School Leavers Guide to Getting Hired
Your complete guide to landing your first job, apprenticeship, or traineeship after finishing school.
Finishing school is exciting - but it can also feel overwhelming when you're figuring out what to do next. Whether you're looking for your first casual job, considering an apprenticeship, or exploring career pathways, this guide will help you get started.
Your Options After School
There's no single "right" path after Year 12. Here are the main options available to you:
University
3-5 years for a degree. Best for careers requiring formal qualifications (medicine, law, engineering, teaching).
Typical cost: $20,000-$50,000+ (HECS-HELP available)
Apprenticeship
3-4 years combining work with study. Get paid while you learn a trade (electrician, plumber, carpenter, chef).
Typical cost: Free (you earn while you learn)
Traineeship
1-2 years combining work with a Certificate qualification. Good for business, IT, hospitality, retail.
Typical cost: Free (you earn while you learn)
Direct Employment
Start working right away. Build experience, earn money, figure out what you like. Can always study later.
Typical cost: None (start earning immediately)
Don't feel pressured to decide everything now. Many successful people changed direction multiple times. Getting any job experience is valuable, even if it's not your "dream career".
Getting Your First Job
If you're looking for work now, here's how to maximise your chances:
1. Get Your Basic Documents Ready
Before you start applying, make sure you have:
- Tax File Number (TFN) - Apply free at ato.gov.au (takes 1-2 weeks)
- Bank account - You'll need this for pay
- USI (Unique Student Identifier) - Required for any training/apprenticeships
- 100 points of ID - Birth certificate, passport, or proof of age card
- Resume - Even a basic one-page resume works
2. Get Entry-Level Tickets
Some quick certifications dramatically increase your job options:
High-Value Entry-Level Tickets
$50-100, 4 hours online. Required for any venue serving alcohol. Valid 3-5 years depending on state.
$25-180, 4-6 hours online. Required for food handling roles. Valid 5 years.
$80-150, 1 day. Valued across all industries. Valid 3 years (CPR refresher annually).
$100-220, 1 day. Required for ANY construction site work. Valid for life.
$50-200, 3-4 hours. Great for cafe work. No expiry.
$250-400, 2 days. High-paying entry-level role ($35-50/hr). Valid 3 years.
3. Write a Basic Resume
Don't worry if you don't have "real" work experience yet. Include:
- Contact details - Name, phone, email (use a professional email address)
- Education - Your school and year completed
- Skills - Computer skills, languages, any tickets/certificates
- Other experience - Volunteering, school activities, sports teams, family business help
- References - Teachers, coaches, family friends (ask permission first)
Resume Tips
- Keep it to 1 page
- Use a simple, clean format
- Check spelling and grammar
- Use a professional email (not coolgamer2007@...)
- Save as PDF so formatting doesn't break
4. Where to Look for Jobs
Entry-level jobs are everywhere if you know where to look:
- In person - Walk into shops, cafes, restaurants and ask if they're hiring
- Online platforms - SecureMatch, SEEK, Indeed, Jora
- Social media - Local Facebook groups often post jobs
- Word of mouth - Tell everyone you're looking (friends, family, neighbours)
- School career counsellor - They often know of opportunities
Apprenticeships: Earn While You Learn
If you like working with your hands and want a skilled trade, an apprenticeship might be perfect for you.
Popular Apprenticeships in Australia
Construction Trades
Carpenter, Electrician, Plumber, Bricklayer, Painter
Duration: 3-4 years
Automotive
Mechanic, Panel Beater, Auto Electrician
Duration: 3-4 years
Hospitality
Chef, Baker, Pastry Cook
Duration: 3-4 years
Hairdressing & Beauty
Hairdresser, Barber, Beauty Therapist
Duration: 3-4 years
How to Find an Apprenticeship
- Australian Apprenticeships - australianapprenticeships.gov.au
- Group Training Organisations - They employ apprentices and place them with host businesses
- Direct approach - Contact businesses directly and ask about apprenticeships
- School-based apprenticeships - Start while still in Year 11-12
Your First Day Checklist
Landed your first job? Here's how to make a great impression:
First Day Success Tips
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- Bring your TFN and bank details
- Dress appropriately for the role
- Bring a pen and notepad
- Ask questions - it shows you're engaged
- Listen more than you talk
- Be friendly to everyone
- Stay off your phone
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without tailoring - Mention the specific business in your application
- Being unreliable - Showing up late or calling in sick frequently will get you fired fast
- Bad attitude - Employers value attitude over experience for entry-level roles
- Burning bridges - Leave every job professionally, even if you hated it (references matter)
- Waiting for the perfect job - Any experience is valuable. Start somewhere.
Ready to Start Your Career?
Create your SecureMatch profile and let employers find you. It's free for candidates.
Create Your ProfileLast updated: December 2025