Information for parents of students under 18 years of age
The learning and social environments at TAFEWA colleges are very different from secondary schools. If you are the parent/guardian, of a child under the age of 18, who is considering studying at a TAFEWA college, you may wish to access more detailed information about the TAFEWA environment.
How you can help
Parents and carers are often the first source of advice for young students seeking further education and training options. Below are some hints to help you provide this advice.
Starting points
Parents As Career Partners
Choosing the right career
Exploring different careers
Practical steps for parents
Important information for parents and carers about applications and enrolments
More information
Encourage your child to keep their options open. Remember, some subjects such as maths and science open up wider opportunities. Encourage them not to make premature choices.
The goal is to facilitate new information being provided to the student, so they can make a more informed decision about their future.
Prioritise communication/interpersonal skills, creative problem solving, numeracy, language, technology, business and learning skills in their current learning as invaluable building blocks for the world of work.
Parents As Career Partners Top of Page
The Employment Directions Network runs free workshops called Parents As Career Partners to help parents and caregivers understand the current work and training environment, as well as providing practical steps to assist their child/children with career planning.
Parents As Career Partners seminars give parents and caregivers the knowledge and a framework for helping the child/children in their care to think about and plan their careers. They explore the world of work, where the jobs are now and will be in the future, where students can go for career planning help and how parents and caregivers can assist the young adults in their care. The seminars are run by trained staff from the Employment Directions Network career centres.
Helping the person in your care make the right decision about their career can be difficult. Below you will find some practical advice to help you support the young adult in your care.
Contact the Employment Directions Network on telephone 13 64 64 or visit their website for more information.
Choosing the right career Top of Page
Young adults are more likely to choose a career which suits them if they understand their own likes and dislikes.
You can help them develop self-awareness with these simple ideas:
- - ask them what they have enjoyed learning and why, as well as what they didn’t enjoy and why
- support them when they want to try new things and expand their horizons
- pursue new interests together to reinforce the importance of learning at all ages
- help them get to know what they are good at
- reinforce to them that they are special and they can contribute something unique
- help them investigate jobs that relate to their interests
- - discuss the skills they use at school, at work, at home, in the community and on the sporting field.
Exploring different careers Top of Page
One of the best ways to explore careers is to use your own network. Encourage your child to talk with friends, relatives and neighbours about their careers.
Some questions might be:
- How did you become interested in the occupation?
- What qualifications do you need for the position?
- What is expected of you by the employer?
- What skills and personal qualities are required?
- What do you enjoy/not enjoy about your position?
- How would you describe a typical day?
- How did you decide that this is what you wanted to do?
Practical steps for parents Top of Page
Below are some steps you can take to help your child succeed in the changing world of education, work and training.
- Talk to school staff about performance, strengths and abilities
- Ensure there is a balance between study, work, rest and play
- Provide time and space for homework
- Set tasks around the home to encourage responsible work habits
- Encourage participation in voluntary, casual or part-time work so skills and work practices can be learned
- Encourage them to keep their options open. The wider the range for consideration, the more likely they are to find one that works for them.
- Interview friends, family or neighbours in occupations of interest.
- Go to career expos and open days.
Be positive when discussing career options with your child, aligning their strengths and interests with a future career as a step in the right direction. It is also important to listen to what they have to say.
Important information for parents and carers about applications and enrolments Top of Page
Understanding selection criteria and minimum entrance requirements is not straight forward. It is important to work through these sections with your child wanting to enter into TAFEWA. The following links highlight these issues.
- Full-time application process
- Does your child that will be applying meet minimum entrance requirements?
Visit these websites for helpful information;
- Career Centre
Get Access
My Future
Job Guide
ApprentiCentre