The end of the school year is an exciting time for graduate school leavers, whether they are Year 10, 11 or 12. It can also be a challenging time, with many options available for school leavers, and various career paths for them to consider. As a parent or carer, its important you help your new graduate assess their options, for their future after school.
Here at Lifeplan, we have been providing advice and supports to school leavers, for over 20 years. We understand the challenges and decisions that lay before our young people, and we are here to help them take full advantage of all the opportunities open to them.
This is a great opportunity for our young people to gain their independence, with help from you, their families and carers. Lifeplan are also here to support them, on which ever journey they take as a school leaver, be that further education, traineeships or employment.
Here are some tips from our Lifeplan team, for help navigating the next steps with your new school leavers, for life after graduation:
Explore all the Options
Whether you have a disability or not, life after school can be a challenging time, with so many options and decisions to make. Some people know what they want to do very early on, but most of us don’t! Most graduates will dip their toe in different career paths, before settling on their choice, so make sure you encourage your school leaver to try different things out. There will most likely be some trial and error, until they decide on something that works.
Ask for Advice & Support
You are not in this alone! Make sure you utilise the advice and support from various sources, including their teachers, other parents, friends, professional support agencies (such as Lifeplan) and job skill centres. There are plenty of supports out there to help young people transition to life after school. Make sure you use them!
Discuss your child’s ambitions, any confusion or worries, and ask for advice. Now is an important time to reach out to other parents and experts, to ask for help and advice. Some parents find it challenging to ‘let go’ during this transition, and it is important you let your young adults start to make their own decisions, while still supporting them.
Decide Your Goals
Goal setting is so important, as it will help define their aspirations, and how to achieve them. If your young adult wants to join the workforce, what will they need to help achieve this? Transport to the workplace or job training? If they are planning on further education, will they need any specialised equipment or study materials? Once you know the goal, you can go to the NDIS with a clear plan.
Utilise the NDIS Support System
Once you have decided on your options, it’s time to meet with the NDIS to make it happen. The NDIS is here to help people live their best life, so make it as easy as possible for them to help. We have spoken previously about the importance of goal setting before the NDIS planning meeting. Lifeplan are here to help, and can help you prepare for the planning meeting, to ensure the best outcome.
Peer Workers
At Lifeplan, we have experienced Peer Workers and Mentors, on hand to help, who may also aid through the decision-making process. We understand there can be some trepidation around decision making, and we are here to help guide you.
Contact Lifeplan
If you are or know, a recent school leaver who would like some support, contact our friendly team at Lifeplan. We have over 20 years’ experience helping young people navigate their career choices and find a plan that works for them.
