LEARNDon't Want To Go To Uni? There Are Other Options!

katem

So you’ve finished school and now you face the constant question of what you’re going to do with your life.

Most people assume that you’ll go to uni because that’s just what everyone does now, right? What we often forget is there are so many amazing opportunities and options apart from uni. And they can be just as valuable and worthwhile! So if you just can’t see yourself starting a degree anytime soon, here are some other options for you to consider.

TAFE

If you want to continue studying, but don’t feel ready to commit to a three year university degree, then TAFE could be perfect for you. It offers shorter, more practical courses that can add to your skill set and give you qualifications that many employers look for. Best of all, TAFE offers FEE-HELP so you won’t have to pay all your course fees upfront. TAFE follows the school calendar, so you’ll still be getting plenty of holidays if you’re wanting to work or travel, and most courses only require you to attend campus a couple of days a week making it a flexible option.

Private College

Private colleges are small, independent colleges that offer a range of courses in a particular field (for example beauty, film, hospitality etc). While some private colleges offer a FEE-HELP program, like TAFE and universities, some don’t, so it’s worth considering whether you’ve got the funds to pay for the courses they offer. The benefit of a private college is that their programs are specialised and focused, so you’ll only be learning what’s relevant to the field you want to end up in. If you’re wanting some flexibility in your course, including opportunities to try other subjects from different fields, then you may want to look elsewhere.

Travel

If you’ve had a part time job throughout school and saved up a bit of money, then travelling may be the way to go. Seeing the world gives you the chance to broaden your horizons, experience new cultures and clear your head before you make a decision about your future. You can meet so many interesting people while travelling who become lifelong friends, and if you do choose to study at university later on, these friendships can be incredibly valuable if you choose to go on exchange or work overseas. Make sure you travel with friends you know you’ll get along with, and only go once you have enough money to really enjoy it (even if it means working through the Aussie summer first).

Get A Job/Work Experience

Trying to decide what you want to do after school can be incredibly daunting, but getting a job or some unpaid work experience might clarify exactly what you do and don’t want to do with your life. Starting with some admin work in a field that you’re considering going into (for example law, medicine, advertising, fashion, accounting etc) can give you an insight into what the day to day life of someone in that industry is. This means you’ll get a pretty good idea if it’s something you could see yourself doing. You’ll also start earning decent money right away which is an added bonus!

Get An Apprenticeship

If the thought of working day in, day out in an office is your worst nightmare, then an apprenticeship could be for you. The training is more practical, and while getting one can be a competitive process, it’s definitely worth it. From hairdressing to plumbing, carpentry to painting, the possibilities are endless and you’ll get to learn on the job as you go. Many trades earn just as much, if not more, than some other professions so choosing to complete an apprenticeship could be the best decision you ever choose to make.

So there’s really no point going to uni just because you feel like everyone else is. It’s hard, expensive and you may be missing out on something that’s better suited to your interests.


What’s your opinion? Do you think everyone expects that you’ll go to Uni?  What would you REALLY like to do?

Tell us in the comments – your opinion matter most at YOMM.

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