June 11, 2020
by Bev Johnson Leave a comment

How to Blitz Your Apprenticeship Interview

Companies are preparing their 2021 apprenticeship vacancy ads. The competition will be fierce. These tips will help you to be competitive.

Do you shake hands now?

I now wonder what to do when I meet someone. Do I nod, shake hands, smile and make eye contact?

Leave it up to the interviewer.

It will be hard to get to the interview stage. If you DO get there, don’t blow it by refusing to shake hands (carry hand sanitizer and use it straight after the interview) OR by having a pathetic handshake!

You’ve gotta hate wimpy handshake but a bone crusher is weird. Have a firm handshake and look at the person as you shake hands.

Give the employer the right gut feeling

Check this video. It gives tips on how to give your potential employers a good gut feeling.

If you have a good written application the employer will start off with the feeling that you are going to be good.

School leavers can get tips on how to write a good resume and cover letter HERE at Youth Central.

Apart from having a decent handshake say “Hi. Good to meet you” and smile.

Dress like the employer

Neat casual will probably suit most apprenticeships. Don’t wear a suit. Your employer won’t be wearing a suit.

More Tips

Finding an apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is a job. You can find apprenticeships through family and friends, on sites like Seek.com.au or through a career advisor, a Jobs and Skills Centre or via a pre-apprenticeship.
Getting a job as a trades assistant can help you to get a foot in the door.

Making a good impression

Employers like applicants who have done volunteer or part time work as it showed their enthusiasm and meant they would have some work ready skills.
Work experience in the field looks good on a resume.
Good school results, particularly in metals, maths and engineering are indicators that you might be a good apprentice in a building trade. Taking a folio of photos of projects you have worked on is a good idea.

Get your driver’s license

A driver’s license is important for most apprenticeships. Start working towards your driver’s license as soon as you turn 16.

At the end of the interview say you really want this apprenticeship.

(Know what to say if they ask why!)

Women in Trades

Only 1-3% of tradespeople are women. Opportunities to earn the big money during mining and building booms are largely given to men while women are directed into low paid caring jobs in the aged, child and disability sectors.

Women and girls interested in trades may find the Programmed National Energy Technician Training Scheme worth applying through. In 2019 they had 38% females in their trades program.

Check out this story from the ABC to get some background to supporting women in trades.

Australian Apprenticeship Pathways has a range of information on how to get an apprenticeship.

In Focus Careers Newsletter

If you go to a school in Western Australia it probably subscribes to the In Focus Careers Newsletter. You can check, and get a complimentary copy here.

Testimonial

I have found your material invaluable. The information you have put together is thorough – a one-stop-shop in a sea of information that is out there. I have utilised this information on a regular basis with others throughout the school.

(South Metropolitan Government High School.)

My Commitment to West Australian Careers Education

For In Focus Careers to be the conduit to Insanely Great Careers Information for West Australian careers teachers and students I undertake to:

Write 10 insanely great issues of In Focus Careers newsletter each year that focus on the needs of West Australian students and careers teachers.
Search for local, national and international information that could impact on the careers of West Australian students.
Connect you with insanely great careers teachers across the In Focus Careers network.
Listen to and support West Australian careers teachers

M: 0434 056 412

Email: Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.au

April 15, 2020
by Bev Johnson 1 Comment

Year 12 – WHAT NEXT?

If you were hanging out for a flash of inspiration at a uni open day, careers expo or information session… WHAT DO YOU DO NOW??

Year 12s have never had it tougher when it comes to deciding what to do next.

While this is the first time year 12s will leave school, there are experts around who WANT to help you.

This simple summary of the support and main choices available to West Australian school leavers will help you to clarify your decision.

Uni or TAFE Spot the Difference

Many year 12 students don’t really understand the difference between uni and TAFE.

Guess which fashion course is at Curtin University and which is at South Metropolitan TAFE.

In this (course) you will focus on the relationship between garment and body, using a theoretical and contextual framework for understanding national and international trends and the cultural significance and practice of fashion design.

In our course you’ll learn how to produce a unique range of garments and accessories for the marketplace. You’ll gain fashion illustration and drawing skills and learn about digital design, pattern making and garment construction.

