Transition planning needs to start as early as possible. Think about your interests and skills and begin to make plans. Consider how your ASD might impact upon your choices and what things are realistic and what things could be put in place to help you.
If an apprenticeship or traineeship is what you want, then discuss this with your family and school and begin to organise some work experience in this area. Talk with your family and friends because they may know someone in your field of interest who you could talk to. This may lead to a work experience opportunity that will help you to make a decision as to whether this is what you really want.
Once you know the area that you want to work in, talk with the careers or transition teacher at your school. Talk with the teachers about settings goals and the subjects that you need to focus on at school that will help you to access the apprenticeship and traineeship. Your school may also already have school based apprenticeship or traineeship options in place at the school or be able to link you to another school that is offering what you want.
My interests and skills
What skills do I have, what am I interested in and is this a realistic pathway
Talk to my teachers
Discuss the possibility of work experience with teachers so you get a better understanding of the job
Talk to my family and friends
Family and friends might have contacts in the area you are interested in, talk to them
Organise work experience
Once you have discussed work experience with family, friends and teachers get it organised and start
Identify subjects needed
Once you know more about the job you may need to choose specific subjects at school to help prepare you
Apply to start a course
When you are ready, talk to your family and teachers again and apply for a course.
