Building your career

Your career: A lifelong journey

Your career is something much larger than a job or an occupation. Your career is the variety of experiences of learning and work (both unpaid and paid) that you undertake throughout your lifetime.

Career: the sum total of paid and unpaid work, learning and life roles you undertake throughout your life.
Occupation: a group of similar jobs found in different industries or organisations.
Job: a position in which you perform tasks for payment.

Our careers are influenced by many things, such as our interests, our age, our education, our families and our cultural values, most of which change over time. In the 21st century, very few people will have a job or an occupation for life. You can expect to make several changes throughout your career.

It’s up to you to actively manage the process of building your career, rather than just letting it happen. You will need to plan and manage your lifelong career journey. You are the person best suited to make choices on the basis of your own skills, knowledge and interests. But as you get started, remember that you won’t be alone. Be open to those who can help and support you along the way, and offer your help and support to others as well.

Learning pathways

What is a learning pathway?

Your learning pathway is the way you navigate your learning, skill development and life experiences through the links between education and training, and community and personal life.

There are many learning pathways you can take on your way to any employment destination and yours will be unique to you. Your learning pathway may consist of employment-based training, such as an Australian Apprenticeship (known as an apprenticeship or traineeship in some states and territories), volunteering, entry-level work, further study and job advancement.

Throughout your career, the choices you make between different jobs, courses and roles in your community all guide you on your learning pathway. To understand where your choices can take you, it is a good idea to learn about:

  • the types of learning experiences available
  • where learning takes place
  • how to link different types of learning.

Australian Apprenticeships

What are Australian Apprenticeships?

Australian Apprenticeships (often referred to as traineeships and apprenticeships) are a great career option. They combine practical work with structured training to give you a nationally recognised qualification and the experience you need to get the job you want. Training is flexible and can be on-the-job, off-the-job or a combination of both. Australian Apprenticeships are available at a variety of qualification levels in most occupations, including traditional trades and a wide range of emerging industry sectors.

You do not have to wait until you leave school to get started. Australian School-based Apprenticeships are now offered by many schools, giving students the option of starting one while still at school.

VET in Schools

What is VET in Schools?

‘VET in Schools’ refers to Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Schools courses undertaken as part of a senior secondary certificate. VET in Schools courses allow you to earn credit towards a recognised VET qualification, while you complete the general education curriculum for your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (SSCE).

With VET in Schools, you can:

  • combine a vocational pathway with your SSCE studies
  • work towards a certificate I, II or III, or sometimes even a certificate IV qualification
  • keep your options open to pursue further vocational education (such as courses at a Technical and Further Education (TAFE) ins

Study, work and career support

Meeting the costs of study

Most courses involve some cost. Costs vary from institution to institution and are usually related to the level and length of the course and the field of study. Contact the institution of your choice to ask about their fees and charges. If possible, compare these fees and charges with those charged by other institutions before you make your decision.

You will need to find out how much you will pay for tuition fees, service fees and additional costs.

Tuition fees

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

TAFE institutes

Most TAFE places are subsidised by the state or territory government. Tuition fees are calculated on an hourly basis, and the minimum and maximum amount that you will pay per year is set by the government. These amounts vary from state to state. A full-time TAFE student in a government-subsidised place will generally pay somewhere between $600 and $2000 per year.

Fees usually have to be paid ‘up front’ (when you enrol), but you may be able to negotiate part-payment. Most TAFE institutes charge lower fees to eligible concession holders.

A small number of TAFE courses are not subsidised – these are known as ‘full-fee’ or ‘fee-for-service’ TAFE courses. Tuition fees for these courses are based on the actual cost of providing tuition, and concessions do not usually apply.

Contact your local TAFE institute or your state TAFE information line to find out more about TAFE tuition fees, concessions and payment arrangements.

Private Registered Training Organisations (RTOs)

RTOs provide the same kind of certificates and diplomas as TAFE institutes, but are free to set their own tuition fees. Some RTOs are non-profit community organisations, and offer low-cost courses to particular groups, such as local residents or unemployed people. Other RTOs are businesses with state-of-the-art equipment, and charge fees that reflect this.

Try to contact several RTOs that are offering the course that you are interested in, and compare their fees, facilities and student support services to see which one suits your needs best.