If you thought the first one was Curtin you are right. University has a more theoretical approach to learning while TAFE has a more practical focus. Pick the learning style that suits you best for next year.

Career Advice – Take action while all is quiet

The offices of university career advisors have gone quiet. The staff at Jobs and Skills Centres thought they would be run off their feet… but all is quiet there too.

If you are not clear about what to do in 2021 there has never been a better time to tap into the undivided attention of normally busy staff.

Jobs and Skills Centres aren’t just about TAFE. You can do aptitude tests to see what direction would suit you, you can get help with different uni and VET courses, they have a jobs board and you can get help with job application and interview skills. And the help is free.
Each Western Australian university free career counselling. You are under no obligation to enrol at the place where you get your counselling although your counsellor will know more about the university they are working for.
See your school career counsellor. There is no one better placed. They know you. They can talk to your teachers and your parents. They get the full picture and will be able to point you in a good direction.
You can always come to me for an online (and on phone) consultation. (Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.au) I have just started to do this with students online during the lockdown and it is great fun.

Youth Allowance and Scholarships

Your decision to study may depend on finances. If you are 18 – 24 and you have supported yourself for 18 months you MAY qualify for Youth Allowance.

Check the Youth Allowance site to see if there are any benefits that you are eligible for. There is an Ask for Help button which could save you hours trying to get through on the phone. If you need to leave home to study don’t forget to ask about travel allowance.

Also check for financial assistance on the Good Universities Guide site HERE.

There are scholarships for so many purposes, not just academic excellence and they are often only available when you start university or TAFE. Search online for scholarships in your field. The Good Universities Guide tries to capture most scholarships on its site.

Ask your career advisor for help searching for scholarships.

Uni Pathway

Very few people have a clear idea of what they want to do at university. If you want to go to uni but are not exactly sure what course or subjects to take, apply the same thinking you used in Year 10 when choosing WACE subjects to keep your opportunities open.

Talk to your school career counsellor about what course to apply for and subjects to take.
Go to see a career planner at one or two universities to clarify what course and subjects you wish to take.
Decide on your top choices.
Apply to your chosen university either via TISC or via Notre Dame or your chosen university.

Unsure about Uni for Next Year

If you MIGHT want to go to uni in APPLY through TISC. If you get offered a place you can accept and DEFER for a year.

Read Is the Uni Bus Right for You?
See a career planner.
Apply for a course at your chosen university via the normal TISC or direct application process
When you get an offer contact your university to hold your offer and defer it for a year.

Alternative Pathway to Uni

If you want to go to uni but don’t get the required ATAR score there are many alternative pathways you can take.

Some universities will consider your current scores if you have a year between leaving school and starting university. They consider that the break can result in you gaining maturity that will help you to succeed at university.

Contact me and I will send the latest WA information on alternative pathways at all WA universities including TAFE colleges.
See a career planner at the university or training college of your choice.
Decide on your best option.
Apply for the alternative pathway of your choice.

TAFE Course

If you are clear about what TAFE course you want to take contact your chosen college to enrol in September.

Talk to your school career counsellor about what course to apply for and subjects to take.
Check out North Metro TAFE courses HERE and South Metro TAFE courses HERE
Go to see a career counsellor at TAFE to clarify what course and subjects you wish to take. Ask the counsellor to advise you about courses that are subsidised by government because of skills shortages. These courses are on the State Priority Occupation List (SPOL) and are cheaper than many other courses.
Decide which course to enrol in.
Apply for a place in your chosen course. Check the college website for online applications.

Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Getting an apprenticeship or traineeship is like getting a job.

Get the apprentice job search app here. That will help you to find your local Group Training Provider in WA.
Get help from your school career advisor to prepare your CV ready for job applications.
Get references from school before you leave and get copies of them. Get the correct title and contact details of those at school who give you a reference.
Ask your family and friends if they know of any apprentice opportunities.
Search for apprenticeship opportunities on sites like Indeed, Jora and Seek.
Ask your local TAFE if they have any pre apprenticeship programs. They can be tricky to get into as demand is always high. Employers often contact their local TAFE to find a good employee to take on as an apprentice.

