This workshop explores how students can make smart decisions about their own futures. All students must make complex personal decisions: from pursuing further study or starting work, to staying at home or moving out. Whatever path students choose for themselves, it is important for them to consider all aspects of their decisions, including the financial implications of their choices.

Several concepts are covered, including:

• understanding and applying a decision-making framework to a range of relevant situations
• understanding the financial implications of a range of post-school options, such as getting a qualification or entering the workforce
• exploring the cost of living and future living arrangements.

This workshop caters to young people studying VET in schools or taking pre-vocational courses. Students in transition between school and vocational education face a range of scenarios and issues that require them to make smart decisions about their own futures. Whatever path students choose for themselves, it is important for them to consider all aspects of their decisions, including the financial implications of their choices.

Several concepts are covered, including:

• the benefits of completing a qualification, including potential earnings and employment prospects
• understanding and applying a decision-making framework to a variety of relevant situations, including purchasing tools-of-trade and balancing work and study
• identifying effective workplace approaches and making the most out of a work environment.

Budgeting and Personal Management

Budgeting is a critical skill for managing personal finances effectively. Effective budgeting helps students meet expenses like rent, bills and course fees. And it requires a good understanding of income and prioritisation of expenditure. This interactive, inspiring workshop teaches students how to create and follow a budget, set realistic goals and – crucially – stick to their plans.

Several concepts are covered, including:

• the importance of realistic budgeting
• strategies for keeping track of your money
• strategies to 'balance a budget', including prioritising spending and cutting expenses.

Understanding and Managing Debt

Almost all people wiil borrow money at some point in their life. Whether it is purchasing tools-of-trade, financing further study or buying a car or home.  Understanding the importance of managing repayments responsibly is crucial to successful borrowing. This workshop empowers students to make smart decisions when borrowing money. It gives insight into how they can effectively manage debt, helping them get out – and stay out – of trouble. 

Several concepts are covered, including:

• understanding different types of debt
• understanding when to borrow and what to consider before borrowing money
• assessing a loan
• understanding what financial providers look for
• strategies for managing borrowed money effectively.

Employability

There are reasons why 'employability skills' are a compulsory part of every training package: standing out from the crowd and starting on the right career path is vital! So essential are these skills that they are often referred to as 'core skills' or 'life skills'. In this practical workshop we help students develop skills for furthering their success at work, with a focus on what employers look for and how ‘first impressions last'.

Several concepts are covered, including:

• identifying and developing employability skills
• understanding what prospective employers look for
• the importance of making a positive first impression
• strategies for developing competence at work
• building a personal brand at work.