FAQs

I’m still in secondary school but I’m not sure I want to stay. What should I do?

First, have a chat to your school welfare coordinator or careers teacher. Don’t forget your parents or caregivers. Tell them why you’re thinking of leaving school.

Make a list of all the reasons for staying at school and another list of all the reasons for leaving. Put down as many things as you can in each list. Weigh up all the things you’ve written and decide which list offers the best prospects for your future now and in the long term.

Most importantly, remember that the more education you have (whether it be finishing Year 12, going to university or gaining a certificate from a TAFE or other registered training organisation) the more money you are likely to earn.

Getting some kind of qualification is really important so don’t give up! Stay in school, go to TAFE or do a VET or VCAL course, but stay in some kind of education or training program. The year or two you put in now can have a dramatic impact on the rest of your life, so hang in there!

I need help choosing a career or deciding what type of job I want. What should I do?

1. Chat to the careers teacher at your school.
2. Talk to your parents and other adults about what they do now and about the other jobs they've had. Have they followed one career path or have they had lots of different jobs? Nowadays, most people change jobs, and often careers, but everyone has to start somewhere. You just need to figure out where you want to start.
3. Think about what interests you. What are you good at? What aren't you good at? What motivates you? We all do better when we're doing something we're committed to.
4. Visit a careers centre.
5. Check out the following websites for more information:

What secondary schools are there in the City of Melbourne?

State Government public schools

Catholic schools

Independent schools

I want to stay in school but I’m not sure I want to do VCE. What alternatives are there?

The Victorian Certificate of Education is not for everyone, especially if you don’t intend to go to university. There are alternative courses that can give you a qualification and provide you with career skills and training. These courses are taught in a way that matches your needs.

The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL)

In Year 11 and 12, VCAL courses provide hands-on learning that lead to an apprenticeship or traineeship, or TAFE.

You can transfer to VCE after starting VCAL, and your VCAL units at intermediate and senior levels can be counted toward your VCE.

VCAL consists of modules from four compulsory strands:

1. Literacy and numeracy skills
2. Industry-specific skills
3. Work-related skills
4. Personal development skills.

On completion, you will receive an accredited secondary school certificate qualification.

For more information, click here.

You can study VCAL at the following places:

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

VET combines general VCE studies with a vocational and work experience program to prepare you for the workplace after Year 12 or for further training at a TAFE college. For more information, visit www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vet/

Many schools and TAFE colleges in the City of Melbourne offer VET courses.

Which universities, TAFEs and registered training providers are in the City of Melbourne?

You can attend certificate and diploma level courses at TAFEs or registered training organisation (RTO). Many providers include work experience in their courses and have direct links with employers to help you secure work after you complete your course.

TAFE colleges

If you want a list of all courses and TAFE locations, click here.

Universities

What do I do at Centrelink? Where do I go? (or) Am I eligible for Youth Allowance Payments? What's the Job Network all about?

Centrelink is the federal government organisation that helps people in times of need. If you have left school and are looking for work, or want to know if you are eligible for payments while you study at school, TAFE, a registered training organisation or a university, phone 132490 or visit the Centrelink website by clicking here.

You will need to make an appointment with your local Centrelink so you can be assessed for eligibility to receive support payments. Take along, proof of your identity and a confirmation of the date you finished school (take the letter supplied by your school). Just like opening a bank account, your proof of identity must add up to 100 points. A birth certificate or extract is 70 points, a bank statement is 40, a Medicare card is 20, a credit card is 40, and a student ID with photo is 20.

The Job Network refers to organisations across Australia that are funded by the federal government to help people find jobs. Generally, Centrelink refers you to a Job Network member, but you can make an appointment yourself. To find more information and your local Job Network provider, click here.

I’m homeless or thinking of leaving home. Where do I go?

Being on your own is tough, so make sure you get some help and information. Try contacting the following people and services:

Melbourne City Mission's Frontyard Youth Services is located at 19 King Street, Melbourne. Call (03) 9611 2411 or visit: www.frontyard.org. Frontyard offers a one-stop-shop for young people for the following services:

The Youth Transitions Model supports young people by linking them into affordable housing while integrating them into education, training and/or employment.

There is a youth-specific Centrelink within Frontyard to help young people navigate their access to government income support benefits and services. Call 13 1021.

You can also access the City of Melbourne's websites, Helping Out booklet and list of crisis support services at: www.melbourne.vic.gov.au or call (03) 9658 9658.

I need help with drug, alcohol, relationship, legal, sexuality or health issues. Where do I go?

There is a wide range of services available for young people facing any type of crisis.

Check out the list below or access the City of Melbourne's websites, Helping Out booklet and list of crisis support services at: www.melbourne.vic.gov.au or call 03 9658 9658.

Kids Help Line: a free call on 1800 55 1800 or visit: www.kidshelp.com.au for emergency phone counselling.

Melbourne City Mission's Frontyard Youth Services is located at 19 King Street, Melbourne. Call 03 9611 2411 or visit: www.frontyard.org. Frontyard offers a one-stop-shop for young people for the following services:

Melbourne Youth Support Services (MYSS) helps young people with drug and alcohol issues, crisis and long-term accommodation, and legal issues.

Youthlaw provides free legal advice, information and support to young people.

Young People's Health Service provides nurses, doctors and counsellors to help with emotional, psychological, sexual health, pregnancy and any other medical or mental health issues.

Jobs Placement Employment and Training (JPET) supports young people who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless, and who are involved in the Juvenile Justice system or are refugees.

The Youth Transitions Model supports young people by linking them into affordable housing while integrating them into education, training and/or employment.

There is a youth-specific Centrelink within Frontyard to help young people navigate their access to government income support benefits and services. Call 13 1021.

The Youth Substance Abuse Service provides drug and alcohol support services.

The Salvation Army is located at 255 Bourke Street Melbourne.

Check out the links to youth services and useful websites.

For local information on just about anything, visit: www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au

For information on employment conditions, your rights as an employee, buying a car, going to court, moving out of home and lots of other useful information, visit: www.lawstuff.org.au

For career information, visit: www.jobjuice.gov.au

Paying Attention to Self provides support for young people who have parents with a mental illness, visit: www.rch.org.au

For youth information, services and resources, visit: www.thesource.gov.au