you another employer.
Ask around for a position by approaching employers directly, employment agencies, the internet, and group training companies
TAFE sometimes offers pre-apprenticeship courses for you to gain skill in certain areas while you are still looking for an apprenticeship.
Getting the job
Gaining a first job isn't always easy. People often apply for quite a few jobs before being successful - but they usually have a better chance of finding a job if they have completed Year 12, or an equivalent qualification.
RESUMES
A resume is a written record of your skills, work experience, education and personal details. It can also be called a curriculum vitae or a CV.
What does a resume tell an employer about you?
All your good points (so you don't forget them in an interview due to nervousness)
Sample Resume (pdf 318KB) : Tips for setting out Resume (pdf 80KB) : Resume Template (pdf 101KB)
REFEREES
A referee is a person that an employer can contact to get more information about you. Do not include relatives (unless they have employed you) or school mates (they are biased!).
Important - Always ask a referee's permission to include them as a referee, before you apply for a job.
INTERVIEWS
An interview gives you and the employer the opportunity to discuss your interest in, and ability to undertake the job. It is an opportunity to convince the employer of your potential as an employee
An opportunity to find out more about the job you want and about the employer and his or her company.
Going to TAFE
Follow the steps below to get the best chances of enrolling into a course you want:
- Call the TAFE Hotline 13 16 01 for general information, or contact the individual TAFE colleges directly and speak to the course information officer or the head teacher of the faculty area you are asking about.
- Make sure you attend open days.
- Are you able to get credit for study you completed at school in your area of interest? Ask about credit transfer (recognition for prior learning).
- There is usually an information session regarding each course. Make sure you take your youth allowance forms with you (if eligible) or money for administration fees.
- For application courses (popular) you need to complete a separate application form.
- TAFE NSW
Going to university
You can apply for your chosen university through:
- standard entry on the basis of your HSC results
- special or alternative entry
- advanced standing entry (credit transfer or credit for prior learning ).
- applications are processed through the University Admissions Centre (UAC)
- applications open during August and must be completed by the end of September by completing an online application form.
- Make sure you attend University Open Days.
More information available on the UAC website:
- How to apply
- ATAR
- Alternative Entry
- Choosing Courses
- Admission Requirements
- University Costs
- Scholarships
Universities in NSW:
- Australian Catholic University
- Charles Sturt University
- La Trobe University
- Macquarie University
- Southern Cross University
- University of New England
- The University of New South Wales
- The University of Newcastle
- The University of Sydney
- University of Technology Sydney
- Western Sydney University
- University of Wollongong.
Choosing a university - some useful sites:
Going to a private college
Jobjump
Looking for a job
The best method is to ring, write, visit and ask.
Looking for a job is very competitive, especially for Year 10 or 12 school leaver students who enter the job market at the same time. It is going to require initiative and active searching on your part to get the job you want.
Some points to remember are:
- You must be prepared before you engage in your search, i.e., you must have your job interview folder completed and must have investigated the area of work you are searching for
- You should extend your job search to as wide an area as possible
- You might have to move to a different area if the jobs which you are looking for are not in your area
- You can expect some rejections, but don't let this get you down
- Be prepared to start 'at the bottom' and expect to have to work hard to make your way to the top of your profession.
Student exchange programs
Study abroad in more than 25 countries with World Education Program (WEP) Australia. WEP programs offer you a transformational learning experience hand-in-hand with unsurpassed quality of support and attention to every student and family.
TVET
2022 TVET Applications are now closed. Late applications cannot be accepted as the online portal is now closed.
Volunteering
White card courses
Students undertaking Work Experience or Work Placement in any Trade eg. construction, electricial, plumbing etc MUST complete a Safe Work NSW accredited White Card Course.
NO ONLINE White Card courses will be accepted.
This course is 7 hours and costs $120.
Work placement/Work experience
Students undertaking Work Experience or Work Placement in any Trade eg. construction, electricial, plumbing etc MUST complete a Safe Work NSW accredited White Card Course.
NO ONLINE White Card courses will be accepted.
Youth Pathways
Youth Pathways Network
http://www.youthpathwaysnetwork.com.au/
Youth Pathways Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/youthpathwaysnetwork
Youth Pathways Careers Resource Book
http://www.youthpathwaysnetwork.com.au/careers-resource-book.html