Career Advice for Students and Parents

18th July 2012

Author: MIGAS
Categories: News & Blogs Staff Blog

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Career Advice for Students Thinking About an Apprenticeship – Also For Parents

MIGAS speaks to hundreds of schools and students every year in our travels across the country to promote apprenticeships and traineeships.  In doing so we repeat similar information in the career advice we give; pick a trade, do your research, develop a passion and work hard at school to achieve your goal.

In giving career advice for the correct pathway for your kids, consider their natural passion for a particular area.  We see countless applicants come through our business that when asked about their passion their eyes light up when talking about cars, motor bikes, welding and working in the backyard workshops.  From an employer’s perspective we need to see not only this passion for trades, we also would prefer to see a level of direction during the schooling that have lead up to this point.  When a young person is applying for a position in the metals or automotive trades we like to see that they are studying Metals & Engineering or Industrial Technology as a subject at school.  It demonstrates to the employer they have been passionate around these industries from a young age.  I have discussed in a previous blog the subject of “Made for Trades”, which discusses this exact line of direction, passion and commitment from a young age.

The next advice I could suggest to parents is to make sure the grades for the school reports are the best of their ability.  When I say “best grades” I relate that to the individual, as not all kids are made out for the school environment and this needs to be taken into account.  However, it is the comments from the teachers and principal that can carry more weight to the type of person they are.  For example, the results for any given subject may be average, but if the comments are “tries his/her best at all times” then this demonstrates to us that the individual, although not academically outstanding, has the commitment of always putting in 100%.

There are certain aspects of apprentices/trainees and their own standards that can not be taught: commitment and dedication.  These type of traits are either inbuilt or, simply, they are not.  Above I raised the point of not being academically outstanding.  This is ok because if the dedication and commitment to succeed are inbuilt, the theory components can be taught through extra tutorials, mentoring and support.  If you look at the point in reverse you can see where some apprenticeships and traineeships could fail.  If dedication and commitment are not there they are much more likely to chuck it in if faced with difficulties.

School managed projects such as work experience are vital if the kids are unsure about which trade or qualification is for them.  All it be is a short amount of time to make a pretty big decision that could take them into an apprenticeship which lasts four years, but it will definitely assist them to make the “no this is not for me” decision – such as my experience when I went through the program. On the other hand, it will also cement and confirm their interest in a particular trade.  

I would encourage all students to discuss the career options with their schools.  In recent years there have been substantial changes to the leaving age and options for kids considering leaving prior to entering Years 11 & 12.  Many students are not aware that although the Year 10 Certificate has now been withdrawn as an exit point for those wishing to leave to gain apprenticeship or traineeship.  This exit point still exists however the certificate qualification does not.  The criteria for leaving school prior to 17 is that they must be in full time work, full time study or a combination of work and study that equates to full time hours.  This is where an apprenticeship or traineeship becomes available for those that wish to leave.

In summary, there are a large amount of scenarios to consider when looking at schooling and apprenticeship or traineeships.  It is the first step to selecting your career and this should not be entered into lightly.  Again, I highlight the advice that we give to students that can also be relayed to parents for their children.  If you truly cover the below points I’m sure the kids will have a good chance at success.

Pick a trade that your passionate about, do your research, get as much experience as possible and work hard at school to achieve your goal.

Nick Couper
NSW State Manager

 

Career Advice for Students Thinking About an Apprenticeship – Also For Parents