Gap Year

The Victorian Government provides free unbiased advice about taking a Gap Year HERE.

Job Hunting

The Jobs and Skills Centres will help you to improve your resume and will even help you to improve your interview skills. You can find jobs there on their Jobs Board.

I found these tips on writing a job application in a crowded market.

Subscribe to the In Focus Careers Newsletter

When you subscribe you join a network of careers experts from across Western Australia who share information that helps teachers, students and families.

Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.au of M: 043456412.

June 22, 2019
by Bev Johnson Leave a comment

Entry to pre-apprenticeship at 15

If you look up pre apprenticeships you will find a truckload being advertised for Semester 2.

All of the TAFE colleges and lots of other colleges seem to be advertising them so the level of competition for each place may be down.

Most of the pre-apprenticeship programs offered are Certificate II’s.

Students can meet entry with OLNA, NAPLAN, or by completing a Certificate I or II program at school. They can also complete a Certificate I or II in General Education or a similar bridging program at a number of TAFE campuses.

TAFE colleges generally require that students are at least 15 years old. It is an adult learning environment and they will be mixing with adults.

(Thanks for South Metro TAFE for providing this information.)

The enrolment process usually involves:

Finding some courses online.
Apply by providing a resume with school results and references.
Go to an interview where you do your best to impress. See the Skillsroad video and the Youth Central site for tips.

If you get a place you need to work like crazy to impress through any contact with either lecturers or potential employers. There aren’t many apprenticeships going so you need to make a good impression while you have the chance.

In Focus Careers Newsletter

You can find a monthly feast of insanely great careers ideas and support through my In Focus Careers newsletter.

Send for a complimentary copy:

My Commitment to West Australian Careers Education

I want In Focus Careers to be the conduit to Insanely Great Careers Information for West Australian students. I undertake to:

Write 10 insanely great issues of In Focus Careers newsletter each year that focus on the needs of West Australian students and careers teachers.
Search for local, national and international information that could impact on the careers of West Australian students.
Connect you with insanely great careers teachers and industry experts across the In Focus Careers network.
Listen to and support West Australian careers teachers.

M: 0434 056 412

Email: Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.au

See testimonials from West Australian schools HERE

June 21, 2019
by Bev Johnson 2 Comments

Get Out of School Early Guide

Leaving school early IS AN OPTION. It does NOT mean you will never get a job, or that you will live on the streets for the rest of your life.

School isn’t for everyone. It makes some people’s lives a total misery.

In Western Australia the government requires students to get special permission to leave school early by applying for a Notice of Arrangement. You can find details of that HERE.

Don’t Jump Too Soon

Once you have made up your mind to leave it is difficult to change your mind. As soon as you start thinking of leaving talk to a career advisor. There may be alternatives that they can offer through the school or they may be able to organise a smooth transition from school for you.

Once you leave school people who can help you get limited funding so their capacity to help is limited. Stick with your school and get as much FREE help as possible before you leave.

Getting help with your resume is a good start.

Decide What You Are Going to Do When You Leave

If you haven’t got a job lined up or a course to go into you may need help to get that sorted.

Many schools have the Career Voyage program that will help you to nail down a career direction for the near future. If you don’t have access to Career Voyage at school you can do the quiz at one of the Careers Centres in Perth or regional centres or contact them online.

I have done this Coggle brainstorm of a bunch of places you can check out to narrow down what you like.

Email me Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.au if you would like access to the Coggle map so that you can just click on the links.

Study Year 12 at an Alternative College

Look at the available options for completing Year 12 in another setting like Cyril Jackson, Canning, North Lake and Seven Oaks Colleges. There are adult students at these colleges and you may find that suits your style.

You can also study your WACE through the School of Isolated and Distance Education.

You can get free information and advice from each of these schools.

Jobs and Skills Centres

You can get free career advice at the new Jobs and Skills Centres which have been set up in TAFE colleges.

Study the Certificate of General Education for Adults

The Certificate of General Education for Adults is a good non-WACE starting point for people who don’t want to finish school.

There are three levels, certificates I – III. Choose the one that suits your needs.

