12 Dec 2019

Despite what you might think, going to uni isn’t the only way forward once ya finish Year 12. In fact, there are so many other paths that you can take to find a job, that it’s actually kinda ridiculous that we’re not told about them.

To give you an idea of what you can achieve without boarding the uni train, we’ve put together a heap of gigs you probably never realised you could get into without taking the traditional uni path. 

1. Pilot

Got dreams of taking to the skies every day?  There’s more to it than just pressing a few buttons and chucking the plane on autopilot but you can get started with a TAFE NSW Diploma of Aviation. After just one year, you’ll graduate eligible to take the CASA licencing exam to fly private charters, freight and commercial passengers.

2. Recording and Mixing Artist

Do you dream of making albums or working on live shows? There are two versions of this Diploma of Music Industry (Sound Production). The most common version is an all-around audio engineering course focused on organic music in the recording studio and in live performance venues. The other version is focused on Electronic Music Production and is primarily related to making music entirely in the computer.

Check out the Diploma of Music Industry (Sound Production) which could get the ball rolling for ya on this one.

3. Animator

Good with art? Tech savvy? Blown away by how far animation and visual effects have come in the short time you’ve been on Earth? Consider yourself a visual communicator?

Check out a Bachelor of 3D Art and Animation which sets you up with the practical skills required to kickstart your career in animation. You can complete this degree through TAFE NSW, which means you can also apply without an ATAR.

4. Cybersecurity Specialist

Cybercrime is a growing threat to Australian business, consumers and government, and this has created an unprecedented demand for professionals who can secure and monitor IT systems and protect personal and organisational privacy.

As seemingly every aspect of business becomes more and more reliant on online technologies, the relevance and importance of cyber security continues to grow. Digital privacy is something which is treasured from the individual level right up to the largest corporations, and the demand for professionals who provide security in this digital world is enormous.

There’s a Bachelor of Information Technology (Network Security) you could do at TAFE NSW which will get you fully qualified to become a cyber security specialist without having ever gone to uni.

5. Paralegal

If you’re passionate about law, you’ve got options beyond heading to uni and studying a law degree. A Diploma of Legal Services will give you the skills and knowledge you need to work within the legal sector as a paralegal.

6. Engineer

If you enjoy creative solutions, solving problems and working with machines and technology, then engineering could be for you. Check out an Advanced Diploma of Engineering that will allow you to work in a number of different engineering related careers.

7. Nurse

Make a difference as an enrolled nurse in a skills shortage area, with the nationally accredited Diploma of Nursing. You will train in anatomy and physiology, infection control and medication administration and be ready to work in a range of health care settings including acute, aged care, rehabilitation and mental health.

8. Social Worker

The Bachelor of Community Services is a three year full-time, online qualification. This degree will give you the practical and theoretical skills you need to pursue a career in Community Services and includes two work placements in industry.

Choose an area of specialisation including, Disability Services, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies and settlement work, and be an agent of social change supporting the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities.

9. Marketing

Marketers have to come up with fresh, original ways to get their message across, through a variety of mediums including television, print, online, events and–the new favourite–social media. If you’re interested in human behaviour and are keen on a career in advertising or marketing then a Diploma in Marketing and Communications is a good place to start.
 

10. Film Production Assistant

This course can lead to a career in film, television, journalism, radio or the games industry. The Diploma in Screen and Media is a nationally recognised course that offers a range of specialty units that can help you become a film and TV make-up and hair artist, or learn to become a master 3D Animator.

If you’re someone who truly appreciates the beauty of film, without getting restless or checking your phone every ten minutes, you’ve probably dreamt of pursuing a career in the film industry and should be having a look at a Diploma of Screen & Media.

So there ya go. No uni, no worries.

And a heads up, this list of jobs is just a fraction of the careers you could be pursuing without heading to uni.

If you wanna explore what other options you may have, then TAFE NSW is a great place to start. With over 1,200 courses (including certificates, diplomas and bachelor’s degrees), you’re bound to find one that suits you. Get more info and grab your free info pack over here.