There are so many things to consider when looking at which path to take after school? 🤨

Have a look at the following roles and learn about the relevant factors for each position.

1. Midwife - Also known as: Community midwife; core midwife; lead maternity carer.

Midwives are health professionals that specialise in pregnancy, childbirth and the first six weeks of a baby’s life. 

Job prospects are good as demand for midwives is high, particularly in Auckland.

To become a midwife, it is necessary to have a Bachelor of Midwifery, which usually takes three years to complete full-time. Midwives must hold a practising certificate issued by and be registered with the Midwifery Council of New Zealand. NCEA subjects that are useful in this role are English, Te Reo Māori, Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Health Education.

Facts:

• Statistics: Job prospects: Good.
• Length of study: 3 years.
• Pay scale: Estimated average income is $69,500 per year.

2. Social Worker - Social workers provide care, advice and support to people with personal or social problems, and help with community and social issues.

To become a social worker, it is necessary to be registered with the Social Workers Registration Board, have a current annual practising certificate and have a recognised qualification, usually a Bachelor of Social Work. Other options include: Bachelor of Applied Social Work, Ngā Poutoko Whakarara Oranga/Bachelor of Bicultural Social Work, Poutuārongo Toiora Whānau or a Master of Social Work.

Job prospects are best for experienced social workers and new graduates face strong competition and can find it difficult to gain their first job. However, demand for this role is increasing.

Facts: 

• Statistics: Job prospects: Average.
• Length of study: 4-6 years.
• Pay scale: Estimated average income is $52,000 per year.

3. Pharmacist - Also known as: Community pharmacist; hospital pharmacist; industrial pharmacist; pharmacist prescriber; chemist.

Pharmacists prepare, mix and dispense prescribed medicines. They advise patients about their medication and medical conditions. Pharmacists also work to ensure the safe and effective use of medications. To become a pharmacist, it is necessary to have a Bachelor of Pharmacy from the University of Auckland or University of Otago, register as an Intern Pharmacist with the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand and complete a one-year internship, complete Pharmacy Council assessments, register in the Pharmacist Scope of Practice and have an annual practising certificate. NCEA subjects that are useful in this role are Biology, Chemistry, Health, Maths and Physics.

Job prospects are good due to increasing demand for their services.

Facts:

• Statistics: Job prospects: Good.
• Length of study: 5 years.
• Pay scale: Estimated average income is $60,500 per year.

4. Firefighter - Also known as: Forestry firefighter; rural firefighter.

Firefighters respond to emergency calls, controlling and putting out fires. They educate the public about fire safety and prevention, and work to reduce the incidence and consequences of fires. Firefighters attend vehicle crashes, hazardous substance spills and urban search-and-rescue callouts. To become a firefighter with the New Zealand Fire Service, it is necessary to be a permanent resident or citizen, aged 18 years or older, pass a police check, pass literacy, numeracy and problem-solving tests, and pass medical, physical fitness and psychological tests. To begin work as a trainee firefighter you must successfully complete a 12-week training course.

Job prospects are poor. There are relatively few vacancies and a high number of applicants. Recruiting occurs twice a year, with up to 600 applications being received and only 48 positions filled.

• Statistics: Job prospects: Poor.
• Length of study: 1 year.
• Pay scale: Estimated average income is $77,600 per year.

5. Customs Officer - Also known as: Assistant customs officer; border force officer.

Customs officers control the entry and departure of people and goods into and out of New Zealand and ensure all legalities, declarations and taxes are met.

To become a customs officer, it is necessary to be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, have lived in New Zealand (or in a country approved by the New Zealand Customs Service) continually for the last five years and have a current driver’s licence. Successful applicants must pass a medical before starting the nine-week training. NCEA subjects that are useful in this role are English and Maths.

Job prospects are average as vacancies are few and there is strong competition for positions as they become available.

Facts:

• Statistics: Job prospects: Average.
• Length of study: Up to 1 year.
• Pay scale: Estimated average income is $59,500 per year.

6. Animal Handler - Also known as: Animal care attendant.

Animal handlers train and take care of animals. The locality of work varies but includes zoos, stables and peoples’ homes. Feeding, washing and training animals, and cleaning their cages or enclosures are typical tasks. There are no specific entry requirements to become an animal handler and skills are normally learnt on-the-job. 

Some employers may prefer candidates that have a tertiary qualification in animal care and welfare, although experience is highly valued. NCEA subjects that are useful in this role are English and Science.

Job prospects are average but opportunities are projected to increase. Some roles, such as zookeepers, are popular and have strong competition.

Facts: 

• Statistics: Job prospects: Average.
• Length of study: Up to 1 year.
• Pay scale: Estimated average income is $32,800 per year.

7. Valuer - Also known as: Real estate valuer; personal property/chattels valuer; appraiser.

Valuers estimate the value of a number of assets. A valuer usually specialises in valuing one type of item and builds expertise in that area, such as property, buildings, art, historical artefacts and more. Entry requirements differ depending on the speciality chosen. To work as a real estate or land valuer, it is necessary to be registered with the Valuers Registration Board and have a recognised qualification. For valuers of other types of assets, on-the-job training with a skilled valuer and completion of a valuing related programme is highly recommended.

NCEA subjects that are useful in this role are Art History, Business Studies, English, Economics, Mathematics, and Painting, Sculpture, Photography, Printmaking combined.

Job prospects are good for those in real estate but are average for those who specialise in personal property.

Facts

• Statistics: Job prospects: Good.
• Length of study: 1-4 years.
• Pay scale: Estimated average income is $96,000 per year.

8. Travel Agent - Also known as: Travel and information consultant; travel broker; travel wholesaler; travel adviser.

Travel agents make travel arrangements and bookings for clients, and provide information about tourism attractions, accommodation, tours and insurance. They also do ticketing and process payments. Travel agents work in a range of areas including corporate, retail and online.

There are no entry requirements to work as a travel agent and most skills are learned on-the-job. However, most employers do prefer applicants to have a qualification. The minimum qualification accepted by the Travel Agents’ Association of New Zealand is the New Zealand Certificate inTravel (Level 4).

NCEA subjects that are useful in this role are English, Maths, Geography and languages.

Job prospects are average due to the stable numbers of people in the role and high competition for positions.

Facts:

• Statistics: Job prospects: Average.
• Length of study: Up to 1 year.
• Pay scale: Estimated average income is $51,500 per year.

9. Air Traffic Controller - Also known as: Radar controller; tower controller.

Air traffic controllers direct and coordinate aircraft in flight and on the ground to make sure air traffic is safe and organised. To become an air traffic controller, it is necessary to have a Diploma in Air Traffic Control (Level 7) (a six-month course and on-the-job training), a Class 3 medical certificate and an airport security clearance. Airways New Zealand runs the diploma. To gain entrance into the course, it is required that you are either a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident, pass aptitude tests, interviews and group exercises, be at least 20.5 years old, have NCEA Level 3 (or hold a personal or commercial pilot licence) and pass a medical test.

Job prospects are poor for those looking to enter this role. Very few are recruited each year and competition for openings is intense.

Facts:

• Statistics: Job prospects: Poor.
• Length of study: Up to 1 year.
• Pay scale: Estimated average income is $139,000 per year.

Credit: www.leavingschool.co.nz