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Higher education

The Higher Education Loan Programme (HELP) assists eligible students to pay their tuition costs. If you are a Commonwealth supported student who is also an Australian citizen or the holder of a permanent humanitarian visa, you can pay your student contribution by taking out a HECS-HELP loan. If you enrol in a full-fee paying place, you may have access to a FEE-HELP loan. Both loans are repaid through the taxation system when your income reaches a certain level.

Further information on the above programs can be found in the booklets Information for Commonwealth supported students 2009 and FEE-HELP information 2009, which are available from higher education providers and on the Going to Uni website at www.goingtouni.gov.au .

The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations provides information through its enquiry line 1800 020 108 (FREECALL) and at the website www.goingtouni.gov.au .

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) provides information on repayment of HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP debts through the:

  • Personal Tax Infoline 13 28 61
  • Higher Education Loan Accounts Unit 1300 650 225
  • website at www.ato.gov.au .

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Additional costs

There are other costs associated with study, from pens and books to make-up kits or multimedia equipment, depending on your course. Ask your institution how much you will need to allow for:

  • textbooks and stationery
  • equipment, tools and/or uniforms (as with some Australian Apprenticeships)
  • materials, such as art supplies, timber or photographic film and processing
  • residential sessions or excursions.

A computer and internet access is another possible cost – will you need this set up at home or does the institution have a computer laboratory that you can use?

You will also need to think about your accommodation and living expenses.

Looking for work

Looking for a job requires a positive attitude and careful planning. Job hunting is hard work but it can also be a journey of discovery and your motivation level will affect your chances of finding employment.

You will feel much more confident approaching this new phase if you have done some thinking and preparation. It also helps to understand the job search as a process. Mastering this process is a very important step to developing skills in managing your own career. There are four steps to take when looking for work:

Step 1: Preparing to look for work

  • think about what you are really interested in and about your career goals
  • collect and organise all relevant information about your skills, experience and attributes for a career portfolio
  • find out what employers want

Step 2: Looking for a vacancy

  • know where to look for work
  • plan your job search systematically

Step 3: Applying for positions

  • know how to apply for a job
  • know how to prepare for an interview

Step 4: Reviewing your progress

  • learn from each job application and interview
  • think about what you could do differently

Useful Addresses

Useful terms

Accredited training

Training that is nationally recognised, and is provided by Registered Training Organisations, including TAFE.

Advanced diploma

A VET or higher education award usually requiring a minimum of four semesters to complete.

Affirmative action

An Australian Government policy to achieve equal employment opportunity for women in the workplace. Most state governments have complementary legislation. See also Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunity.

Annual leave

The paid holidays to which all full-time and part-time employees are entitled, usually four weeks for each year of full-time employment or a proportional amount for part-time employment.

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships combine practical work with structured training to provide a nationally recognised qualification and experience. Participants earn while they learn. Referred to as Australian Apprenticeships in some states.

Associate degree

An undergraduate award usually requiring two years full-time or the equivalent part-time study.

Assumed knowledge

The minimum level of achievement in senior school studies considered necessary for successful first year tertiary study. Students lacking the assumed level of knowledge are not prevented from enrolling; however, they may be disadvantaged unless they undertake recommended bridging, preparatory or introductory subjects prior to or during their first year of study.

Australian Apprenticeship

Australian Apprenticeships combine practical work with structured training to provide a nationally recognised qualification and experience. Participants earn while they learn. Referred to as apprenticeships or traineeships in some states.

Australian School-based Apprenticeship

An arrangement that enables students to start an Australian Apprenticeship while continuing their school studies.

Award

A legally binding document setting out rates of pay and conditions to be provided by employers for employees covered by the award. There are federal and state awards.

Award rate

The minimum rate of pay for a particular classification in an award. Payments over the award rate are quite common and are referred to as 'over-award' payments (see below).

Bachelor degree

An undergraduate award requiring six or more semesters of full-time, or equivalent part-time, study.

Block release training

The release of apprentices from their normal workplace (usually two weeks per term) to attend full-time vocational study.

Bonus

An additional payment made by an employer for good performance or greater productivity.

