Published 30 October 2024

Get ready to shape the next generation of young ones. From adorable preschoolers to wide-eyed undergrads, everyone needs a good teacher. Check out the pathways you can take, the funding options available and the networking opportunities that are out there.

Pathways

  • Pursue an undergraduate degree in early childhood, primary or secondary education and specialise in areas like special education, Indigenous education or educational leadership. Many institutions also offer admission pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Check out Course Seeker or Good Universities Guide to find a course that appeals to you.

  • Get hands-on skills in areas like education support or early childhood education at TAFE or a VET provider like ACCCO or Educare. Search for VET courses on Study Australia to get an idea of what’s out there.

  • Sign up for a short course in a specific area like educational psychology, curriculum design or digital education tools. Open Universities is a great place to start.

  • Have a look at current job opportunities on boards like SEEK or Ethical Jobs. For roles specific to First Nations job hunters, you can search for ‘Aboriginal Identified jobs’ or filter for Indigenous jobs. Koori Mail, Our Mob and Indigenous Employment Australia are job boards created by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that are worth a look.

  • Quick tip: You can study early education, but you don’t necessarily have to. Some early childhood education centres will take on young people straight from high school!

Funding

There are a range of scholarships available for First Nations young people looking to study education, like the Teacher Education Scholarship – Aboriginal, Aboriginal early childhood education scholarships and the Pearl Duncan Teaching Scholarship.

For more info about financial support, visit institution websites. Many universities and TAFEs offer funding for First Nations students. If you’re considering uni, check out the NIAA’s list of Indigenous Higher Education Units, where you can learn more about student support. It’s also worth exploring ABSTUDY, AIEF’s scholarship program and education-specific scholarships via Aurora Foundation’s Indigenous Pathways Portal.

Networking

  • Networks like the Australian Council for Educational Leaders (ACEL) can connect you to other students and professionals in your field. There are groups just for mob out there, too, like NATSIHEC and AILITEA.

  • CareerTrackers supports First Nations students from Year 12 and throughout university to connect with employers and participate in paid, multi-year internships.

  • Yalari’s Pathways Program helps to prepare students for life after school and to navigate the transition to higher education, vocational training and employment.

  • AIEF offers career support for First Nations students from Year 11 onwards, assisting with goal setting and applications for higher education, training or employment opportunities.

  • Connect with a mentor through AIEF or AIME

  • Indigenous student support centres at your education provider (like an Indigenous Higher Education Unit) aren’t just good for finding resources; they’re a great place to find connection and community, too.

What else would you be good at?

Hit up the quiz again to see where else your skills, interests or passions could take you. Or, jump ahead to learn more about the other quiz outcomes and how to get started on those instead.

  • More into working with your hands? Build your skills as a Hands-on Trade Master.

  • More into the latest tech trends and gadgets? Being a Tech Head might be your calling.

  • Ready to build and create? Explore how to become an Engineer for the Real World.

  • All about helping others and being there for mob? Being a Health Profesh could be just the thing!

  • Inspired by the many wonders of the world? Being a So Sciency Scientist could be for you.

  • All about expressing yourself? Unlock your Creative Mode, share new ideas and celebrate your culture. 

  • Keen to stay close to mob and to uplift your community? Discover how to be Socially Savvy and advocate for others.

  • Got a mad new idea? Start your journey as a Deadly Entrepreneur.

  • Love delivering exceptional service for community? Get thriving as a Main Street Hero.

What can I do now?

  • Thinking about pathways is exciting, but it can also be proper stressful. Check out Yarn Up to connect with community, hear from others, and access wellbeing resources and support.

  • Share the quiz around! Spreading the word is a great way to lift up mob and support each other.

  • If you’re keen to figure out your future but still feel pretty unsure, making a vision board can help you to see it more clearly. See Yorta Yorta woman Allira Potter’s tips for getting started.