WorldSkills Australia 
2018 ATAR results: What pathways are there?
2018 ATAR results are in, still not sure what career path you want to take? Here are some options you might not have considered.
With ATAR results released today, emotions surely are at an all-time high for students, and they can now start working towards their professional career. With many students rushing to get into University, it is an excellent time to assess all opportunities in the workforce.
Have you ever considered the pathway of Vocational Education? It offers many benefits including earning while you learn, and some institutions even provide free education for vocational training. With only 66% of people finishing their degrees, it showcases the need for wider discussions around school leavers pathways. Studies show it is more likely students will get a job through apprenticeships, with 81.2% of apprentices and trainees employed after their training. Compared to the 71.8% of University graduates that enter full-time employment within four months of graduating, and then comes repaying their hex debt.
Through Vocational education, you can be hands-on and become highly skilled in your profession, leading to some incredible experiences like representing Australia at the WorldSkills International Championship.
Ryan Grieger is a qualified Carpenter after completing the Doorways2Construction Vocational training program; leading him to an apprenticeship with Brenton Duldig. Ryan went on to represent Australia for his trade and win a Silver Medal at the 2017 international competition in Abu Dhabi. From his experiences, Ryan now looks forward to starting his own business and “one day being able to build his own home”.
Lily Campbell first trialled beauty therapy when she did work experience for her Mum in her salon “after a week I was sold on the idea of becoming a beauty therapist” she explains. Lily became a highly skilled beauty therapist and went onto represent Australia in the WorldSkills International Championship and won a Bronze Medal. Lily found working as an apprentice to be a great experience and gained valuable exposure to the industry.
Bradley Ingham is an Industrial Mechanic Millwright, who mastered his trade by competing in the WorldSkills Australia Championship. He went on to compete in the international competition in 2017 representing Australia for his trade and winning a Silver Medal. His advice for anyone wanting to pursue a skill or trade is “choose a trade that you enjoy and can see yourself doing for many years and jump at any opportunity to better your skills and showcase your talent.”
With the 2018 ATAR results in, it is now a better time than ever to consider precisely what career opportunities are out there. If you like hands-on work and want to develop yourself further then consider Vocational Education.
For more information on any Australian Apprenticeships and Traineeships then click here.