2021 Darren CHESTER MP With compliments from
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2021
SCHOOL LEAVERS’
GUIDE
With compliments from
Darren CHESTER MP
THE NATIONALS FEDERAL MEMBER FOR GIPPSLAND
/1
04 / Education and Training Options
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Universities
Applying for University
Private Higher Education Providers
Distance and Online Study
Apprenticeships and Traineeships
Australian Defence Force (ADF) Gap Year Program
Cyber Gap Program
Foundation Language, Literacy, Numeracy and
Digital Skills Support
Commonwealth Scholarships Program for Young
Australians
06 / Financial and Other Support
Commonwealth Supported Places
CONTENTS
Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
VET Student Loans
Repaying your HELP Debt
myGov
Financial hardship
Scholarships
Trade Support Loans
General Benefits
08 / Finding Employment
Employment
Youth Jobs PaTH
Transition to Work
jobactive
The National Work Experience Programme
JobTrainer
Enhanced Support for School Leavers
Launch into Work
Job Jumpstart
National Careers Institute
Community and Volunteer Work
Starting a Business
New Business Assistance with NEIS
Exploring Being My Own Boss Workshops
Entrepreneurship Facilitators
The material in this resource guide
is made available for the purpose Tax File Number
of providing access to government
12 / Additional Information
information and not as professional
advice. Before relying on the material,
users should obtain appropriate Medicare
professional advice relevant to their Unique Student Identifier
particular circumstances to evaluate
its accuracy, currency, completeness Enrolling to Vote
and relevance for their purposes. Some Useful Websites
material in this resource guide may
include or summarise views, standards
or recommendations of third parties.
The inclusion of such material is not an
endorsement by the Commonwealth of
that material and not an indication of
14 / Keeping Good Mental Health
15 /
the Commonwealth’s commitment to
any particular course of action. Links Have Your Say
provided to internet sites are provided
for the user’s convenience and do
not constitute endorsement of the
information at those sites.
The information contained in this
booklet is current as at 3 August 2021.
2/ School Leavers’ Guide 2021
Darren
CHESTER MP
THE NATIONALS FEDERAL MEMBER FOR GIPPSLAND
Dear school leaver,
Congratulations on your impending graduation!
This is a challenging, but nonetheless exciting time to be completing school. The
future requires all of us to be adaptable and prepared. Exploring your options means
accessing current information on a range of pathways, talking to your parents, friends,
teachers and career advisers. The School Leavers’ Guide is a great starting point.
When deciding what you might do after school, consider your interests, your likes and
dislikes, your experiences at school, at home and within your community. Think about
hopes and visions for your future and where you want to study, train or work.
In this guide there are sections about career development, further education and
training options, financial assistance available to young people as well as useful contact
details for more detailed information.
I trust you will find this information helpful. Please contact my office on 1300 131 785 if
I can be of any further assistance. I also encourage you to enrol to vote if you have not
yet done so – simply call my office and I will send you an enrolment form.
Good luck as you make the transition from school and I wish you every success in your
future endeavours.
Yours sincerely,
Darren Chester MP
Federal Member for Gippsland
MPs for them to share
Level 1, 89 Raymond Street, Sale VIC 3850 1300 131 785
darren.chester.mp@aph.gov.au darrenchester.com.au DarrenChesterMP
/3
Vocational Education and Applying for University
Training (VET) You can apply to your chosen university
Vocational education and training is through standard entry (on the basis of your
competency-based and directly job- senior secondary school qualifications),
related. The VET system provides special or alternative entry, or advanced
training for around 4 million students standing entry (credit transfer or credit for
annually for a wide range of occupations. prior learning).
VET provides industry relevant skills In most states and territories, and in some
for a broad range of employment courses, applications are processed
opportunities to support a skilled through a Tertiary Admissions (Service)
workforce for employers. Centre. Contact individual universities and
Courses are offered through a variety of Tertiary Admissions Centres for further
registered training organisations (RTOs) advice. See page 15 for more information.
including:
• TAFE institutes; Private Higher Education
EDUCATION • Private and enterprise training Providers
AND TRAINING providers;
• Secondary schools;
Approved private higher education
providers are generally non-university
OPTIONS • Industry organisations;
higher education providers which offer
a range of fee-paying courses leading
• Professional associations; to a higher education award course.
• Community organisations; Visit www.compared.edu.au and
• Adult and community training www.courseseeker.edu.au to
providers; and view and compare higher education
institutes and courses.
• Universities.
