Transition Plan
There are lots of options for work, training or further study when you leave school.
You might not know what career you want. You might feel more confident about getting a job than doing exams or academic study. Or you might want to learn more about a subject you’ve studied at school.
It’s up to you to decide what you want to do. Take your time and research the options before you make a decision.
Talk to your support network at school and they can help you understand your options.
What is a transition plan?
A transition plan is a framework for anyone that wants to think about their future after leaving school. It helps identify strengths and interests that you, the student, may wish to enhance and develop in adult life.
The transition plan should be created and developed by you with help from your supporting team.
Supporting Team
- Friends
- Family/ Whanau
- The School (Teachers, teacher aides and career advisors)
- Community representatives (such as sports coaches or youth workers)
What should a Transition Plan include?
The plan should serve as a road map to help you set goals and include strategies to meet these goals.
It is important for the transition plan to outline specific aspects:
- Your goals
- How to achieve your goals (the skills you will need or develop)
- The support you will need to achieve your goal (Financial assistance, housing arrangements & transportation for example)
Having a successful transition plan
Here are some tips that can help you develop a plan that will prepare you better for leaving school
- The earlier you start planning the better, some people recommend starting as early as 14. This gives more time for you to develop your plan before having to put it into motion.
- Don’t panic if you haven’t started yet – there is still time to develop and implement your transition plan
You need to be the driving force in the plan, if you have your say the plan will have a higher chance of succeeding.
You will need to determine your strengths and interests, to base the plan around the choices and the skills you need. - Collaborate with the school and community, choose classes and activities that will enhance skills that are needed for your plan.
- Get your parent or caregiver to help you learn new skills at home , skills you will need to succeed in life.
- Helping with the house budgeting
- Planning and preparing meals for the family
- Going to get the car/bike fixed
- Try using different forms of public transport such as ferries, trains and scooters
- Ask your parent or care giver to give you opportunities to start making real life decisions
- Any work you do towards your transition plan should be put into a portfolio
- Discuss the options together with your support team and try to narrow down the options, this can be difficult but it’s a good starting point.
- Location (staying home/ Moving out)
- University, training, work or something else?
