What comes next when university is not your immediate pathway?

Leaving school can bring excitement, but it can also bring uncertainty. Perhaps university was part of your plan but is not possible right now. You might be looking for work, learning a skill, supporting your family, trying to earn an income, or simply wondering what to do next.

From School to Work was written for this important crossroads.

Rather than defining you by your examination results, qualifications, employment status, or present circumstances, this practical guide invites you to see yourself as a Future Builder?someone who can continue learning, develop strengths and skills, recognise opportunities, make informed decisions, and take purposeful action from where they are today.

Through relatable stories, practical examples, reflection exercises, and step-by-step guidance, the book will help you:

• understand where you are now without allowing your present circumstances to define your future; • recognise the strengths, skills, experiences, and resources you already have; • identify skills you can develop and practical ways to gain experience; • explore education, training, and other learning pathways; • approach job searching, CV preparation, and interviews more effectively; • discover ways to earn income from skills and resources you already have; • explore entrepreneurship as one possible pathway; • build professional relationships and a positive professional identity; and • create a practical Future Builder Plan for your next steps.

This book does not promise that every pathway will be easy or that every action will produce the result you want. Instead, it helps you ask a more useful question:

What can I build from where I am today?

You do not need to have your whole future worked out. You need somewhere to begin.