Business hours

Usually Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, however hours vary greatly between industry sectors.

Cadetship

An employment arrangement in which an employer agrees to subsidise formal training of an employee to enable certain qualifications to be obtained. The employee is usually required to remain with the employer for a specified period after training is completed.

Casual work

Employment in which the days, hours and times worked may vary according to the need of your employer. You are usually paid on an hourly basis.

Certified agreement

An agreement between an employer and employees or union(s) detailing wages, working conditions and work practices in that particular organisation.

Commission

A fee or percentage paid to a salesperson or agent for sales or services, usually on top of a retainer.

Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

A university place where the tuition costs are subsidised by the government. The remaining amount, called the ‘student contribution’, may be paid in full by the student or deferred using HECS-HELP (see below).

Competency-based training

Training based on the ability to perform tasks rather than the length of time spent in training.

Contract of employment

An informal agreement between an employer and employee about the job to be done and the conditions of employment (e.g. wages, hours of work). Unlike formal agreements, an informal agreement, such as a contract of employment, does not have to be registered by a government body.

Contract of training/training agreement

A legally binding contract/agreement between the employer and apprentice. The employer guarantees to train the apprentice in the agreed occupation and the apprentice agrees to learn all aspects of the occupation and to work for the employer for a specified period of time.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Written summary of a person's educational qualifications, employment history and personal details.

Danger money

Payment in addition to normal wages for work that involves some risk.

Deductions

Money taken out of an employee's pay by an employer for payments such as superannuation or health care.

Dependant

A person who is wholly or partly supported financially by someone else.

Diploma

A VET or higher education award usually requiring two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, study.

Discrimination

Unfair treatment of someone, or giving another an advantage or a disadvantage, because of their colour, politics, race, religion, gender or other personal attribute which does not relate to work performance. See also Equal Employment Opportunity.

Dismissal

When an employer ends a worker's employment.

Duty statement

A written outline of the main duties, responsibilities and qualifications required for a particular job. Also called a position description.

Employer association

An association of employers to promote and represent their individual or collective interests.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

An Australian Government policy to discourage discrimination in employment. Employers following this policy consider job applicants on their ability, not on their colour, politics, race, religion, gender or other personal attributes that do not relate to work performance.

FEE-HELP

A government loan scheme that helps full-fee students to meet their tuition costs. HELP loans are repaid after graduation through the taxation system.

Flexitime

An arrangement whereby employees can start and finish work earlier or later than the normal times. Time debits or credits can be built up (within specified limits), enabling a flex day to be taken off now and then. There are conditions attached to flexitime to make the system manageable. These vary between employers.

Freelance

A form of self-employment whereby a person agrees to do some work for someone else at an agreed price.

Full-fee place

A place in a higher education course where the student is responsible for meeting the entire cost of tuition. See FEE-HELP.

Full-time work

Generally considered to be employment for a full working week (normally five or six days) for a minimum of 35 hours. Full-time workers are eligible for annual leave, sick leave and other entitlements.

Graduate diploma

A postgraduate award requiring one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time, study.

Gross pay

Pay before tax and other deductions have been taken out.

Group certificate

See PAYG summary.

Group Training Organisation

A Group Training Organisation is a company which takes on apprentices and then hires them out for short or long periods to employers who do not have the capacity to take them on full time.

HECS-HELP

A government loan scheme that helps students with a Commonwealth Supported Place to pay their student contribution. HELP loans are repaid after graduation through the taxation system.

Income tax

Tax deducted from an employee's wages by the employer and paid to the federal government.

Indenture

The contract by which a person, such as an apprentice, is bound to service. It is now known as a contract of training or training agreement.

Itinerant worker

A person who travels from place to place working at various jobs.

Job sharing

An arrangement where one full-time job is shared by two or more employees. The hours of work are arranged to suit the employees and the particular job.

Key competencies

Any of several generic skills or competencies considered essential for people to participate effectively in the workforce. They include: collecting, analysing and organising information; communicating ideas and information; planning and organising activities; working with others and in teams; using mathematical ideas and techniques; solving problems; and using technology.

Labour market

A term used to describe the number of people who are willing and able to work.

Leave loading

An extra payment given to some employees when they take annual leave.

