Getting ready for life after school doesn’t mean you have to wait until graduation. There are lots of valuable skills and qualifications you can start building right now while you’re still at school. Whether you’re looking to boost your resume, explore potential career paths, or just learn something new, there are plenty of options available – let’s take a look
Why get qualified early?
Getting some extra qualifications while you’re still at school can give you several advantages:
- Stand out from other job applicants when you start looking for work
- Get a taste of different industries before committing to further study
- Build practical skills that complement your academic learning
- Gain confidence in your abilities
- Start earning money sooner in casual jobs
- Get a head start on career pathways that interest you
Popular courses and qualifications
Here are some valuable qualifications you could consider:
Safety and First Aid
- First Aid Certificate – learn essential life-saving skills
- White Card (Construction Induction) – required for working on construction sites
- Food Safety Certificates – necessary for working with food
Industry-Specific
- Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) – for hospitality work (age restrictions apply)
- Working With Children Check – essential for working with young people
- Pre-apprenticeship courses – try out a trade before committing
- Pool Safety courses – for working at aquatic centres
Life skills
- Driver’s License (age restrictions apply)
- Surf Life Saving certificates
- Diving certifications
- Digital literacy courses
- Basic accounting or business skills
Remember that age restrictions and requirements vary depending on where you live, so it’s worth checking what’s available in your area.
How to get started
Before enrolling in any course, consider:
- The time commitment required
- Course costs and whether there are any subsidies available
- If there are any prerequisites
- Whether the qualification is recognised in your area
- How the qualification aligns with your interests and career goals
Many of these courses can be completed online or during school holidays, making them easier to fit around your studies. Some schools even offer vocational courses as part of their curriculum – check with your careers advisor to see what’s available.
Find out more
Want to explore more options for building your skills, whether it’s at school or in the future? You can find lots more information on our website here.