Career development skills

Understand how to look for a job, find education opportunities and build a career you love. Learn about your rights in the workplace once you get a job and training opportunities to improve your skill set.

Woman smiling at a conference table in an office, seated next to another woman
On this page

Where to start

Unsure about what to do after school?

Whether it be working or further study, Kids helpline have useful tips and guidance.

Getting your first job

A guide to starting your first job and what you need to know.

My Career Planner

Discover the career that's right for you and how you can make it happen. Book a free session with a Careers NSW Specialist today.

Getting job ready

Image

Hands typing on a laptop keyboard

Searching for a job

​​When you’re looking for work the job you really want may not be advertised. 

Image

A resume or CV being handed over to someone.

Writing resumes and cover letters

Learn what to include and the best way to structure these documents.

Image

A man on a video call on a laptop

Preparing for job interviews

An interview lets you showcase your skills, experience and suitability for a job.

Image

Briefcase carried by a man in a suit

Jobs and careers

Understand how to get a job, prepare for an interview, understand your rights in the workplace and help for those wanting to start their own business.

Education pathways

Two women stand at a computer facing each other as one woman points at the computer screen
Skills NSW

Learn new skills and get paid experience with vocational apprenticeships and traineeships.

Young adult woman with backpack and textbooks
Smart and Skilled

Smart and Skilled helps people in NSW get the expertise they need to find a job and advance their careers.

Hands open in explanation gesture in a meeting with a laptop on a table
TAFE NSW

TAFE NSW certificate, diploma and degree courses offer hands-on skills training and have a strong connection with industry partners.  

Hands adding notes to a planner
Community college

Non-profit community colleges are a great way to learn new skills through short courses.

Group of people wearing university graduation hat and clothing
University

Universities offer undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications to prepare graduates for professional careers.

4:41

Career Literacy - Life Skills

Career literacy

Understanding how to start, plan and manage your career is an important part of life. This video provides information and basic skills to help you evaluate your performance and create a meaningful work life.

Your rights in the workplace

How do I know if I’m being paid the right amount?

You must be paid at least a minimum wage. What the minimum wage is will depend on the type of work you do and your age.

Getting fired and unfair dismissal

If you think you have been fired unfairly or for the wrong reason, you may be able to make a complaint to the Fair Work Commission.

Your workplace rights and employment conditions

There are minimum rights that you have at work, such as how many hours you can work and when you must have a break.

Are you experiencing workplace discrimination?

Workplace discrimination is when you are treated unfairly because of how you look or your personal life.

Safety at work

Many young workers are injured each year but you have the right to a safe and healthy workplace. Follow the young workers etoolkit to stay safe at work.

Join your union

Join a union to protect your rights at work and the life you enjoy outside of work.

Changing directions

Changing careers

Information about different career paths, training and upskilling options, and how to find work.

Regional Gap Year

Discover new places and learn new skills by embarking on a Regional NSW Gap Year. There’s a wide range jobs and industries you could work in.

Career advice

Resources including a career mentoring helpline and tools and quizzes to help you uncover the best career for you.

New business assistance

If you are unemployed, not studying or training, and interested in running your own business, the Australian Government offers New Business Assistance with the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS).

The NEIS can help your business with accreditation, mentoring and financial support.

Find more information 

Young people looking at their mobile phones
Top of page