Lecture

Usually formal instructional classes involving large groups of students.

Living away from home allowance

An allowance paid to an employee who is prevented by employment from living at their normal place of residence.

Long service leave

An additional period of leave, usually three months, granted to an employee who has worked for the same employer for 10–15 years.

Maternity/paternity/parental leave

Granted to parents by employers to cover a period of several weeks before and after the birth of a child. Unpaid leave of up to 12 months may be granted and in some cases a limited period of paid leave may be granted.

Minimum wage

The lowest wage which may legally be paid to an adult employee.

Net pay

Pay after deductions (tax, superannuation, etc.) have been taken out.

Off-the-job training

Instruction that takes place away from an individual's normal work situation.

On-the-job training

Instruction that takes place in a normal work situation while workers are doing their normal job.

Over award payments

Payments over the minimum rate specified in the award are referred to as 'over award' payments.

Overtime

Time worked in excess of the daily/weekly hours prescribed by an award or determination.

Part-time (P/T) work

Work for significantly fewer hours than for full-time work under the same award. Hours are set. Part-time workers are eligible for annual leave, sick leave, etc. in proportion to the time worked.

PAYG (Pay As You Go) Summary

A yearly statement of an employee's earnings issued by the employer for taxation purposes. Formerly known as a group certificate.

Penalty pay

An additional amount of money that must be paid according to some awards to some employees for working nights, weekends or public holidays.

Pension

A regular government payment, usually made to people to meet social welfare needs such as an age, carer's, widow's or invalid pension.

Personnel officer

An employee of a government department or large business concerned with all matters affecting staff, such as recruitment, welfare, training, wages and salaries.

Piecework

Work for which pay is based on the number of 'pieces' or goods that are completed or produced, e.g. garments made or fruit picked.

Prerequisite

A subject or qualification required to be eligible for entry to a particular course of study.

Pre-vocational course

Introductory course aimed at giving participants a range of underpinning skills (including literacy, numeracy, communication) needed to be ready for employment or more specific skills-based training.

Probation/probationary period

A trial period that enables an employer to assess a person's suitability for a job.

Promotion

Advancement to a job of higher rank or position that attracts higher pay.

Quota

A limit which a college or university places on the number of students who can enter a course at any one time.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)/Recognition of Current Competency (RCC)

Credit given for previous experience or training, used for entry to, or credit towards, formal education or training.

Recreation leave

See Annual leave.

Redeployment

Movement of an employee between jobs for greater efficiency or when some tasks are no longer needed, for example, when machinery takes over some jobs.

Redundancy pay/severance pay

Compensation paid by an employer to an employee whose services are no longer required because of the introduction of automation or other technological changes, or a decrease in the demand for goods/services provided by the company.

Reference

A statement about personal qualifications, character and dependability from a responsible person (referee) familiar with the job applicant.

Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

Any training organisation registered to provide vocational education, training and/or assessment services.

Resignation

Formal notice of an employee's intention to cease working for an employer. The conditions under which a person may resign are contained within the relevant Award or Agreement for each position. Normally at least one week's notice must be given when resigning.

Resumé

A written summary of educational qualifications, employment history and personal details. This can also be called a Curriculum Vitae (CV).

Retainer

A basic fee or wage paid to salespeople. A commission is usually paid as well.

Retirement

The end of employment, generally due to the worker reaching a certain age.

Retraining

Instruction which is given so that an employee can take another job.

Rostered Day Off (RDO)/paid day off

A paid day's leave granted instead of payment for extra hours worked in a fixed period, e.g. a fortnight or month. Some awards and agreements provide an RDO as part of the normal hours of work.

Salary

A fixed amount of money paid to an employee for work performed. This can be expressed as an annual, monthly, fortnightly or weekly amount.

Scholarship

A lump sum grant designed to help maintain a student. There may or may not be conditions attached to the grant. For example, you may have to work for a specified time for the organisation granting the funds.

Seasonal work

Work that is only done at certain times of the year, such as fruit picking or shearing.

Selection test

A method used by employers to determine suitable applicants. Selection tests may vary in length and subject matter. Generally they are based on speed and accuracy combined with knowledge of the subject area.

Self-employment

A person who works for themselves rather than for an employer.

