GAP Year Questions HELP :)

[Sendoh]

Hi guys, I am just curious about how the GAP year exactly works?

My parents who have little knowledge about Australian education and how it functions thinks that the "GAP Year" is essentially the biggest waste of time and that it's only for those "who have no other options since they didn't get into their course". Maybe for some this may be the case but I don't reckon this is the only reason?

I was heavily considering a GAP year after I finish 2015 VCE to go on and do some traineeship which takes around 9-10 months long and requires full availability. In other words, I doubt I could do this unless I take a GAP year. They don't want you to do the traineeship if you're not free. However, I am extremely keen to do this as this hospitality course or traineeship is my passion. Plus, I've never had any experience before and I feel as if this is really my chance to get some exposure in the hospitality area and chase my dream of working in that field.

What in particular do I have to take in mind during a GAP year (important pointers and stuff if I do end up taking a gap year in the end). For example, if I take a GAP year does that mean I miss out completely on a year of uni and won't be able to catch up on it or maybe deferring i think it's called. This is what is restraining me to do it, my parents think 'education' is more important than anything at the moment and that taking a GAP year is hideous and is the biggest waste of time.

I am trying hard to convince my parents into letting me do this. I reckon it's great because I am pretty sure you get paid to do this since you're basically in a casual/part time role whilst they give you on the site training. I thought this would be a good way to not only gain experience for the future which helps me to hopefully secure a spot in the workforce whilst being in uni but to also help my parents in funding for university.

What do you guys think? To sum it up , I am taking a GAP year purely to get a job/do a hospitality course which requires 9-10 months of 24/7 availability otherwise it is pretty much deemed useless.

Appreciate the HELP GUYS .

[SkiesTheLimit]

Definitely haven't been in this position but I do have reasonable knowledge about Gap Years, I've flirted with the idea of one myself in the future so I'm like you.

Basically the Gap year will be a year off generally in which people will travel, work or do something else that is constructive. If you're going to do it to chill, sit on the sofa and play video games then you're definitely not reaping any benefits at all.

From what you've posted you're going to do a traineeship which will definitely hold you in good stead for when you make the transition into Uni. Why? You will essentially have matured, become a man/woman and have set yourself up to not go into University being naive.

To add to that, if it's your passion then I think you should really explain that to your parents, I'm sure they'll understand after a while. There will be no worse feeling than dropping out of Uni after a year (something that is common mind you) because your head isn't in the zone or mentally equipped to deal with Uni.

A gap year also lets you reassess what you want to do with your life? Do you want to continue with further qualifications in hospitality? Do you feel that it was a waste of time? Do you want to go on and do a degree? It will give you that direction.

Try to explain all of this year to your parents, above all, explain to them that one year in a career that will span 40+ will not really mean much if you're doing what you really love.

Being paid to do a course is definitely a bonus, that helps a lot.

I know it's weird having this sort of advice come from someone younger than you but I've received this advice from older siblings with genuine experience so I want you to be just as prepared as I am. Would definitely be better though having someone else who has gone through a gap year comment on this post though.

Good Luck Sendoh