Getting ready for life after school – top tips for parents and carers
There are so many things for young people to think about when getting ready for life after school – What do I want to do? Work? Study at Uni? Study at TAFE? Maybe an Apprenticeship or Traineeship?
The questions go on - Where do I find out about what's involved? Who can help me? What support might I need? Where can I get it? And importantly, how will all of this fit with the rest of my life?
Planning for life after school is often called transition planning. Young people make many transitions as they move into adulthood – these might include starting a new job or a new course, moving house or getting married. Making transitions is exciting, but can also be challenging. People who plan their transitions well, with help where needed, are likely to have a better outcome than those who don't. There are lots of decisions and preparations that all young people have to make when planning for transition. There are also some extra things that young people with a disability should consider, and some additional support that can help them to plan well for life after school. As a parent or carer, there are also lots of things you can do to help your young person prepare.
These top ten tips are a guide to some of the key ways you can support young people to plan for life after school. These tips are evidence-based, and were developed by the Western Sydney NDCO Program using a multi-stage process. The development included:
- a detailed review of transition planning literature and research evidence
- a review of relevant legislation, policy, and existing resources
- grouping of tips under ten key message themes
- consultation with experts in the area of higher education and employment for people with disabilities
- review and finalisation of the key messages based on feedback from experts
Click on each of the following for more detail, practical tips to help with transition planning, and links to further information and resources.
- Get ready early – It is very important for young people to start transition planning as early as possible
- Get the big picture – Help young people to identify their goals and interests, and how their disability may affect their future study or work
- Get connected – Make connections with people who can help the transition
- Get to know the options – Research different post-school options with your young person and identify what is realistic
- Get the skills – Focus on employability skills your young person will need for future study and work – which do they have and how can they develop others?
- Get organised – It's really important for young people to be organised and manage their time effectively
- Get support – Provide emotional and practical support and identify other types of support your young person may need
- Get them involved – Help your young person gain experience that will be valuable in the future
- Get to know about rights and responsibilities – Help your young person to learn about their rights in education and employment and how they are protected
- Get confident – Encourage your young person to practice standing up for themself and take responsibility
