Buying a house at 19 and discovering a career in business was an "unimaginable" future for one Wagga-born student.
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But, Sam Heffernan said he was the perfect example of thinking outside the box when it came to choosing the first step outside of school.
Now 21, Mr Heffernan graduated from Year 12 at Kildare Catholic College in 2017. Initially, he planned to study teaching after a gap year of casual work.
"There was so much pressure on going to university whether it be from the school environment, parents or friends,"' he said.
"But then, I was speaking with my careers advisor, and I was looking for a gap year job, and she suggested vocational education and training course (VET) through the Catholic Education office."
With a passion for sport, Mr Heffernan started studying a Certificate III in Sports and Recreation through TAFE NSW.
Opportunities arose quickly for him as he was paid as a sports trainee through the Catholic Education Office.
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"So in the first year of my traineeship, I received full-time employment within the office, but through that time, I was paid to study, and I received nationally recognised training through TAFE," he said.
"I was passionate about music as well, so I travelled around South Australia and Northern Territory to work around the schools as a mentor."
Mr Heffernan said one of the most significant positives of VET courses was the ability to network with so many people.
He began interacting with people who taught him about saving and spending money, as well as the property market.
"I purchased a house at 19 with no financial support from my parents," Mr Heffernan said.
"I was learning how to become an adult and learning about the bigger picture and how to make decisions.
"It was those people around me that were purchasing homes, talking about investment properties, and it definitely challenged me."
Working in the office, Mr Heffernan realised he enjoyed the business side of things and is now living in Melbourne studying for a Bachelor's Degree in project management and business analytics through Deakin University.
Mr Heffernan has shared his journey in light of National Skills Week which runs until August 29, and invites Australians to rethink their career options.
"In school, there was a pressure to do something just because, even if it was not something you are passionate about," Mr Heffernan said.
"While uni is a requirement for some jobs, it is not always the best thing for you.
"I would not change a single thing. However, if I had gone and gotten a casual job for a year, I would have probably ended up teaching, and that is not a career I am passionate about."
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