Currently, only a few of these
For more information on VET providers have been approved by the
opportunities, including courses and Government to offer Commonwealth
training providers, visit supported places. However, many of
www.myskills.gov.au them can offer a HELP loan.
Further information on higher education
Universities
can be found at
Universities offer a wide range of general www.studyassist.gov.au
and specific courses at undergraduate
and postgraduate levels, with subsidised Distance and Online Study
places and loans for study available to
some domestic students through the Many providers offer alternative modes of
Higher Education Loan Program (HELP). study to tertiary students, such as online
or distance education. You should check
If you are considering going directly with providers directly.
from school to university, it is important
to fully explore university and course One example is Open Universities
requirements. Look at prerequisite Year Australia (OUA). OUA are owned and
11 and 12 subjects for courses, and the operated by a consortium of Australian
campuses at which they are offered. universities and offers students access
to higher education study regardless
You can visit www.compared.edu.au of their Australian Tertiary Admission
and www.courseseeker.edu.au to help Rank (ATAR), previous education, age or
you decide which university and which location.
course is right for you.
For more information visit
Some universities also run enabling www.open.edu.au
courses that can help you build your
skills in preparation for study or help you
if you are unsure about what you might
like to study.
It is possible to pursue university study by
transferring from recognised VET studies
or undertaking pathway courses.
4/ School Leavers’ Guide 2021
Apprenticeships and participate more effectively in training
or in the workforce
Traineeships
You can get up to 650 hours of free
An apprenticeship or traineeship is
accredited training, starting at your
a great career path that kick starts
own level and working at your own
your future with a job and structured
pace. Training is delivered flexibly
education and training. It provides you
through full-time or part-time hours, via
with the opportunity to gain real world,
face-to-face or distance training.
hands-on experience while building
important technical, business and A work experience component can
service skills. also be included in some cases.
Anyone of working age can become To find out if you are eligible for this
an apprentice or trainee. You don’t program and be referred to a SEE
need to have any entry qualifications provider, talk to Services Australia or
and there are a variety of study options your local employment service provider
at different certificate levels. including:
Cyber Gap Program
An apprenticeship or traineeship is • jobactive;
offered in more than 500 occupations The ADF Cyber Gap Program is
• Disability Employment Services;
across the workforce including open to Australian citizens studying
an eligible cyber-related qualification • Community Development Program;
building and construction, health care,
agriculture, manufacturing, automotive, ranging from Certificate III to Masters • Transition to Work; and
tourism, beauty, hospitality, mining and level.
• ParentsNext.
digital technologies. The ADF Cyber Gap Program is
designed to raise awareness of For further information about SEE visit:
Employment prospects for www.dese.gov.au/skills-education-
apprenticeships and traineeships are Defence’s cyber-related career
pathways whilst encouraging and-employment
high.
participants to pursue a cyber-
Whether you’re looking to become a career in the ADF, Defence APS Commonwealth
fully qualified tradesperson, a business (Australian Public Service) and broader Scholarships Program for
manager, a healthcare expert or a Government.
financial planner, an apprenticeship or Young Australians
traineeship can help get you there. Throughout the program, participants
The Commonwealth Scholarships
will be provided with study-related
For more information contact your local Program for Young Australians offers
financial support, cyber-related
Australian Apprenticeship Support scholarships for young people to
activities, and career mentoring
Network Provider on 13 38 73 or visit undertake vocational education and
sessions.
www.australianapprenticeships. training courses, from the Certificate
gov.au At the end of the ADF Cyber Gap III to Advanced Diploma level. You will
Program, there is no obligation to also gain hands on work experience
join the Australian Defence Force or directly linked to your study through
Australian Defence Force provide a return of service. The ADF completing a paid, twenty-day
(ADF) Gap Year Program Cyber Gap Program will support 800 internship placement with a local
The ADF Gap Year Program participants across four intakes that business. The Commonwealth
provides an opportunity for young run for 12 months. Scholarship Program is open to
Australians, who have finished Year Further information on the ADF young people aged 15-24 years
12 or equivalent, to experience Cyber Gap Program is located on the who live in an eligible region. The
12 months in the military without website: www.dta.gov.au/cybergap eligible regions are Gosford, Grafton,
the obligation to make a longer Maryborough, Townsville, Alice
commitment. Springs, Wanneroo, Armadale, Port
Foundation Language, Pirie, Shepparton and Burnie.