This certificate often has literacy and numeracy support which can kick start your study in another area. Different colleges will allow you to explore different subject opportunities as part of your study.

TAFE colleges give you access to ongoing support from careers advisors.

Study something else at TAFE

You can build your employability skills and explore career options through Foundation Skills Course. Check out the list of Foundation Skills courses HERE.

Equity Course

There are equity courses that support people with disability and people seeking courses that are aligned with their culture; for example, a qualification specialising in Indigenous Australian tourism. Check the list of courses HERE and ask about opportunities at one of the Jobs and Skills Centres – scroll down this page to find the one nearest to you.

Apprenticeships and Traineeships

If you can find someone who is willing to take you on as an apprentice or trainee, you are on a great path.

You can find apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities through Seek and Indeed. Getting an apprenticeship or traineeship is just like looking for any other job. You need to find the opportunity first, then convince the employer that you would be a great employee. You will need a good resume as a starting point.

Youth Central gives good advice to school leavers on how to write a resume.

When you do an apprenticeship or traineeship qualification you need to sign up so that your training is recognized. You sign up at an Australian Apprentice Support provider. You can find one HERE.

The help that they give will not be as good as the help you can get at school so it is best to try to find an apprenticeship and to contact a provider through your careers advisor.

Government Support

You may be eligible for Youth Allowance. This is hard to get but it is worth checking to see if you qualify HERE.

If you qualify for income support you can also get help from JobActive. You find an Employment Service Provider near you and they will do what they can to help you to find a job.

Employment Service Providers are not well funded and their capacity to give you help is limited. You will probably get more help from school.

Online Course Information

The My Skills website is a directory of vocational education and training (VET) organisations and courses.

Job Jumpstart has an I’m At School section to help students prepare to leave school.

Going to Uni without an ATAR

If you want to leave school and still want to go to uni you can find Alternative Pathways to Uni HERE.

Get a Safety Plan

Leaving school early IS AN OPTION. Leaving school is however risky, and there is a chance you could fall into a hole without a safety net.

The suggestions to help you to leave school early are easier to do with the help of a careers advisor.

If you can’t get help at school, go to one of the alternative schools or TAFE colleges or even a uni, to get free advice or pay a professional career advisor to help to set you onto the right path. That help could put you onto the perfect path to your school free future.

In Focus Careers Newsletter

You can find a monthly feast of insanely great careers ideas and support through my In Focus Careers newsletter.

Testimonial:

I loved this month’s newsletter! There were so many useful links that I’m going to use, like the Logistics Training Council publications and the Future skills Framework infographic on our demographic. So much handy information – I even signed up for the Public Sector Commissions job search so that I can pass opportunities for traineeships onto students. (Northern regional Catholic Education School)

My Commitment to West Australian Careers Education

I want In Focus Careers to be the conduit to Insanely Great Careers Information for West Australian students. I undertake to:

Write 10 insanely great issues of In Focus Careers newsletter each year that focus on the needs of West Australian students and careers teachers.
Search for local, national and international information that could impact on the careers of West Australian students.
Connect you with insanely great careers teachers and industry experts across the In Focus Careers network.
Listen to and support West Australian careers teachers.

M: 0434 056 412

Email: Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.au

April 9, 2019
by Bev Johnson Leave a comment

Tips on How to Get the Most out of the Careers Expo

Don’t sign ANYTHING.

The Careers Expo is great fun. There are happy, smiling people. There are glossy brochures and beautiful displays. People on the stands are friendly and helpful.

Of course they are! They are professionals. You aren’t going to buy something from someone who isn’t nice.

The Expos are a prime marketing place for all education and training organisation. They spend a lot of money on their displays and get their best, nicest, most professional sales people to tell you about their courses.

Many visitors sign up for thousands of dollars worth of training based on a noisy 5 minute discussion in the crowded Convention Centre.

STEP 1:

Don’t sign ANYTHING.

STEP 2:

Know that the biggest displays, those closest to the entry doors, and the most professional looking displays have spent the most money on trying to sell to you.

STEP 3:

Do your research.

Check out the list of Exhibitors.

If you are interested in having a Gap Year check out which exhibitors will have information that will interest you. If you are interested in Trades, check out the ones that you must visit.

