After Year 12

Choices After Year 12

A small number of Year 10 students will have a good idea about the career path they wish to follow. These students should consult with school counsellors to determine the institutions they can attend after Year 12 and the academic background required to access those institutions.

The majority of students, however, will not have made up their mind about a career path. If this applies to you, then you should select courses in Year 11 and 12 that enable you to keep your options open. To discover how to identify possible career goals students can visit:

www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au

All students should be aware that some university studies specify preferred courses or prerequisites and that some State Training Provider (TAFE) courses are highly competitive, so completing certain courses in Year 11 and 12 can be an advantage.

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Options After Year 12

Students leaving school after Year 12 typically pursue one of three broad options. Obviously, your options are influenced by the courses you have completed at school, and the results you have attained.

University Entry

State Training Provider (TAFE)

State Training Providers (formerly known as TAFE Colleges) account for a further 40 per cent of school leavers. STPs offer a wide range of courses, typically of shorter duration than university courses. Certificate II courses can normally be completed in one year; Certificate III and Diploma courses over two years. Fees are payable, depending on the level of the qualification and its resources requirements. Employment rates for graduates vary depending on industry needs and economic circumstances at the time.

The criteria used to determine entry into STP Colleges are very different from those used for university entrance. The selection criteria are currently based on three main categories that add to a total of 100 points:

Qualification pathway (up to 29 points). Points are awarded for complete or partially completed qualifications. More points are offered for completed qualifications, and for qualifications completed in the same area of study as that you are applying for.

Work experience / employment (up to 29 points). You are allocated points for your employment or workplace experience. This may be for paid or unpaid work, or work experience / workplace learning. Documentary evidence is required.

Secondary education / skill development (up to 42 points). This includes secondary education (current or past), or a portfolio demonstrating skill development. The portfolio may contain qualifications or tests that you completed in the past.

Higher level State Training Provider qualifications usually have prerequisite qualifications. For example, to undertake a Certificate IV Fitness, an applicant would need to have completed a Certificate III in Fitness.

To maximize your entry prospects for STP studies, you should:

Check the selection criteria that applies to the course you wish to enter.

Ensure that the courses you choose at Year 11 and Year 12 satisfy the entry requirements for your proposed training course.

Undertake VET studies at school, particularly those which lead to a completed credential.

Undertake workplace learning.

Keep records of any part-time work undertaken.

Get the best grades you can in school studies.

STP courses tend to be very flexible in terms of study structures, often enabling you to study part-time and work part-time. In recent years, it has become easier to transfer between STP courses and some university courses. In general terms, transfers are possible after completion of Diploma level STP courses.

Click Here To Learn More About TAFE Entry

Employment After School

For university entry, consider:

Career interest and aspirations.
Year 10 achievement profile.
Required uni prerequisites.
Select English or Literature.
Select 4-5 ATAR courses.
Refer to past ATAR entry cut-offs.

For TAFE entry, consider:

Career interest and aspirations.
Select an English course.
Select courses to maximize grades.
Enrol in Workplace Learning.
Enrol in a VET program.
Complete a VET Certificate II.

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