Participants in the Gap Year Literacy, Numeracy and
Program learn practical and Scholars receive up to $5,000 per
leadership skills, enjoy a healthy and Digital Skills Support annum in study assistance and up to
varied lifestyle, meet new friends If you are a job seeker wishing to $3,000 for completing the internship
and may even receive recognised develop your reading, writing and placement. Local businesses who host
qualifications to help progress their maths skills to improve your chances an intern receive $1,500.
future career - all while getting paid. of finding and keeping a job, the Skills For more information, including how
For more information please visit: for Education and Employment (SEE) to apply for a scholarship, visit the
www.defencejobs.gov.au/ program can help. website at:
education/GapYear The SEE program provides language, www.dese.gov.au/commonwealth-
literacy and numeracy training to scholarships-program-young-
eligible job seekers, to help you to australians
With compliments from Darren Chester MP /5
The Government is helping thousands Further information about the HELP
of Australians to become qualified in loan schemes, including information on
their chosen field by providing access VET Student Loans, can be found at
to a Commonwealth supported place, a www.studyassist.gov.au and
student loan through HELP (including VET www.dese.gov.au/vet-student-loans
Student Loans), or support for apprentices
through Trade Support Loans. VET Student Loans
A loan is a serious commitment. It is a real VET Student Loans help eligible students to
debt that must be repaid when you reach cover tuition fees for approved higher-level
a certain income level (this income level (diploma and above) vocational education
for the 2021-22 financial year is $47,014). and training (VET) courses.
Make sure you understand your rights and Maximum loan amounts available vary
obligations before signing up to any sort of depending on the course chosen. Some
loan. courses approved for VET Student Loans
may also be eligible for state or territory
Commonwealth Supported government funding, which may reduce the
FINANCIAL Places loan amount needed to cover tuition fees.
AND OTHER At the undergraduate level, many higher
education providers (particularly universities)
You can find information on eligibility,
including courses approved for VET
SUPPORT offer Commonwealth supported places
to students who are Australian citizens. A
Student Loans, as well as the providers
(TAFEs, colleges and other institutions)
Commonwealth supported place (CSP) is approved to offer VET Student Loans, by
a place at a university or higher education searching on the MySkills website at
provider where the government pays part www.myskills.gov.au
of your fees. This part is a subsidy, not a
loan, and you don’t have to pay it back. Repaying your HELP Debt
This subsidy does not cover the entire cost You pay back your HELP debt through
of your study. Students must pay the rest, the tax system once you earn above the
called the ‘student contribution amount’. compulsory repayment threshold.
This amount can be loaned through the
Higher Education Loan Program (HELP). In 2021-22, students will start repaying their
HELP debts when their income reaches the
Higher Education Loan minimum repayment threshold of $47,014.
Program (HELP) The amount you repay changes with your
wage. The more you earn, the higher your
At the undergraduate and postgraduate
repayment will be.
levels, HELP assists eligible students with
their student contribution amounts or For more information on HELP repayments,
tuition fees at university and other higher call the Australian Taxation Office on
education providers. Eligible students have 13 28 61 or visit www.ato.gov.au
access to deferred payment arrangements
through HELP. myGov
The HELP scheme consists of various myGov is a simple and secure way to
loans: access government services online with
one login and one password.
• HECS-HELP is for eligible
Commonwealth supported students Create a myGov account and you can
to cover their student contribution link your Medicare, Centrelink or other
amounts; government services together in one place.
You can also:
• FEE-HELP is for eligible fee-paying
students to cover their tuition fees; • get messages sent to your secure
myGov Inbox;
• SA-HELP is a loan that assists eligible
students to pay for all or part of their • update your personal details with
student services and amenities fee; and Centrelink and Medicare;
• OS-HELP is to assist eligible students • be confident your personal information
who undertake part of their study is secure;
overseas with a range of associated • access your online accounts overseas
expenses, such as airfares and To create a myGov account go to
accommodation. my.gov.au
6/ School Leavers’ Guide 2021
More information is available here: General Benefits Allowance;
www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/ • Partner Allowance, Special Benefit or
individuals/subjects/about-mygov Services Australia
Sickness Allowance;
Services Australia delivers
Financial hardship • Family Tax Benefit – Part A at more
government payments and
If making your compulsory repayment than the base rate;
services. They can provide you with
will cause you serious financial hardship, information on relevant services and • Parenting Payment partnered and
you can apply to the ATO to defer your payment options, including referrals single; or
repayment. to employment service providers, • JobSeeker Payment or Farm
For information on deferring repayments Services Australia specialists and Household Allowance.
visit www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/ other departments and agencies.