Make the decision about which ones to visit before you get sucked in by the bright lights and music!

STEP 4:

Figure out three questions to ask exhibitor one before you meet with them. Make sure one of your questions is about price if they are selling courses.

Don’t be surprised if they don’t want to answer you about. You may get answers like “It depends on…… ” and “We have a great loan to cover your costs”.

Some exhibitors like Defence Force Recruiting and the Construction Training Fund aren’t actually selling courses.

You could also ask….

How long the course will take.
What are the entry requirements.
For contacts with current students.
What successful students are like.
Do they have a mid year intake.
If they have links with industry that provides work placement.
How long it takes their graduates to get a job in the industry.
What sort of work graduates get.

STEP 5 – FINAL STEP

Go to see your career advisor to discuss what you have discovered.

If you don’t know a career advisor go to a Jobs and Skills Centre and talk with them. Its FREE. The Jobs and Skills Centres are based in TAFE colleges but they also have information about unis.

Come to see me. I work for myself so will charge for my insanely great careers advice!

If you would like to unearth a world of possibilities send for a complementary copy of my insanely great careers newsletter:

Testimonial:

Thanks for the latest e-mail Bev, and for all the information and inspiring ideas over the year. Since I have become a part of the (In Focus Careers) network I have grown in knowledge and motivation to really make a difference for our young people.

(South West Regional Government High School.)

My Commitment to West Australian Careers Education

For In Focus Careers to be the conduit to Insanely Great Careers Information for West Australian students I undertake to:

Write 10 insanely great issues of In Focus Careers newsletter each year that focus on the needs of West Australian students and careers teachers.
Search for local, national and international information that could impact on the careers of West Australian students.
Connect you with insanely great careers teachers across the In Focus Careers network.
Listen to and support West Australian careers teachers

Bev Johnson

M: 0434 056 412

Email: Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.au

April 7, 2019
by Bev Johnson Leave a comment

Five Career Things for Year 12s to Do in April

You have fewer than 20 contact teaching weeks to go before the ATAR. The April holidays are going to be your last chance to sit back and get organised.

Tip 1 Relax

April is the last relax time you are going to have until your final exams are over.

Plan your time through until the ATAR exams, including relaxation time.
Take that time off…. Guilt free. Total relaxation.

Tip 2 Humanities or Science? Uni or TAFE?

Humanities or science? Which way do you want to go? If you can’t decide go to these sites for help. (If you contact me I will email you a link to this Coggle map so that you can get the links without looking them up.)

If it is Uni decide which uni is best for you. You can go to their open days in July and August.
If TAFE, get an appointment at your local Jobs and Skills Centre and get the experts to show you opportunities.

Tip 3 Check out the Year 12 Handbook

In Year 12 it is time to check important dates, exam information, double check WACE requirement to make sure you comply. They are all in the Year 12 Information Handbook.

Tip 4 Enrol in ATAR Revision Courses for Mid Year Holidays

Most successful students get at least some revision support from one of the companies that provides mid year ATAR revision programs.

Tip 5 Set SMART Goals and Ask for Help

List your subjects
Set a SMART goal for each subject
Check with each teacher to see what you need to do to achieve your goal
Ask them for help to achieve that goal.

If you have any great tips for Year 12 survival please send them through.

The monthly In focus Careers Newsletter helps you to see what is possible. Contact me for a complimentary copy.

Testimonial:

Thank you for such wonderful work throughout the year. (XXXX) SHS has found your newsletters to be so very, very helpful. We are so appreciative of your efforts and look forward to the 2019 issues.

(Top Ranking Metropolitan Government School.)

My Commitment to West Australian Careers Education

For In Focus Careers to be the conduit to Insanely Great Careers Information for West Australian students I undertake to:

Write 10 insanely great issues of In Focus Careers newsletter each year that focus on the needs of West Australian students and careers teachers.
Search for local, national and international information that could impact on the careers of West Australian students.
Connect you with insanely great careers teachers across the In Focus Careers network.
Listen to and support West Australian careers teachers

Bev Johnson

M: 0434 056 412

Email: Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.au

March 30, 2019
by Bev Johnson Leave a comment

Looking for Information from VETiS Teachers

Teachers have lots of sites where they share teaching questions. There is also an Education Department (and Catholic and Independent School) focus on quality of teaching. Is there anything similar for VET?