Seniority

A worker's position in the workplace according to their level of experience or the responsibility of the position they hold.

Shift work

In some industries, work may be rostered over a 24-hour period into two or three shifts.

Sick leave

Paid leave granted to an employee who cannot attend work because of illness or injury. There is a limit to the amount of sick leave that can be taken.

Special leave

Paid leave granted to cover special situations such as the death of close relatives, attending jury service, undertaking private study or attending to trade union affairs.

Structured work placement

Students learn practical skills through structured experience and practice in the workplace. The outcome of this on-the-job training contributes to the senior secondary school certificate and an industry recognised qualification.

Study leave

Leave given to employees to attend courses of study that are approved by their employer.

Superannuation (super)

A savings scheme funded by employers and employees. The total (plus interest) is paid out either in full or as a continuing pension to the employee on retirement.

Supervision

Workload is allocated to members of a team by a supervisor. Some positions are closely supervised while others allow for a more flexible, independent and self-motivated approach. In every job there is an element of supervision.

TAFE

Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutes provide Vocational Education and Training courses.

Taxable income

The portion of a person's income remaining after any tax-free allowances have been deducted. It is normally less than gross income.

Tertiary education

Post-secondary courses offered by universities, private providers and TAFE institutes.

Trainee

A person who is receiving instruction.

Traineeship

Traineeships combine practical work with structured training to provide a nationally recognised qualification and experience. Participants earn while they learn. Referred to as Australian Apprenticeships in some states.

Training

The development of skills, knowledge and aptitudes necessary to perform a job.

Training Packages

Blueprints developed by industry and endorsed by government to ensure that Vocational Education and Training meets industry standards and is consistent across states and territories.

Tutorial

A class that is smaller than a formal lecture, which provides students with the opportunity to discuss the lecture material or other associated topics in greater depth with their tutor and fellow students.

Union

An association of people doing the same or similar work or working in the same industry who have come together collectively to further their common interests by negotiating with employers.

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Post-compulsory education and training, excluding degree and higher level programs delivered by higher education institutions, which provides people with occupational or work-related knowledge and skills.

VET in Schools

Vocational Education and Training courses undertaken as part of a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education.

Voluntary work

Work that is done for no payment, such as delivering Meals on Wheels or hospital visiting.

Wages

Payment for services which is usually made on an hourly, daily, weekly or piece basis (see Salary).

Work experience

Any unpaid participation in the workforce designed to provide an experience of working life. Many schools arrange work experience for secondary students as part of career education programs.

Workers compensation

Money paid to an employee for losses (financial and physical) caused by an injury or disease that occurs at work.

Workers agreement

Individual agreements between employers and workers, and sometimes their representatives, for a particular workplace that set out the conditions of employment.

Workplace bargaining

The process in which the employer and employees or union(s) work together to develop an agreement on wages and conditions which apply to that organisation.

Jobs Guide Useful links

www.abc.net.au/acedayjobs Online videos about people who enjoy their work.

www.careeradviceaustralia.gov.au Find out about the services available in your area and other useful career advice links.

www.career.edu.au An Australian Government initiative designed for parents and career practitioners to access career development learning opportunities.

www.deewr.gov.au The Government Education Portal points the way to education and training information from Australian Government and State and Territory Government sources.

www.enya.org.au Promotes the active participation of young people in business.

www.goingtouni.gov.au Provides information for prospective and continuing Australian higher education students on the schemes available to help pay university fees and contributions, available scholarships and more.

www.grouptraining.com.au Information about Group Training Organisations that take on Australian Apprentices, loaning them to 'host' employers.

www.jobjuice.gov.au Provides a starting point for young Australians looking for a job or thinking about their future.

www.ntis.gov.au The National Training and Information Service provides information about courses, qualifications, competencies, training packages and Registered Training Organisations.

www.skillsinfo.gov.au Provides industry skills information, including employment data and links to information on employment, careers, skill needs, and training.

www.gooduniguide.com.au A comprehensive database of courses, careers and education institutions, as well as ratings and rankings which help students choose between them.

www.year12whatnext.gov.au A guide for Year 12 students planning their post school education and training.

To find websites with information on the jobs you are interested in, check out the individual occupation profiles.