Special rules apply for some young
Study-and-training-support-loans/ www.servicesaustralia.gov.au is people to get Rent Assistance with
Deferring-repayments/ your first port of call for information on some payments – for more information
For information about tertiary education all payments and services available visit: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/
visit www.studyassist.gov.au through Services Australia. individuals/services/centrelink/rent-
assistance
Scholarships Youth Allowance
Financial help may be available if Low Income Health Care Card
A variety of scholarships and awards are
available for students to gain financial you’re 24 or younger and a student or If you are a student, looking for work,
help for their tertiary studies. Details will Australian Apprentice, or 21 or younger an apprentice, or on a low income you
become available from universities and and looking for work. may be eligible for a Low Income Health
other higher education providers during To be eligible for Youth Allowance you Care Card. This card entitles you to get
2021. must be 16 to 21 and 1 of the following: a prescription filled at a reduced cost,
and other concessions.
• looking for full time work;
Trade Support Loans For more information call 13 24 90 or
• studying part time and looking for
An Australian apprentice or trainee visit www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/lic
work; or
working in a skills need area may be
eligible for a Trade Support Loan (TSL) • temporarily unable to work. ABSTUDY
of up to $21,779 to help cover the costs Eligibility is based on many things ABSTUDY is the Aboriginal and Torres
of living and learning. including: Strait Islander Study Assistance
A TSL is an interest-free government Scheme, which is a group of payments
• Your age and whether you are
funded loan that is paid in monthly for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
undertaking an approved course or
instalments for up to six months at a students or apprentices. ABSTUDY may
activity;
time. Your debt is indexed annually and assist you if you are:
• If you are dependent or independent;
you will get a 20 per cent discount on • An Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
your debt when you have successfully • Income and assets tests; and Australian;
completed your apprenticeship. • Residency requirements. • In an approved course, Australian
You could borrow just a small Individual circumstances vary, Apprenticeship or traineeship; and
amount over a few months or receive so for more information visit: • Not getting another payment to study
payments over the four years of your www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/ or train.
apprenticeship, up to the lifetime limit of individuals/services/centrelink/
$21,779 (for 2021-22). ABSTUDY can help with your study
youth-allowance
costs and housing if you need to travel
You choose how to spend the money. to study. It can help with your costs for:
You could use the loan to cover living Rent Assistance
expenses, buy work equipment like Rent Assistance is a regular extra • Study;
tools or boots, or save your payments to payment that may be available to you, • Housing;
buy a car. Whatever you do, remember if you receive certain payments from
• Living expenses; and
you will have to pay the money back. Services Australia. Thresholds and
maximum amounts of Rent Assistance • Travel to your place of study each
You will start repaying your TSL once
vary according to your individual term or semester, if you need to
you have reached the compulsory
circumstances. study away from home.
repayment threshold of $47,014 (for
2021-22). Repayments are made You may be able to get Rent Assistance For more information call 1800 132 317
through the income tax system (like a if you pay rent, live in Australia, and or visit: www.servicesaustralia.gov.
university HELP loan). receive one of these payments: au/abstudy
For more information contact an • Age Pension, Carer Payment or
Australian Apprenticeship Support Disability Support Pension;
Network in your region on • ABSTUDY Living Allowance, Austudy
1800 020 108 or visit www.australia- or Youth Allowance;
napprenticeships.gov.au
• Bereavement Allowance or Widow
With compliments from Darren Chester MP /7
Employment
When you are trying to get a job there are
things you can do to make the process
easier. You might want to:
• Spend some time developing your
career portfolio;
• Consider the skills and attributes that
employers are looking for;
• Learn more about the steps involved in
looking for work;
• Get feedback on your résumé and job
applications;
• Consider directly approaching
employers to ask about opportunities;
• Practice your interview techniques; and
FINDING • Follow up any applications you have
PaTH Internship Placements
EMPLOYMENT circulated. If you’re a job seeker aged 17-24, a
PaTH Internship is a great way to get
There are a number of ways to get experience and find a job. An Internship is
help finding work. You may find the list a voluntary work trial with a host business
of useful websites at the back of this for between 4-12 weeks. You get the
resource a good place to start. chance to learn on the job, show your
For more information visit skills and gain experience while employers
www.dese.gov.au trial you to see if you are a good fit for
their business.
Youth Jobs PaTH While you’re doing your internship, you
Youth Jobs PaTH is an Australian will get an extra $200 a fortnight on top of
Government youth employment program your income support payment.
that helps young people gain the skills For more information visit
and experience they need to get and www.jobactive.gov.au/path
keep a job.
