Careers for students and school leavers

Have you really explored your future?

Not everybody has a clear idea of their career whilst immersed in study, and it’s quite common for a person to take a career path which doesn’t necessarily follow on from the qualifications they have gained. As you look to your future, you will look for a career that rewards you well for the work you do, one that values your qualifications, and also one that fits in with the person you are.

Whatever stage of study you are at – as a tertiary student studying towards a tertiary qualification or as a secondary school student who is just about to graduate, a moment spent exploring the community and disability support sector would be worthwhile for you.

Here, you can get the best of all worlds:

  • Qualifications - many qualifications are recognised in the sector, which can provide the opportunity to gain sector-specific qualifications that could enhance your career.
  • Support - whereas some careers for school leavers and graduates see them under pressure to prove their worth, you’ll find that the sector is very supportive in helping its new employees to acclimatise to their role, and to strike the right work-life balance from the outset.
  • Flexibility - one thing that makes the sector so attractive to students is they can often find work that is flexible enough to fit around their studies, allowing them to get invaluable experience which will compliment their learning.
  • Location - because roles within the sector aren’t limited to the ‘city’, you may be able to find the right job for you much closer to home.
  • Satisfaction - at the end of the working day, you will feel well rewarded for the work you have done, both professionally and personally. When you know that the work you do helps another person to live a more fulfilling life, you’ll feel more fulfilled too.
  • Progression - the sector prides itself on helping people fulfil their potential. This support means that it’s not uncommon for people to change roles or even career paths within the sector itself. 
  • Bright future - if you’re someone who is naturally good with people, has ambitions of a very successful career and who wants a job where you can bring all of your skills to work each day, your future within this sector could be very bright indeed.

Where do I start?

You’ll find a handy breakdown of the kind of roles available within the sector, as well as information about the rewards and benefits on offer, on the carecareers website. You’ll also find a glossary at the bottom of each page on this website which explains some of the terms specific to the sector.

Our straightforward guide to the disability and community care sector and the kinds of services it provides is also a great resource for getting a feel for it.

A great way to connect with other like minded people and to tap into the knowledge and experience of those who are further down the track is our community. In addition to this are the real life experiences of people working in the community and disability sector, including the sources of their inspiration and work satisfaction.

Related Links

  • Australian apprenticeships

    This website offers comprehensive and up-to-date information about how to do an Australian apprenticeship.

  • Case study on student traineeships

    Read the carecareers' case study about a pilot traineeship program undertaken by Valmar Support Services, which involved two high school students training at the service while completing their studies.

  • Jobs guide

    Specifically written for Year 10 students, this is a great resource for students who are looking for advice and ideas about planning for their future.

  • myfuture

    A great website with fun interactive quizzes, video guides, competitions and information about workshops designed to clarify your further education and training choices.

  • Traineeship info sheets and resources

    A series of information sheets and resources have been produced by carecareers to assist students, parents, schools and employers to find out more about School-based Traineeships in the NSW disability sector.

  • Youth gov

    The central hub for government information for young people seeking information about training, support, funding and development.

 

Do I have to go to uni first?

That depends on the kind of role you’d like to do and the career you’re hoping to have. One of the real benefits of a career in the community and disability support sector is the opportunity to train as you go.

Depending on the specific role, there are lots of ways to build your skills and qualifications at the same time as learning and earning on the job. Our guide to training and development within the sector is a great place to go for more information.

If you’re interested, but not quite sure whether a career in community and disability support is right for you, why not gain some work experience first to see if the fit is right?

What if I’m already studying?

Part Time jobs are a reality for the majority of students these days, and the community and disability sector is a great source of rewarding Part Time jobs for students, and also for school leavers.

Like hospitality and retail, the sector offers the flexibility that is vital for anyone juggling coursework and a timetable, but in the disability and community care sector a Part Time job will increase your knowledge, grow a broader range of skills, give you an insight to the satisfaction that comes from being part of a truly inclusive community, and it will be a valuable addition to your CV when you graduate!

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