Your strengths, interests and school subjects (SACE) can all help shape your next steps. 

There are many pathways you can take after school, including university, vocational education and training (VET), apprenticeships and traineeships, or moving straight into work.

It will help to think about your school subjects (in the SACE) to help you enter the career you want.

You can start some pathways while you are still at school, like a School-Based Traineeship or Apprenticeships.  These let you combine school with paid work and training in a wide range of industries and job types. You'll split your time between school, training and work.

Think about your learning style, how soon you want to start earning, and what feels right for your goals.

Want help making a decision?

This isn’t a one-time decision – you can change direction, build new skills and explore different careers at any stage.

• What type of learning suits you best (theory, hands-on, real work)?

• Do you know what job you want? (Explore the Career Awareness page or Industries page for ideas)

• How soon do you want to start working?

Not sure where to start?

If you’re not sure where to start, your school’s VET Coordinator can help you explore options and find a pathway that suits you.

Your subject choices don't lock you in forever - but they can open doors to future study, training and work.

It will help to think about your school subjects (in the SACE) and how they connect to the career you want.

Some options:

• Include VET as part of your SACE: VET units can count towards your SACE credits at Stage 1 or Stage 2, depending on the qualification. You can finish school with a nationally recognised qualification AND your SACE, which may you get an apprenticeship or further study.

• Do a School-Based Apprenticeship, School-Based Traineeship or VET in School. These let you combine school with paid work and training in a wide range of industries and job types. You'll split your time between school, training and work.

• Check university subject requirements: Look at the subjects needed for university courses you're interested in so you can choose subjects that keep those options open. 

Did you know? Over 40% of students include at least one VET unit in their SACE.

Your school's VET coordinator or year level coordinator can help you choose year 11 and year 12 subjects that match with your possible career choices.

Other helpful links:

Jobs Board

Industries

Opportunities and events 

Technical Colleges

The Good Universities Guide - has information about post-school study options

South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre

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 (Flexible Industry Program) while you are at school and as part of your SACE

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

View a detailed list of all Flexible Industry Programs in the VET handbook that are available in South Australian government schools.

University courses go for 3 to 4 years to get a bachelor degree. They focus on deep knowledge, theory, research and academic skills. Graduates are prepared for professional or specialist careers. You'll need an ATAR and to have completed year 12. Some VET courses can also give you credit for university.

Universities set their own entry requirements for every course. You can find out more on their websites or through SATAC - the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre.

Uni fees are usually covered through HECS-HELP (a loan you pay back once you're earning). Living costs are your responsibility unless you get a scholarship.

You can look up university courses and VET courses you can do once you finish school at the Good Universities Guide.

You can find out more about work experience here.

Another great way to get experience, build skills, knowledge, and experience is to do some volunteering.

After you've done some work experience, reflect on what you learned: did it match what you expected? Could you see yourself doing it long-term?

Visit the Career Planning page to find casual and part-time entry level jobs 

Talk to your school's VET Coordinator to find out more about starting VET while you're at school.

Life after school opens up lots of exciting possibilities. The School Leavers Information Kit is here to help you take your next step with confidence.

You might discover new interests, build useful skills, or get clearer about what you want for your future.

School Leavers Information Kit | Your Career