PaTH will maximise the chances of young Transition to Work
Australians under 25 and on income Transition to Work (TtW) helps at-risk and
support to get a job through the following disadvantaged young people aged 15-24
initiatives: years develop the skills, behaviours and
attitudes that employers are looking for.
Employability Skills Training
In Transition to Work you’ll get practical
Employers are always looking for support to help you move from school to
enthusiastic staff with good workplace further education or employment.
skills, and Employability Skills Training
Your TtW provider will focus on building
can help prepare you to meet employer
your skills, confidence and work-
expectations and improve your chances
readiness by helping you find skills and
of getting a job.
training opportunities and linking you with
You’ll get practical face-to-face training people and services that can help.
to develop your résumé, search for work
You will generally be expected to
and improve your job interview skills.
participate in TtW services for 25 hours
You’ll also develop skills employers want, per week for up to 18 months. Your
including computer skills, communication provider will work with you to determine
skills, problem solving, teamwork and an appropriate mix of activities and
time management skills. services to help you achieve your goals.
In some courses, you’ll hear directly from Your TtW provider will talk to you about
employers about how their business things like apprenticeships, internships,
works or visit their workplace to see for how to build your skills and confidence,
yourself. and link you up with employers looking for
You’re supported by a professional trainer young people willing to give things a go.
in a safe and welcoming environment,
with other young people also looking for
work.
8/ School Leavers’ Guide 2021
Your provider will also support you training places that are free or low fee, Enhanced Support for
once you have started training or in areas of identified skills need such
working. They are there to listen and as health, aged and disability care, IT
School Leavers
help you stay motivated. and trades for job seekers and young As a young person aged 15 to 24, the
people, including school leavers. National Careers Institute provides you
for more information visit the TtW
with access to information about your
website on www.dese.gov.au/ As part of the 2021-22 Budget, the
current and future education, training
transition-work or talk to your local Australian Government announced
and work pathways through the
TtW provider. it would commit an additional $500
Enhanced Support for School Leavers
million, to be matched by state and
measure.
jobactive territory governments, to expand the
JobTrainer Fund by up to 163,000 The measure includes the:
jobactive is a national network of
places and extend the program until • School Leavers Information Kit
private and community organisations
31 December 2022. The final number (SLIK), which provides you with
dedicated to finding jobs for
of places will be dependent on the mix national and local information to
unemployed people.
of qualifications and short courses and support your decisions about post-
If you are a registered job seeker and will support training in digital skills and school education, training, and
in receipt of an eligible income support upskilling in critical industries like aged
work pathways. It also includes
payment, jobactive can help you. care.
information to help you apply for a
Your jobactive provider will enter your Job seekers and young people, job, to identify your employability
employment history and education into including school leavers, can now take skills and find information about
the JobSearch database (jobsearch. advantage of subsidised training to funding support and subsidies
gov.au), which will automatically match learn skills for jobs in demand. available to you.
your experience against available jobs.
JobTrainer funding is available for • School Leavers Information
For more information about jobactive accredited diplomas, certificates Service, available via phone, text,
visit www.jobactive.gov.au or short courses, based on a list or email. An Information Officer
agreed between the National Skills
will help you navigate the SLIK
The National Work Commission and the state and
and Your Career website, or refer
Experience Programme territory governments. State and
you, where needed, to a qualified
territory governments are responsible
The National Work Experience Career Practitioner for a 45 minute
for determining which qualifications
Programme is for people aged and short courses to prioritise from personalised career guidance
17 and older and registered with the agreed list, with focus on training session.
jobactive, Transition to Work or in areas of anticipated employment • Parents and Guardian’s Guide for
Disability Employment Services. The growth. School Leavers, which is available
program places you in real life work
Training places under JobTrainer are in Word and PDF formats and in
experience placements, helping you
now available. Further information on the four most common languages
gain experience and confidence,
the JobTrainer Fund is available on the other than English, on the Your
while demonstrating skills to potential
employers. The Program will offer you Your Career website Career website.
work experience and employment www.yourcareer.gov.au/jobtrainer For more information visit
opportunities by providing unpaid and the My Skills website www.yourcareer.gov.au/school-
placements with employers for up to www.myskills.gov.au/jobtrainer leavers-support/
four weeks, to a maximum of 25 hours
per week.
You may be eligible for an extra $20.80
a fortnight Approved Program of
Work Supplement while undertaking a
National Work Experience placement.