The closure of VET in Schools Consulting Services has shone a light on how tough life is for VETiS teachers and ALL VET teachers.

I rarely hear VET professionals discusing pedagogy (andragogy, heutagogy). All discussion seems to focus on just surviving under the enormous work pressure, that is at least partially due to the significant compliance demands.

By looking at the Department of Training and Workforce Development latest annual report it looks like there is no teaching or learning expertise in the senior management. You can see that the Executive Director has a significant background in Consumer Protection which sounds like a compliance role. There is financial management and financial compliance expertise and expertise in developing strategic policy and in accounting. Nothing there about teaching or learning.

Even DTWD advisory partners aren’t education experts. The Training Accreditation Council is concerned with compliance and the State Training Board is concerned that the Department is focused on industry needs.

No education best practice gets a look in.

I write a careers newsletter for schools and hear the grievances and barriers faced by VET teachers at the coalface.

I would love to hear from anyone who knows of infrastructure, or sites or even tips that would help those involved in VET delivery to focus more on teaching and less on compliance demands.

Contact me to get a complimentary copy of the In Focus Careers Newsletter:

March 29, 2019
by Bev Johnson 1 Comment

Anything BUT Plumbing

In 2017 I paid $120 to a plumber to replace a washer on the garden tap. (The tap was stuck. I was going to break the pipe. Stay with me on this!!)

It took him less than a minute and that included going to his van and getting the washer. Then he charged me $120!

So plumbers had the expectation of getting paid about the same rate as a surgeon.

Due to the exorbitant rates charged by plumbers during the boom there was a rush of young guys taking on plumbing apprenticeships. Everyone with capacity to train plumbers took on the apprentices and pumped them out. Now there are unemployed qualified plumbers working as trades assistants and doing cash jobs for family and friends.

The Department of Jobs and Small Business published its latest employment stats today and there is no shortage of plumbers for every job.

(Sept 2018 Employment Stats)

Employers were able to attract job qualified plumbers with a minimum of four years post-apprenticeship experience.

What Employers Ask For

Most vacancies required applicants with some specialist experience, such as roof plumbing, undertaking drainage works, fit outs or renovations. Employers often sought applicants with additional accreditation in backflow prevention and a gas-fitting licence.

Employers also required applicants to be solutions focused, demonstrate a high standard of workmanship, resourcefulness, the ability to work well with colleagues and engage professionally with clients.

Sense of humor and sainthood preferred!!

It was standard for applicants to have a drivers licence and their own transport, a police clearance, a White Card and pass a drug and alcohol test.

Applicants were most often deemed unsuitable due to a lack of overall experience in the trade, or a lack of experience in a sub-specialty or particular environment (e.g. mining sector experience).

Applicants whose resumes were poorly presented (for example, not tailored to the job requirements or that failed to demonstrate good literacy skills) were deemed unsuitable, as were those with uneven work histories and poor references.

Applicants who were unwilling to relocate were deemed unsuitable for regional vacancies.

You can read details of the Report HERE.

You can find building trades career advice at the Building and Construction Training Fund

To keep up with all of the latest West Australian career information subscribe to the In Focus Careers Newsletter. Contact me to get your complimentary copy.

March 26, 2019
by Bev Johnson Leave a comment

April Issue Out Now

The big news for high schools in West Australia this month is the de-registration of VETiS Consulting Services.

VET in Schools

The demise of VETis Consulting has made me think about how clunky the whole VET in Schools machine is. In the past month I have been chasing up providers and decision makers trying to find tips to fix the mess. I have written about it in my April Newsletter.

Subscribe to the In Focus Careers Newsletter

As new courses are launched, events run and offers made, In Focus Careers will keep you ahead of the pack.

February 9, 2019
by Bev Johnson Leave a comment

Create an Insanely Great School Leavers’ Safety Net

Leaving home to study at university or TAFE is a giant leap. Especially for RRR students.

