THIS month's VCE results might open some unexpected doors, writes JEANETTE HILL
Right now, in thousands of homes across Victoria, a single topic is dominating the dinner table conversation.
And it's not the weather.
This year's VCE results will be announced on December 14 and, for more than 47,000 students, that's crunch time, following all the pleasure and pain that goes with 13 years in the classroom.
There are several important things for students and their parents to remember in the coming weeks.
First, don't allow an ENTER score to take on life or death-style importance.
Yes, a high score gives you choices, but a result that falls short of expectations is no cause for alarm.
If you are disappointed, don't wallow in it.
There are many paths to a destination.
Investigate alternative courses and get good advice from school and tertiary course and career advisers.
Talk to your family and friends about their experiences and keep focusing on the positives.
Often, students end up pleased to have been forced into an alternative route as they acquire additional skills and knowledge along the way.
Many people still mistakenly assume university is a better option than TAFE.
Those same people will be surprised at the facilities and courses TAFE institutes now offer.
Holmesglen, for instance, has one of the largest nursing departments in Victoria and offers undergraduate and post-graduate courses for division two nurses (enrolled nurse).
And, in response to a 2002 report showing that the demand for dental therapists would outstrip supply by next year, it also has a course for dental technicians and prosthetists (technicians with clinical training).
Go to institution websites and browse the course options.
"TAFE programs provide students with real, hands-on learning as a pathway to success in the workforce, while at the same time building a sound foundation and pathway into study choices in higher education," said director of TAFE at RMIT University Allan Ballagh.
There was also the potential to complete a university degree in a shorter period of time with a TAFE qualification, Allan said, and the fact that TAFE programs can be completed through on-the-job training for apprentices and trainees.
"The Victorian Government's training guarantee means all school leavers under 20 applying for a TAFE program next year can be confident of gaining a place, subject to the program running and program selection criteria."
Reconsidering VTAC preferences is also a good move for those happy with their score.
Revisit the course requirements of anything you may have eliminated simply because you assumed you would not get in.
Many students have no clear idea of what they want to pursue for a future career.
Remember, it is no crime to be unsure, so try to avoid feeling pressured when all those relatives start firing questions at you.
If you have the score, consider enrolling in a generic course based on subjects you enjoy.
Arts, science, business or commerce degrees all provide a solid foundation and you can work out your specialisations as you go.
If university is not an option, a short course in something like information technology will give you some basic work skills and provide a handy back-up for anything you take up later.
There also are private colleges offering short courses through to degree programs, while traineeships and taking a gap year to work or travel are further options.
A smorgasbord of opportunities is up for grabs, so, whatever results the day brings, take time to congratulate yourself on what you have achieved so far.
Then get ready to embrace the next stage of your life with all the enthusiasm you can muster.