For more information visit
www.dese.gov.au/national-work-
experience-programme
JobTrainer
The Australian Government has
partnered with state and territory
governments to establish a $1 billion
JobTrainer Fund. This initial investment
will provide around 300,000 additional
With compliments from Darren Chester MP /9
Launch into Work National Careers Institute
Launch into Work offers tailored pre- The National Careers Institute was
employment projects which prepare job established to provide you with access
seekers for specific vacancies. Projects to accurate and up to date careers
are co-designed directly with an employer information.
to ensure participants build the skills The NCI’s website provides you with a
required for a specific role within their careers front door, connecting you to
organisation. information, advice and support to help
As a participant, you will receive, at you find the job or study options that
no cost to you: training tailored to the are right for you. The website provides
role; work experience, mentoring and information about learning and training,
a commitment of employment if you getting job ready along with career ideas
successfully complete the project. and resources.
Launch into Work is targeted at females, For more information visit
however, males are also welcome to www.yourcareer.gov.au
participate. To be eligible, you must be
FINDING registered with a jobactive, Transition to Community and Volunteer
Work or ParentsNext provider.
Work
EMPLOYMENT Further information is available at www.
Volunteer work is an excellent way of
dese.gov.au/launch-work
experiencing new challenges and learning
about the world of work.
Job Jumpstart
Volunteers provide a valuable service to
Job Jumpstart is the Australian the community. There are a variety of
Government’s digital service for organisations that rely on volunteers and
young people seeking job search and it can be a great way to gain new skills
employment planning information. It offers and build on your work experience.
a range of information and resources,
categorised into life stages for ease of For more information visit
use. www.volunteeringaustralia.org
The website provides you with:
Starting a Business
• Information on making informed Starting a business is another option
choices about jobs and training, to consider. There are more than 3.5
setting goals and personal million small businesses operating across
presentation, talking to employers and Australia and you do not need formal
workplace expectations; qualifications or business experience to
• Insights into how different employers start and run a business.
recruit and tips to get their attention, The business.gov.au website, the
how to maintain a positive online Government’s primary website for the
presence as well as what skills and Australian business community is a single
attributes are needed for different jobs entry point for accessing information
and industries; and and resources from government to
help businesses. The website provides
• Practical information, templates,
information to help people plan, start or
workbooks and videos to help you
run their own business. The Guide to
tailor résumés and cover letters, and
Starting a Business is a step-by-step tool
prepare for interviews.
to help new business owners understand
For more information please visit what’s ahead when starting a business in
www.jobjumpstart.gov.au Australia, and is available at
www.business.gov.au/Guide/Starting
There are also a number of programs
aimed at helping you build your enterprise
skills and develop innovative ideas, as
well as providing sources of training and
education.
10 / School Leavers’ Guide 2021These opportunities can be Entrepreneurship Other Resources
found on the business.gov.au
website. The Grants and Programs
Facilitators For more information and guidance on
Entrepreneurship Facilitators promote how to start a new small business, you
search tool provides details of
entrepreneurship and provide support can visit:
funding opportunities across the
Commonwealth, state and territory and assistance to help individuals start • the SelfStart Hub at
governments and, in some cases, from their own business. Entrepreneurship www.jobsearch.gov.au/selfstart
local councils. To access the search Facilitators provide free mentoring and
• the Starting a Business Guide at
tool, visit www.business.gov.au/ support and help connect individuals
www.business.gov.au/Guide/
grants-and-programs with relevant services in the local
Starting
area. The Facilitators are located in 23
New Business Assistance metropolitan and regional areas across • your local Business Enterprise
the country. Centre at www.becaustralia.org.
with NEIS au/ for one on one advice and help.
For more information visit
The New Business Assistance with www.dese.gov.au/
NEIS program provides people 18 entrepreneurship-facilitators
years of age or over who want to start
a new small business with:
Tax File Number
• free accredited small business
Your tax file number (TFN) is your
training;
personal reference number in the
• help to develop a business plan; tax and superannuation systems.
and You keep the same TFN even if you
• mentoring for up to 52 weeks. change your name, change jobs,
move interstate or go overseas.
Eligible participants may also be able
to access NEIS Allowance for up to 39 Your TFN is an important part of your
weeks and Rental Assistance for up to tax records, as well as your identity,
26 weeks. so it’s important to keep it secure.
