Didn’t Finish High School? Transition to Work Can Help with Your Next Steps

No graduation certificate? No worries.

This article is presented in partnership with The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

There are so many alternative pathways for all kinds of careers, but sometimes it can feel a bit overwhelming and you might not know where to begin.

Lucky there’s a handy little program called Transition to Work (TtW) that can help you on your journey to being employed, building your career and making money!

What’s in it for me?

Transition to Work is perfect for anyone who didn’t finish school, but is ready to take their next steps to continue learning or get a job.

You’ll be hooked up with all the support you could possibly need from a trained provider who will run you through cool activities and help you achieve your goals.

This could be anything from career guidance to job-specific training or work experience. They can even help you prepare for interviews, develop those necessary pesky adult life skills and connect with local mental health or housing support, if that’s what you need.

Pretty much anything that's going to help you develop your skills and confidence so you're ready to get a job, start an apprenticeship or traineeship or continue your education. 

Every provider has experience working with young people in the same boat as you and they’ve done the networking already, so you’ll meet all the right people in your community and have access to local job opportunities.

Is it any good?

Uh, yeah! Even once you start working or training, you'll still get support and motivation from your provider, so you've always got someone to chat to.

Josh took part in TtW and he said he felt like a "different" and "better" person by the end of it.

“I feel more organised, I feel more confident in speaking with people, I'm learning how to save money and manage a budget a lot better," he said.

Then there's Samantha who said participating in the program gave her the confidence to "speak up and ask questions".

"I learned how to problem solve on the spot," she said.

How do I know if it’s for me?

There are a few boxes to check for eligibility, but if you’re between 15 and 24 years old and are either an Aussie citizen or hold the right visa, you’re already halfway there!

Then it will depend on your individual circumstances, like if you finished a Certificate III, if you’ve been employed within the last six months or if you’re receiving income support payments like Youth Allowance.

But if you’re not sure, you can chat to the team directly here and find out.

Okay, take me there.

Sounds pretty good right?

You can get into Transition to Work a few ways—you could be referred to it by a Workforce Australia Services provider or Centrelink, or you can get in touch with them yourself here!

Remember: it’s not about where you started, it’s about where you’re going! And TtW can help get you there.

Header Image: Pexels (edited).