Get the right advice for your future

Now is a good time to be thinking about your next step for 2010.

Whether you need information about tertiary study and entry requirements, the subjects you should take next year, access to practical training or help getting employment, our learning advisors are here to help you.

‘Figuring out what you want to do when you finish studying is often a big decision for students to make,’ says curriculum leader alternative courses, James Bruce.

‘We create an environment for students to look at their strengths and abilities and help them develop a career plan that is realistic and right for them.

‘After talking with our staff, often students change their minds about what it is they want to do when they have all the information given to them. This can save time and money in the long run.’

Students in years 10 to 12 will soon receive a letter from TCS asking you to choose your subjects for next year, so now is a good time to think about possible careers.

How can we help?

There are a number of careers-related courses and programmes on offer at TCS, which you could get involved with next year.

A Secondary Tertiary Alignment Resource (STAR) course introduces students to the world of work. It involves experiencing various industries and trades by work observation and training, short-term programmes, taster-courses and longer-term programmes leading into Gateway.

The Gateway programme then offers longer term programmes, which lead to industry unit standard qualifications.

TCS also offers the NCEA level 1 and 2 Skills for Job Seekers course, which teaches students to develop a CV, organise and complete work experience, develop their interview skills and investigate career options.

Market trends

Studying at university and polytechnic remains popular. In 2007, students in non-degree level 4 to 7 qualifications represented 29 percent of all students in formal provider-based tertiary education.

James says vocational training such as modern apprenticeships nationwide are becoming a more popular choice for many students when they leave school.

“There’s going to be a real demand for qualified trades people in the coming years. Employers are looking for candidates with the right attitude, commitment and passion.”

As at March 31 this year there were 12,654 apprentices enrolled in a modern apprenticeship, with 88 percent studying at National Qualification Framework Level 4.

Need more info?

Want advice about careers or what to study? Call your learning advisor on 0800 65 99 88.

For more information on STAR courses contact Christopher Berentson on 0800 65 99 88 extension 8479.

To find out more about Gateway contact Kathryn Smith on 0800 65 99 88 extension 8552.

For more information on the Skills for Job Seekers course contact James Bruce on 0800 65 99 88 extension 8120.

Careers links

www.careers.govt.nz is an excellent source of information about work and training in New Zealand. You can also call them toll free on 0800 222 733. www.careers.govt.nz/parents_family_whanau provides valuable tips for family and whanau on helping your student make the right career decision.

www.studylink.govt.nz helps you with the finance and support to help complete your study.

www.nzqa.govt.nz provides information on NCEA credits and has some helpful resources.

Scholarships, grants and awards

There are thousands of scholarships, grants and awards available to students around the country, whether you are studying at certificate, diploma or degree level. Most tertiary institutes offer scholarships and you can check out the full list here.