To find out about whether you are You must provide your TFN or a
eligible for the NEIS program you can certificate of an application for a TFN
speak to a NEIS provider in your local when you apply for a study or training
area. For more information, or to find a loan. You also need your TFN to be
NEIS provider visit able to apply for government benefits,
www.dese.gov.au/NEIS lodge your tax return electronically or
get an Australian business number
(ABN). How to apply for a TFN will
Exploring Being My Own depend on your circumstances.
Boss Workshops
For information on how to apply
Exploring Being My Own Boss for a TFN visit www.ato.gov.au/
Workshops is a free program aimed individuals/tax-file-number
at helping people understand what
For more information contact the ATO
self-employment means and what is
on 13 28 61 or visit www.ato.gov.au
involved in starting a small business.
The program is delivered over 2 – 4
weeks, depending on your individual
circumstances.
To find out whether you are eligible
to participate in a Workshop you can
speak to a Workshop provider in your
local area. For more information visit
www.dese.gov.au/EBMOB-
workshops.
With compliments from Darren Chester MP / 11Medicare To enrol in Medicare you must live in
Australia and be one of the following:
Medicare is Australia’s universal
health care system. When you enrol in • An Australian citizen;
Medicare, Services Australia pays some • A New Zealand citizen;
or all of the costs of your necessary
• An Australian permanent resident;
health care.
• Applying for permanent residency; or
Medicare provides access to:
• A temporary resident covered by a
• If your doctor bulk bills, Medicare
Ministerial Order.
pay the cost directly to the doctor.
This means you won’t have to pay You may already be listed on your
anything; parents’ Medicare card, however young
people over the age of 15 may enrol on
• You’ll need to pay for your
their own Medicare Card. If you are on
appointment if your GP doesn’t bulk
your parents’ card, you can download
bill. You may be able to claim some of
a Medicare enrolment or transfer
this money back from Medicare; and
application form from the Services
ADDITIONAL • Medicare also help to make some
medicines more affordable for you
Australia website to get your own
Medicare card.
INFORMATION through the Pharmaceutical Benefits
Scheme.
You will need to provide some form of
identification (like a passport or student
For more information visit ID). If you haven’t been enrolled before,
www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/ you may need to provide eligibility
individuals/subjects/whats-covered- documents.
medicare
Remember to take your Medicare card
How to Enrol in Medicare and with you when visiting a doctor or when
you have a prescription filled.
Obtain a Medicare Card
For more information call 13 20 11
You get a Medicare card when you enrol
or visit: www.servicesaustralia.gov.
in Medicare. You’ll usually be told your
au/individuals/services/medicare/
Medicare number straight away and
medicare-card
your card will be sent to the address you
provided in 3 to 4 weeks.
Unique Student Identifier
You can use a digital copy of your
Medicare card as soon as you enrol. To A Unique Student Identifier (USI) is a
use a digital version of your Medicare reference number that links together
card, you need to: higher education and training records
from different providers, in different
• Download and sign in to the Express states, and across different years – all in
Plus Medicare app; and the one record.
• Select the Card tab on the home Students can view their higher education
screen. and training records or transcripts online
through their USI account. They can also
download or print their USI Transcript
and share it electronically with providers
and employers of their choice.
All students undertaking higher
education and nationally recognised
training must provide a USI to their
provider unless exempt. It is free and
easy to create and stays with you for life.
For more information please visit
www.usi.gov.au
12 / School Leavers’ Guide 2021Useful Websites www.compared.edu.au
Provides students with information
www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au
on survey results covering the higher
education student life cycle from
Learn more about Australian
commencement to employment.
Apprenticeships and the benefits of
It publishes overall satisfaction
combining practical work and training. of current students and recent
graduates, median salary received
www.dese.gov.au/vet-student-loans by recent graduates and full-time
Learn more about the eligibility criteria employment rates after graduation.
and how to apply for VET Student
www.courseseeker.edu.au
Loans.
Compare undergraduate courses from
www.gooduniversitiesguide.com.au top universities and higher education
Find courses and places to study using institutions. Find course information,
various search criteria and ratings on entry requirements, admission
universities, campuses and courses. processes and student satisfaction.
