With the HSC beginning next month, many students may worry that they haven't yet chosen what to do next - study at university, TAFE, take a gap year to travel, or jump straight into the workforce.
The transition can be a challenging one, where many options are laid on the table.
One student, Robin Eddie, of Beverly Hills, did not know that she could complete a degree at TAFE NSW, and be linked into her chosen industry, fast-tracking her to her job of choice.
Ms Eddie, originally from South Africa, studied a bachelor of commerce in financial planning at St George TAFE, and landed her dream job at Sherlock Wealth.
"My mother fell in love with an Australian and the whole family moved down under," she said.
"I wasn't sure where I would be able to study or work. I had studied economics in South Africa, but wanted to get into work quickly. I had a passion for cooking so I did a certificate in commercial cookery at Loftus TAFE so I could gain employment in a restaurant."
It was after that she signed up for commerce, and now works as a client services coordinator.
Research showing the number of people working as financial investment advisors and managers will remain consistent in the next five years.
"It's a trusted and stable profession," Ms Eddie said.
"All of my TAFE teachers had worked in the industry and had so much knowledge to share.
"I am absolutely loving my new career. The skills I've learned at TAFE NSW have really enhanced my ability to perform my duties."
On the flip side, a new report released by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research shows students enrolled in nationally-recognised programs decreased by 5.9 per cent to two million people in 2018, compared with 2017, and decreased by 16.2 per cent between 2015 to 2018.
Overall student numbers decreased by 1.5 per cent to 4.1 million people in 2018, compared with 2017.
Australian Education Union acting Federal President Meredith Peace says the drop in the number of government-funded VET students was a "direct consequence of the Morrison government's campaign to undermine TAFE."
"Our TAFE system has been systematically undermined by profit-driven private providers advocating for a system that provides no clear qualifications, no national consistency and no guarantee of quality or qualified teachers," Ms Peace said.
"These figures highlight the need for nationally-recognised qualifications to ensure that VET course quality is maintained."
