Undecided About What To Do After School? 10 Free Courses To Be Job Ready ASAP

In the later years of high school, you’re expected to have it all planned out and be prepared for your next stage in life - young adulthood. The freedom is liberating but with getting older, comes responsibilities. 

You’re in charge of your own career, health and money. You’re expected to graduate, apply for university or work a full-time job to get by but sometimes when the time comes around, you don’t have any dreams or aspirations just yet and there’s nothing wrong with that.

According to the ABS, just under one million Australians changed jobs last year and on average, Australians change careers five to seven times in their lifetime according to ACAP, so it’s only fair to say that it is completely fine to not have it all together right now.

Every other job nowadays that isn’t a casual hospitality or retail job expects prior experience. You know the ones, the job applications that ask for two years of full-time work in their previous job. Well, what if I told you that you could get started on building your professional career straight away without spending years and money (debt) in uni? Still not 100% sold, but want to start somewhere? Summer Skills are offering free short courses to school leavers aged 16-24 years old - be debt-free, commitment free, get your foot in the door early and suss out these 10 short courses below to kickstart some dosh flowing in this summer 💰

Did I mention you can do some of these online? How good.

1. Photography

Ever wanted to live out your Peter Parker dreams? From capturing stunning landscapes to city skylines to learning different techniques, technologies and how to enhance images outside of your Instax Mini or iPhone. It may come as a hobby to some but if you love photography and never want to feel like you’re working a day in your life, have a geeze into the Building Creative Digital Imaging Skills course with TAFE NSW 📸

2. Medical terminology

Been watching a little too much of Grey’s Anatomy in lockdown? Don’t worry, same - there’s 18 seasons and they’re not stopping yet. But if you want to scrub up on your medical terminology because surgery, blood and caregiving is calling your name - why not start with a Statement of Attainment in Medical Terminology? From labs, charts and your own medical reports, become Dr. Google and start your career in health care work 🩺

3. Business administration

Whether you’re becoming the next Andy in The Devil Wears Prada, a secretary, receptionist or an office manager - you’re in charge of decision-making and ensuring that business operations are running smoothly. Whether you genuinely need to learn how to use Microsoft Excel, get in the habit of organising schedules, creating presentations or business documents - here is your chance to learn the ins and outs of business administration.

4. Rock Climbing & Outdoor Recreation

If you have your eye on doing a summer camp here or overseas, then getting a Statement of Attainment in Outdoor Recreation (Abseil, Establish Belays, Establish Ropes and Lead Climb) could be a great way to separate your resume from the pack, and land that sweet gig. 

5. Retail & Sales

Sales is one of those skillsets you can take to just about any industry or job. Whether you want to stay in retail, or maybe even start your own business, having the skills to analyse and achieve sales targets, sell to customers and use social media to engage customers will come well in handy. If that sounds up your alley, then take a look at the Statement of Attainment in Retail (Sales Targets, Social Media and Sell to Customer)

6. Animal care

Take your first step towards a career in veterinarianism and work in a variety of environments - zoos, shelters, veterinary practices and animal research facilities. If you love your four-legged friends, check out the Statement of Attainment in Animal Care to learn all about their dietary requirements, their health and wellbeing as well as how to work in the professional environment 🐶

7. Pool Lifeguarding

Picture yourself living your Dacre Montgomery fantasy as a Pool Lifeguard? Help people stay safe while they beat the heat and get fit with a course in Pool Lifeguarding. You'll learn how to administer oxygen in an emergency, perform basic and advanced water rescues, and supervise clients in aquatic locations.

8. Bicycle Servicing

This might sound a little rogue, but hear me out. Since COVID, bicycle ownership has increased by almost 70% - which means that people need someone who's handy with an allen key and bike knowledge to help them fix their daily commuters. Bicycle servicing is really in demand at the moment, and a Statement of Attainment in Bicycle Servicing  could give you the creds you need to make it happen.

9. First aid in early childhood education

From naps, playtime, finger painting and chasing after kids all day - a career in early childhood education is so rewarding. In order to work in the industry, in schools or vacation programs, you’ll need to complete the first aid course to be ready to respond when necessary. It might only be nosebleeds and knee scrapes but you’ll get all the skills for extensive first aid training.

10. Barista skills

Everyone loves getting a coffee from their favourite cafe in the morning for a reason:

1. They need coffee to function
2. Baristas brighten up their day

Perfect your coffee making skills - tampering, distributing, frothing the milk - it is an artform and if you get it right, you’ll be the most respected barista out there. Take your skills to clubs, pubs, cafes - hey, start your own coffee truck side biz with the Statement of Attainment in Hospitality (Espresso Coffee and Hygeine) free course this summer ☕️

These courses are your express ticket to the ultimate gap year as well as a chance to build your resume! You’re hitting two birds with one stone. Suss out these free courses available and many more with Summer Skills to get qualified and hired for work as soon as possible!