Enrolling to Vote www.graduatecareers.com.au www.studyassist.gov.au
Voting is both your right and your Provides information to students about
Employment support services and
responsibility as an Australian. It is Government assistance with higher
programs.
compulsory for all Australians 18 years education.
and older to enrol and vote (although www.servicesaustralia.gov.au
you can pre-enrol when you turn 16). my.gov.au
Failure to vote at an election can result For Medicare and Centrelink support
services and programs. A fast, simple way to access
in a fine.
government online services including
If you believe you are already pre- www.jobsearch.gov.au Centrelink, Medicare and the ATO.
enrolled, you can check your enrolment
here: www.check.aec.gov.au Current labour market information Tertiary Admissions Centres
including job prospects, employment
If you need to enrol for the first time rates and average incomes. New South Wales and
for federal, state and local government
Australian Capital Territory
elections, this can be done by filling www.aqf.edu.au www.uac.edu.au
out a single form, available from the
Australian Electoral Commission The Australian Qualifications
Framework (AQF) is the national Queensland
(AEC) website (select enrol to vote),
policy for regulated qualifications in www.qtac.edu.au
post offices or your local Member of
Parliament. the Australian education and training
system. South Australia
For more information contact the AEC www.satac.edu.au
on 13 23 26 or visit www.open.edu.au
www.aec.gov.au/enrol Victoria
A flexible way to study toward a www.vtac.edu.au
If you need to update your enrolled university degree off campus.
address, because you have
permanently changed home, you Western Australia
www.volunteeringaustralia.org
should revise your enrolment after www.tisc.edu.au
you have lived at the new residential Provides information on a range of
opportunities for volunteers. Tasmania
address for a period of at least one
www.utas.edu.au
month. www.defencejobs.gov.au
If you are temporarily living away from
Provides information on a range of
home (for instance for study), but
career and job opportunities in the
intend your return, you do not need to
Australian Defence Force.
update your enrolment.
To update details, visit here: www.myskills.gov.au
www.aec.gov.au/enrol/update-my-
Australia’s directory of training
details.htm
available for school leavers, students,
apprentices and employers throughout
the country.
With compliments from Darren Chester MP / 13Good mental health and How to care for your Mental
wellbeing allows you to Wellbeing at Work:
participate in life in a positive • Set Achievable Goals – Making a list
and meaningful way. As at the start of the day helps.
you begin this next exciting • Talk about your day with friends or
phase in your life, looking family helps process events of the day
and give support.
after your mental health is
important to ensure you can • Set boundaries for ‘me time’ – Make
some time to recharge and unwind,
work productively, realise that means turning off screens.
your own potential and make • Cut-out time wasters.
a positive difference in your
• Take your breaks – it’s easy to get
community. Here are just caught up in work, take a small walk
a few ways you can look
KEEPING after your mental health and
or eat lunch outside.
GOOD MENTAL wellbeing. Sometimes in life, things can
get a bit overwhelming and
HEALTH How to care for your Mental stressful. Always remember
Wellbeing: that it’s okay to ask for
• Building good relationships and
help. Below are just a few
regularly connecting with your places where you can get
family, friends, workmates and your assistance.
community.
• Establishing a good sleep routine. Where can I get help?
• Eating well and getting good
Lifeline
nutrition – this includes staying 13 11 14
hydrated. www.lifeline.org.au
• Regular exercise.
Beyond Blue
• Planning your day and routine. 1300 22 4636
• Taking regular breaks between www.beyondblue.org.au
study sessions. Kids Helpline
• Be kind to yourself, challenge 1800 551 800
negative self-talk by reminding www.kidshelpline.com.au
yourself about your positives. Suicide Call Back Service
• Relaxation - going for a walk 1300 659 467
immersing yourself in nature, listen www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
to relaxing music, reading.
Domestic Violence Impact Line
• Limit screen time. 1800 943 539
• Don’t forget to have fun! Do stuff www.rape-dvservices.org.au
you enjoy and don’t take yourself Headspace
too seriously. www.headspace.org.au
14 / School Leavers’ Guide 2021Darren CHESTER MP
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Darren CHESTER MP Level 1, 89 Raymond Street, Sale VIC 3850
1300 131 785 darren.chester.mp@aph.gov.au
THE NATIONALS FEDERAL MEMBER FOR GIPPSLAND
darrenchester.com.au DarrenChesterMP
Authorised and printed by D. Chester, National Party of Australia, Level 1, 89 Raymond Street, Sale VIC 3850. / 15Darren CHESTER MP
THE NATIONALS FEDERAL MEMBER FOR GIPPSLAND
Level 1, 89 Raymond Street, Sale VIC 3850 1300 131 785
darren.chester.mp@aph.gov.au darrenchester.com.au DarrenChesterMP
16 / Authorised and printed by D. Chester, National Party of Australia, Level 1, 89 Raymond Street, Sale VIC 3850. School Leavers’ Guide 2021You can also read
