Illawarra students receiving their HSC results today “should consider apprenticeships and traineeships to kick-start their career,” says Apprenticeship Support Australia (ASA) Regional Manager, Southern New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory, Tony Keir.
“Today’s HSC results mark an important milestone in the lives of more than 70,000 young adults, as they leave high school and move on to the next exciting stage,” he said.
“This is a time when young people should be carefully considering all of their available career options.”
Youth unemployment rates in the Illawarra region are currently sitting at 12.1 percent, and employers across the state are struggling with a skills shortage across a range of industries, finding it harder to recruit and retain young people in their business.
Mr Keir says that the completion of an apprenticeship or traineeship in an area affected by the skills shortage – such as health, childcare, education or engineering – is an effective way for young people to gain a qualification while receiving valuable work experience and developing a greater sense of wellbeing.
Earlier this year, the Skillsroad 2018 Youth Census, the largest youth survey in Australia, found that young people in apprenticeships and traineeships reported higher levels of wellbeing than any other post-school pathway.
“The findings of the Youth Census regarding apprentice and trainee wellbeing rates emphasise how important it is that young people have access to holistic, unbiased career conversations – and that includes information on vocational pathways,” said Mr Keir.
“Young people, their parents and, in many cases, their teachers at school are not aware of the outstanding job outcomes an apprenticeship or traineeship can lead to. But when we do something that aligns with our strengths, skills and passions, we have a higher level of wellbeing and are more likely to build a successful career.”
Mr Keir is also urging students who did not achieve the HSC mark they were hoping for not to worry, and that there is a vast range of possible post-school opportunities.
“A strong ATAR is not necessarily a guarantee of future success. It’s more important for young people to follow their passions,” he said.
“I strongly recommend today’s HSC graduates jump on to the Skillsroad careers website to explore the many, many opportunities available to them.”
