Are School Leavers Prepared for the Real World? 5 Essential Life Skills They Need Before Graduation

As Year 12 students approach the end of their schooling journey, it's a good time to think about the practical skills that will set them up for success in the real world. While the classroom teaches academic knowledge, life skills are what will really help students navigate adulthood with confidence. From managing money to fixing a leaky tap, here are 5 essential hands on skills every Year 12 student should have before finishing school.

1. Mastering Basic Home Maintenance and DIY Skills

Leaving home and becoming more independent can be daunting, but knowing how to maintain your living space makes it a lot easier. Whether it’s fixing a leaky tap or assembling furniture, these practical DIY skills will save you time, money, and frustration.

What you need to know:

• Changing light bulbs and batteries: Whether it's replacing a lightbulb or changing the batteries in your smoke alarm, these are simple tasks that keep your home running smoothly.

• Fixing minor plumbing issues: Unclogging a drain or fixing a leaky tap doesn’t require a plumber. With a plunger and a little know how, you'll be able to prevent small problems from turning into costly repairs.

• Using basic tools: Knowing how to use a hammer, screwdriver, or drill is key for assembling furniture, hanging pictures, and making small repairs.

• Assembling furniture and repairs: Say goodbye to waiting on someone else to assemble your flat-pack furniture. Learn to read instructions and use basic tools to put it all together.

• Painting and touch-ups: Whether it's sprucing up your bedroom or touching up scuffed furniture, basic painting skills will keep your space looking fresh.

2. Cooking and Meal Preparation: More Than Just Making Dinner

Cooking isn’t just about food it’s about taking control of your health, your wallet, and your independence. Learning to cook simple, healthy meals is one of the most important skills you can develop.

What you need to know:

• Planning and preparing meals: Plan your meals for the week, make a shopping list, and cook easy, nutritious dishes like stir-fries, pasta, and salads.

• Reading and following recipes: Cooking doesn’t need to be complicated. Following a recipe (and adapting it when necessary) means you can make balanced, tasty meals without much hassle.

• Meal prepping: Make meals in bulk and portion them out for the week. This saves you time, money, and the temptation to order takeaway.

• Kitchen hygiene: Keep your kitchen clean and organized to avoid foodborne illnesses. Knowing the basics of food safety, like washing hands and using separate chopping boards for raw meat, is crucial.

• Understanding nutrition: Learn the basics of healthy eating, from proteins and carbs to fats and vitamins, and how to create meals that fuel your body.

3. Car Maintenance: Keeping Your Ride in Tip-Top Shape

For many students, getting a car is a rite of passage. But with car ownership comes responsibility. Knowing how to look after your vehicle can save you money, keep you safe, and extend the life of your car.

What you need to know:

• Checking oil and fluids: Regularly check your car's oil and other fluids (like coolant and brake fluid) to prevent engine damage.

• Changing a flat tyre: Everyone should know how to change a flat tyre. It’s a quick and essential skill that can save you from being stranded.

• Cleaning and maintaining your car: Keep your car looking good and running smoothly with regular washes, waxing, and interior cleaning. Don’t forget to check tire pressure and change air filters.

• Basic car knowledge: Learn about car parts like the engine, battery, and brakes. Knowing when something isn’t quite right could save you from bigger issues.

• When to see a mechanic: While some maintenance can be done at home, it’s important to know when to take your car to a professional for more serious problems.

4. First Aid and Emergency Response: Be Ready for the Unexpected

Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere, and knowing what to do in those situations can make all the difference. Whether it’s a simple injury or a life-threatening medical emergency, first aid skills are critical.

What you need to know:

• CPR: Learn the life-saving techniques of CPR and how to help someone who’s choking. These are essential skills that could save someone’s life in an emergency.

• Dealing with injuries: Knowing how to treat common injuries like cuts, burns, sprains, or bruises can help you take quick action before professional help arrives.

• Recognising medical emergencies: Be able to spot signs of serious conditions like heart attacks or strokes. Staying calm and knowing when to call for help is key.

• How to call emergency services: In an emergency, you’ll need to quickly contact emergency services. Knowing how to provide clear information can help get the right help faster.

• First aid safety: Always protect yourself and others while administering first aid. Wear gloves, avoid contact with bodily fluids, and keep the injured person calm and safe.

5. Financial Management: Budgeting, Taxes, and Superannuation

Managing your money is one of the most important skills you’ll need as you enter adulthood. Learning how to budget, save, and understand taxes and superannuation will set you up for a financially stable future.

What you need to know:

• Budgeting: Learn to track your income and expenses, set up a budget, and save money for both short-term needs and long-term goals.

• Saving: Start saving for emergencies, big purchases (like a car or house), and future goals. Even small savings add up over time.

• Tax basics: Learn how to file a tax return, understand your tax bracket, and know what expenses you can claim to reduce your taxable income.

• Superannuation: Understand what super is and why it’s important for your future retirement. Learn how to track your super, consolidate accounts, and make extra contributions.

• Credit and debt management: Be smart about using credit. Understand how credit cards work, avoid high-interest debt, and make informed decisions about loans.

Ready for the Real World?

Life after Year 12 is full of exciting new opportunities, but it can also be overwhelming. Whether you’re stepping into further education or joining the workforce, these five practical skills will help you tackle adulthood with confidence. Mastering these skills will not only make life easier but also help you build a foundation for future success.

So, are you ready to take charge of your future? The skills you learn today will set you up for tomorrow!