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 SECOND EDITION 2024 

 OUT NOW !!

View 'Lessons in Life' Second Edition here. Paperback $25.95 eBook $7.95

life and self-management skills for young people transitioning from secondary school to work, training or study

about 'transition'

In basic terms, transition refers to the period of time in a young person's life that begins towards the end of their secondary education and continues on until they eventually find stability through ongoing employment. Nowadays it’s also viewed as a critical period in a young person’s life

And yet despite all the evidence about just how important transition is; we still don’t do it very well. Long before the onset of COVID-19, one in three of our 16 to 24-year old’s were already unemployed or under-employed, while youth unemployment in general has been hovering at more than double the national average for well over a decade. Young people are also usually the last to be employed, as well as the first to get laid off when times get tough. And since so many young people also tend to work in casualised and lower paid employment - like retail and hospitality - they’re also likely to have less money if and when they are laid off.

So if we’re ever going to do something significant in the youth transition space (maybe like the comprehensive and universal, TAFE or Year 13 based post-secondary preparatory program that I’ve been advocating for for the better part of 15 years ) now would probably be as good a time as any.


So, what’s the point of this website?

My main aim is to help young people to make successful transitions by providing them with the best resources available.

Click here go to resources:

Resources

I'd also like to use this site (along with my social media platforms) to reassure young people that things usually get better if they make a plan and stick to it, as well as seek to take more control over their circumstances, perhaps by learning more about the world they are in the process of merging into...which they may be able to do by reading my book.

Click here find me on social media:

Social Media

I also intend to use this site, along with my social media platforms to continue drawing attention to the fact that our current system for transitioning young people is inefficient and antiquated, and also far too dependent on welfare to pick up the pieces after a young persons falls, rather than by being more anticipatory and proactive, by seeking to prepare them in advance.

To read my original paper on Post Secondary Transition, click here: 

Post Secondary Transition
  • In business. Married to Jodee. Four kids (all grown up).

  • Ex-Secondary teacher of Physical Education, Health and English.

  • Ex-teacher of alternate stream year 10, 11 and 12.

  • Ex-school-camp owner/manager – hosted more than 30,000 students.

  • Employer of over 30 young people through business

  • Author of ‘Don’t Leave Home Without One – A Home Leaver’s Survival Guide’

  • Consulted for Services Australia (Job Services) re: life-skills programs for the young and unemployed. 

  • Guest speaker for numerous organisations, including AFL Player Induction Camps, Advantage SA, SAPOL youth leadership groups, schools/groups/universities

  • 2008 SA Pride of Australia Medalist – Role Model category.

  • 2010 graduate from Leadership Institute of South Australia

  • Author of Post Secondary Transitional Concept aiming to assist more young people make successful transitions from school to work, training or further study

  • Author of ‘Lesson’s in Life – From Secondary School to Independence...A Practical Guide toTransition’ 

  • contact or follow

    you can also find me here :

    Special thanks to Heather Macalister for allowing me to use her photos from Marlo, Victoria.

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