Tips to help your teen find success after school

 

1. Start the conversation

Ideally the conversation with your child about their future should have been ongoing throughout their lives, but it’s never too late to start! Ask them what they want to do with their lives, what a successful adulthood looks like to them, and what they envision for themselves in the future.

 

2. Look at the big picture

If your teen doesn’t have a clear idea of what they might like to do, focus on the broad strokes. There are three main pathways after high school. Some teens will leave school to pursue a trade, some will want to go straight into the workforce, while others will plan to go to university or further study. Finding out which one of these three options suits your child will help you narrow your choices down.

 

3. Be open

Sometimes your child’s goals or life-plan will differ significantly from your own. It can be a difficult situation to navigate but it’s important to keep your expectations in check. There is a lot of pressure on young people to make all the right decisions at this age, but nothing is set in stone. They can always course correct later if they decide to take another path.

 

4. Use online resources

Encourage your teen to use online resources to find out what career or path would suit them best. Ask them to do some research into the steps required to achieve the goals they have for themselves so that they can get a clear picture of what’s required. Not sure where to begin? Have them take our career quiz here. (https://you.coact.org.au/).

 

5. Set some goals

Once your teen has a shortlist of ideas they’d like to explore, map out a list of action items that will help them to achieve their goals so that they can clearly see the path to success.

 

 

4 ways to help your teen explore their choices

 

 

If your teen is unsure about what path to take there are a few things you can do to help them get a feel for their options after school.

1. Visit universities and your local TAFE

If your teen is interested in further education after high school, make some time to visit some universities or the local TAFE in your area so that they can get a feel for the different environments and see what it might be like to be a student there.

 

2. Work experience

For some teens, an after-school job is a great way to get a feel for what it’s like to be in the workforce, but you can also consider non-paid work experience in the sector that your child has shown interest. Shadowing someone in their chosen field can help them see the realities of their choice and help them make great connections for the future.

 

3. Volunteer work

Community service is a great way to make contacts, as well as gaining some insight into what kind of tasks they enjoy (and don’t!). Volunteer work will also boost your child’s confidence and give them a stronger sense of community.

 

4. Speak with CoAct

CoAct has experienced and friendly staff to help you navigate this confusing time. We have the community connections to place your teen into an employment area that suits their personality and long-term goals. Contact us today to get started.

 

Want to know more?

Get in touch with the CoAct team today
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