Have you ever finished a course, packed up your books, and thought, “Now what?”
It won’t surprise you that a lot of our students feel the same way.
As VET trainers, we teach the skills – but our job doesn’t end there. Many of our learners are stepping into the workforce for the first time in years, or ever. Some are changing careers, starting again, or just unsure where they fit. And it’s par for the course that change is part of that.
Helping students move from study to work can be the difference between a qualification they have and one they use. And it doesn’t take much – just a few smart, simple steps that make a big difference.
In this post, I’ll share three powerful ways we can support our learners through this transition. These tips come from real experience – in and out of the classroom – and they’re things you can start doing right away.
Teach Work-Ready Skills Early (and Often)
Getting a qualification is great – but being work ready is what gets the job.
I once had a student who aced every assessment in her Community Services course. But when she went for her first interview, she was so nervous she could hardly speak. She wasn’t lacking in skills – she was lacking confidence. That’s when I realised we, as Vocational Education Trainers, need to build employability into the course, not just tack it on at the end.
💼 What Are Work-Ready Skills?
Work-ready (or employability) skills are the soft skills students need alongside their technical knowledge.
Thinking in practical terms… it means:
- Turning up on time
- Writing a banging cover letter
- Working in a team
- Asking for help when we aren’t sure
- Problem-solving challenges
- Conflict resolution in the workplace, and yes… even…
- Using polite and professional language
These don’t always get taught directly, but they matter just as much as the units in the training package.
📘 Try This in Class:
- Start every term with a refresher on workplace communication or time management. Make a commitment to being there for your students & ask them to commit to their training in return.
- Use role-plays where students practice job interviews, making phone calls, or handling customer complaints. Because those DnD skills aren’t just for Saturdays…
- Give real feedback – not just about what they say, but how they say it. Tone matters more than we realise, so help your students understand it.
🧠 Remember: Many students haven’t had a formal job or interview before. Practising these skills in a safe space gives them the confidence they need in the real world.
Make Industry Connections Part of the Learning
A piece of paper is one thing. Knowing someone who can give you a job – that’s like gold, rare and valuable. You and I know that networking can help students land work faster… but not every student has the confidence (or contacts) to start on their own. That’s where we come in. 🐱🏍
I worked with a group of young lads who were quiet, hands-on, and not into “talking about feelings.” But when I invited a local builder to come chat with them about what he looks for in an apprentice, they all sat up straighter.
Afterwards, one of them told me, “That was the first time I thought I could really do this.”
🤝 How to Connect Students with Industry:
- Invite guest speakers – local employers, former students, HR managers.
- Organise site visits to workplaces. Even a 1-hour tour of a real workplace can open their eyes.
- Create real project briefs based on what businesses actually need (e.g. writing a quote, building a safety checklist).
- Help students volunteer, get work experience or job-shadow in the field they’re studying.
If you’re not sure where to start, ask your current or past students who are now working. Most are happy to come back and inspire the next group.
🧰 Bonus Cherry: These visits can help you stay industry current too – which we all need.
3. Support the “In-Between” Moments
There’s often a quiet gap between finishing study and starting a job – and this is where students can get lost. They can’t find their ideal job so they settle for something that is less and get discouraged in the process.
I had a learner named Jaspreet who finished her business course with flying colours. We said goodbye, and I wished her luck. A few weeks later, she emailed me: “I’ve applied for five jobs and haven’t heard back. I’m starting to think I’m not good enough.”
That broke my heart.
She didn’t need more study – she needed more support. For someone to tell her, “It’s normal. You’re doing fine. Here’s what to try next.” That’s all. A little nudge in the right direction.
🧭 Ways to Support Students After Graduation:
- Run a “next steps” workshop throughout each unit of each course. Talk about resumes, job search websites, what to expect from interviews, and what happens if it takes time to get hired.
- Give them a simple checklist: where to look for jobs, how to tailor a resume, and what to say in a follow-up email to make sure they are on the top of the short-list.
- Stay connected for 30-60 days via email or group chat. Share job leads, answer questions, or just check in. Offer for the students to add you on LinkedIn and provide references to help them.
- Partner with employment services or community groups that offer job-seeking help.
👐 In short – remember that the message is: You’re not alone. Learning doesn’t stop when the course ends – and neither should our support.
🌱 Real Transition Takes Time
Not every student walks straight from the classroom into their dream job — and that’s okay.
Some take a little longer. Some need a second try. Some get knocked back, pick themselves up, and try again. What matters is that they feel ready, capable, and supported.
As VET trainers, we’re more than teachers. We’re mentors, guides, and sometimes the only people who believe in a student before they believe in themselves. That belief can change everything.
💬 What’s Your Best Tip? Do you run mock interviews with your students? Connect them with former grads? Help them write their first real resume?
👉 I’d love to hear your best ideas for helping students transition from study to employment.
Drop them in the comments – your tip might be the exact idea another trainer needs right now.
Let’s build something better together.
Till next time.