Career conversations - Department of Education
Source: https://www.education.wa.edu.au/career-conversations
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:14
Career conversations - Department of Education
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Career conversations
Career conversations
The world of work is changing, and this is an exciting time for young people with many opportunities to explore.
We have become more connected through technology and automation. This has altered how and where we work. Information can be shared instantly, and in many industries, physical location is no longer relevant.
In the past, building a successful career required young people to learn core technical skills for a specific occupation, and gradually broaden this skillset and experience over time. The increasing use of technology in the workplace, and the way we use it to communicate and connect with people across the world, is changing how we work.
You are the greatest influence on your child’s career-related decisions. Together with school staff, we are preparing young people for these opportunities and challenges. We encourage you to start having conversations with your child about career decisions early on. Finding the right career requires a level of self-awareness and a lot of career exploration.
Work capabilities such as critical thinking, creativity, adaptability, integrity and cultural responsiveness are needed for lifelong learning. Young people need help to explore their options and should be encouraged to challenge themselves. We want them to aim high, think big and be supported to look beyond what they know.
By helping young people build their understanding of the world of work, they will develop the career management skills they need to successfully transition to university, training or employment, as well as throughout their working lives.
Career conversation events
Career conversation events
Talk to your child about their pathways and opportunities.
Find all events
Asset Publisher
Start a conversation
For many young people, choosing the right career pathway requires a lot of consideration and exploration.
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)
The WACE is awarded to students who have successfully completed two years of senior secondary schooling and have achieved the required standard.
Making choices for Years 11 and 12
Students may be interested in university study, have a specific career in mind that will involve further education and training, or intend to enter the workforce after leaving school.
Pathways to university
Senior school students can choose from a wide range of pathways to university, training and employment.
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Provides skills and knowledge that is required to perform effectively in the workplace.
Apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships are learning pathways that combine paid on-the-job training and formal study with a Registered Training Organisation.
Engaging with the world of work
Students need opportunities to learn from employers about work, paid employment and the skills that are valued in the workplace.
Information sheets
Information sheets
Career pathway information for people with disabilities
Career pathway information for parents and carers of people with disabilities.
Download
(PDF 211.7kB)
Making choices for Years 11 and 12
There is a wide range of options for students in Years 11 and 12 that provide multiple pathways to university, training and employment.
Download
(PDF 218.5kB)
Pathways to University
Senior school students can choose from a wide range of pathways to university, training and employment. Pathways can be selected to meet students’ interests, skills, needs and aspirations.
Download
(PDF 209.7kB)
Starting a conversation
Information for parents and carers to help you start a career conversation.
Download
(PDF 172.3kB)
The need for young people to engage with the world of work
Engaging with the world of work helps young people understand the relevance of what they are learning at school, broadens their horizons, raises their aspirations, and highlights the range of jobs and career pathways open to them.
Download
(PDF 168.8kB)
Vocational Education and Training
This document explains what vocational education and training (VET) is and what the pathway options to employment are.
Download
(PDF 253.2kB)
true
Career conversations
Career conversations
The world of work is changing, and this is an exciting time for young people with many opportunities to explore.
We have become more connected through technology and automation. This has altered how and where we work. Information can be shared instantly, and in many industries, physical location is no longer relevant.
In the past, building a successful career required young people to learn core technical skills for a specific occupation, and gradually broaden this skillset and experience over time. The increasing use of technology in the workplace, and the way we use it to communicate and connect with people across the world, is changing how we work.
You are the greatest influence on your child’s career-related decisions. Together with school staff, we are preparing young people for these opportunities and challenges. We encourage you to start having conversations with your child about career decisions early on. Finding the right career requires a level of self-awareness and a lot of career exploration.
Work capabilities such as critical thinking, creativity, adaptability, integrity and cultural responsiveness are needed for lifelong learning. Young people need help to explore their options and should be encouraged to challenge themselves. We want them to aim high, think big and be supported to look beyond what they know.
By helping young people build their understanding of the world of work, they will develop the career management skills they need to successfully transition to university, training or employment, as well as throughout their working lives.
Career conversation events
Career conversation events
Talk to your child about their pathways and opportunities.
Find all events
Asset Publisher
Start a conversation
For many young people, choosing the right career pathway requires a lot of consideration and exploration.
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)
The WACE is awarded to students who have successfully completed two years of senior secondary schooling and have achieved the required standard.
Making choices for Years 11 and 12
Students may be interested in university study, have a specific career in mind that will involve further education and training, or intend to enter the workforce after leaving school.
Pathways to university
Senior school students can choose from a wide range of pathways to university, training and employment.
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Provides skills and knowledge that is required to perform effectively in the workplace.
Apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships are learning pathways that combine paid on-the-job training and formal study with a Registered Training Organisation.
Engaging with the world of work
Students need opportunities to learn from employers about work, paid employment and the skills that are valued in the workplace.
Information sheets
Information sheets
Career pathway information for people with disabilities
Career pathway information for parents and carers of people with disabilities.
Download
(PDF 211.7kB)
Making choices for Years 11 and 12
There is a wide range of options for students in Years 11 and 12 that provide multiple pathways to university, training and employment.
Download
(PDF 218.5kB)
Pathways to University
Senior school students can choose from a wide range of pathways to university, training and employment. Pathways can be selected to meet students’ interests, skills, needs and aspirations.
Download
(PDF 209.7kB)
Starting a conversation
Information for parents and carers to help you start a career conversation.
Download
(PDF 172.3kB)
The need for young people to engage with the world of work
Engaging with the world of work helps young people understand the relevance of what they are learning at school, broadens their horizons, raises their aspirations, and highlights the range of jobs and career pathways open to them.
Download
(PDF 168.8kB)
Vocational Education and Training
This document explains what vocational education and training (VET) is and what the pathway options to employment are.
Download
(PDF 253.2kB)