Notre Dame University has a RRR Student Support Program which is like their support for international students. No other Western Australian university or TAFE has anything special in place.

Students flounder. Parents panic.

Stressed parents can help their school leavers to make the giant leap seem more like a hop by doing these things. Tell them to….

1. Get a Mentor

People love it when you value their knowledge and expertise so getting a mentor isn’t rocket science. Just be nice and value what the mentor tells you. Find someone whose subject knowledge you value and start to ask them for advice and support.

TAFE

Vocational colleges like TAFE do not have formal mentor programs.

Students will need to put in some effort to find a good mentor. They may choose to build a mentor relationship with a lecturer, with one of the many technical experts that work in colleges or with an older student.

This will be their “go to” person when they are wondering what is coming next or how to do something.

Uni

Universities have formal mentor programs.

The mentors are older students who are building their resumes by demonstrating leadership through mentoring.

New students are often allocated a mentor during orientation. If you didn’t get one, or if you didn’t get along with your mentor, go to the guild, or student services office, and ask for a mentor in your faculty.

Getting a mentor means you are consciously and deliberately working towards a successful career. That can’t be a bad thing.

2. Find and Use Support Services

Support services are numerous and varied, and they are usually free. You really are not alone but unearthing the support service you need may take some digging.

Career Counsellors. Most tertiary education institutions have career counsellors. These can be your lifeline when you start to doubt your subject or course choices. Don’t just drop out. Go to one of the counsellors to see what you can do.

Specialist Support. There will be support for students with identifiable different needs, like Aboriginal students, people with a disability or people from non English-speaking backgrounds. If you are eligible for these services, take advantage of them.

Classes in Study Skills. There may be classes on study skills, or how to write an essay. They will be designed to address a problem like not knowing how to study most efficiently, or how to write an essay with correct referencing. These skills can save you hours throughout your student career.

Industry Group Services. Some industry groups, like the building and construction industry, provide mentors, scholarships, mental health programs and industrial relations support through the union. Google your industry to find what support services they offer.

Specialist Industry Support. Specialist support groups, like Women in Science and Technology and associations like the Marketing Association, the Accountants Association or the Australian Computer Society can help you while you are studying, give you a network for applying for jobs and they will be able to tell you about scholarships, internships and financial support.

3. Stick with Family and Family Friends

Having the freedom to do what you like away from home is exciting. Taking risks is part of the excitement.

New students are a target for crooks and scammers. The crooks and scammers don’t come with it written on their foreheads. They are usually nice, friendly, helpful people who know how to win the trust of a new student.

Believing the old Zen saying, Leap and the net will appear and keep you safe whenever you take a risk, could result in you getting a criminal record or being physically assaulted.

Make a formal plan to stay connected with family and old family friends. If you are unsure about someone, invite them to come with you when you visit your family.

If you don’t feel comfortable inviting them to meet your family or family friends, check your own feelings. Your innate wisdom may be telling your something.

If you invite your new acquaintance and they choose not to come a few times, you will start to question their friendship.

If they do come, and your family does not feel comfortable about this new person, listen to your family. They are the ones who will provide a safety net that protects you as you leap into your new life.

4. Say “YES, and …”

If you just learn from class when you go to uni or TAFE, you are missing out.

There is so much more to enjoy. There are so many opportunities to engage with your industry, enter competitions, take on projects, join clubs, go for scholarships.

Don’t just wait for an opportunity to fall into your lap. Look for things that might interest you on campus noticeboards and join online groups to find out what is going on.

When you hear about an opportunity on campus say “Yes, and where do I apply, what else can I do, when can I start?”

Growth opportunities are generally set up by your campus to help you to have a better student experience.

Just by applying you are creating your own opportunities. You might find out where you are going by setting out in a different direction.

5. Create a Small Group

If you have friends from school studying at your campus they are your obvious first point of contact. You will soon be overwhelmed with new people who are vying for your attention and you will be trying to connect with new people who you meet.

Trying to be friends with everyone will exhaust you. Focus on a small group and establish friendships with them. You can make friends with other people later.

HINT: Be nice to everyone. There is a good chance you will be in the same workplace as them at some stage in your career. It is important that they remember how great you are.

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