Your child will be involved in career education throughout secondary school. They’ll explore their strengths, interests, skills and attributes as they’re introduced to the world of work.
Young people often turn to their parents and carers first when looking for career advice. Help your child make decisions about a career pathway by talking to them about what they want to do after school.
Research career pathways with your child
You can help your child research different careers and the skills and qualifications they require. Exploring VET pathways is a great place to start researching careers. Find out about Vocational Education Training (VET) options at school that can lead to employment in growth industries.
These pathways are endorsed by employers and reviewed each year to remain relevant.
Discuss careers with your child
Encourage your child to:
- talk about their career ideas and what interests them
- research careers together and focus on the skills, behaviours and pathways needed for those roles
- discuss their options with you, their teachers and career adviser
- talk to family and friends about what kind of work they do to learn about different types of jobs
- develop skills outside the classroom that support their interests.
Career questions to ask your child
Years 7 and 8
- What careers have you learnt about at school? Can you see yourself doing any of those?
- Do you know what type of skills will be in demand for people your age after school?
- Do you know who to talk to at school about career options?
- What subjects are you good at?
- What subjects would you like to be better at and how can I help you improve?
- What are your interests outside of school?
Years 9 and 10
- What subjects do you enjoy, and which are you interested in continuing in year 11?
- What kind of jobs can these subjects lead to?
- What pathways are available to continue to study these subjects? Use the VET Pathways to explore some options.
- What type of work experience would you like to do? Explore opportunities together.
- Do you know if you want to undertake vocational education and training (VET) or go to university?
- When thinking about subjects for year 11, do your plans for further education after school have any prerequisite subjects?
- Would you like to start a VET qualification in year 11 through a Flexible Industry Program? Do you know who to speak to for information on how to apply?
Years 11 and 12
- What would you like to do after school? It’s okay if it’s changed since you last spoke about it.
- Have you discussed plans for after school with any teachers or staff at school?
- If undertaking a VET qualification, how is it going? Would you like to consider changing pathways at any point? If so, why and what would you like to do instead?
- If you’re planning to apply for university, what courses are you interested in?
- What were the most recent ATAR requirements for those courses and are they any other requirements for entry?
- Are you considering getting a job or starting an apprenticeship after year 12? If so, where are you going to apply and can anyone help you with their application?
- Are you planning on taking a gap year after year 12? If so, what are your plans for the year and what do you aim to achieve? What are the pros and cons?
- Are you prepared to move for further education or work, and will your chosen field require it? What are the costs involved and what support will you need?
- What are the job opportunities after completing a VET qualification or further education in your areas of interest? Use the Flexible Industry Pathways to see the growth industries in South Australia.
Where to go for more support
For further information on how to support your child’s career and pathways education, contact your child's school or visit:
- Myfuture – a federal website aimed at connecting VET students and school leavers with information about their career profile and helps connect occupations and training.
- Ticket to Work – an independent resource with great content to help carers navigate this part of a young person's life.
- Skilled careers - built by Education South Australia this is a one stop shop for those looking for their first job or wanting to pivot into a new career. Find the skills you need to do the job you want.
- South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) - find all the necessary information about the subjects you have studied. You can also get a copy of your results.