Planning for life after you finish school starts while you're at school.

Career awareness is about understanding what you enjoy, what you're good at and what interests you. By exploring different jobs and industries, you can start thinking about careers that might be a good fit for you in the future.

Career awareness also covers the kind of skills that employers look for - things like being on time every day, listening closely and doing what you're asked in your job.

Career awareness can help build your skills, knowledge, attitude ready for working life.

Think about what you like doing, what you're good at (you could ask your teachers or parent) and the kind of job or career you might enjoy. Work takes up a lot of our lives! If you plan right, you'll set yourself up to have options - it's always better to have a choice.

Below are some examples of strengths, and how you could communicate them in a job application:

• good with people = a great communicator

• good with your hands = a great builder or problem-solver

• good with detail = following instructions or breaking things down

• practical = getting your hands dirty, building or being outdoors

• independent = good at working by yourself and using initiative.

• creative = exploring ideas, images, words or worlds.

An industry is a group of businesses or organisations that produce goods or provide services.

With such a broad mixture of goods (often including tangible items like cars) and services (often including intangible things like care or experiences) that make up many industries, we might see different phrases used like 'sector' or 'field'.

Some examples:

• Farms: part of the agricultural industry.

• Cars: part of the automotive industry.

• Factories: part of the manufacturing industry.

• Shops: part of the retail industry.

• Hospitals: part of the health sector.

Explore our video library to learn about different types of industries and the types of jobs that you might be interested in.

If you were the boss, what would you want to see in an employee? You'd probably want them to be

• On time and focused on the job

• Able to listen closely and do what they're asked

• Always on their phone and looking bored

• Eager to learn and help out.

(Is there are trick question in there?!)

When employers (the people who run businesses or any type of organisation) are hiring staff, they look for people who

• show initiative,

• are eager to learn

• have a good attitude.

Qualifications and experience are important too, unless you're just starting out.

The way you present yourself and approach work (from the clothes you wear, to the way you speak to other employees, and the attitude you show toward your work) matters just as much as your qualifications.

Visit Career Planning to learn about how you can build the skills you need to be hired for the kind of job you'd like to have.

Doing work experience means spending time in a workplace, and learning:

• what type of work people do

• what types of jobs there are

• how to do some tasks in a workplace

• how to follow instructions from the employer (this could be the manager, supervisor, team leader, second in charge or '2IC', or shift manager)

• what they expect from you (this might include being on time, listening and paying attention, and staying safe).

Work experience can also be called

• workplace learning

• a work placement

• a work trial/trial shift.

During work experience you'll learn about the world of work, your responsibilities, and your rights. This means things like taking breaks and working safely.

Work experience will also help you build skills and get experience for a job or your career of choice.

Your school will help to make sure your placement is properly arranged. This involves talking to you and your parents or caregivers about what needs to be approved or signed so that you're legally protected while in a workplace.

Watch these videos about Flexible Industry Programs (FIPs) in schools

Talk to your teacher or VET coordinator or your parent to get you started.

If you decide to do a School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship this will include workplace learning while you attend school.

More information about finding work experience is on the Career Planning page.

Qualifications, accreditations, and other phrases related to the world of work can be confusing. You may see words like:

• degree (through a university; usually 3 to 4 years)

• diploma (usually through a university or other education provider; 1 to 3 years)

• certificate - a vocational education and training qualification, ranging from a Certificate 1 to Certificate 4. You can do a Certificate 2 or Certificate 3 at school.

• ticket (White Card)

• short course (like barista training or First Aid).

Vocational Education and Training (VET) is a practical, hands-on way to build skills for a job or career.

VET can help you explore hundreds of different careers and gives you the opportunity to gain real-world skills and industry experience.

With VET, you can:

• gain practical, job-ready skills

• achieve a qualification recognised across Australia

• study VET courses while you are at school and as part of your SACE

• do a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship which combines school, training and work.

The VET handbook is available in South Australian government schools, and contains a detailed list of courses you can choose to apply for.