When School Isn’t Working, Find a Better Path [a Listener Q&A]

What do you do when your 17-year-old refuses to go to school, skips classes and has no idea what he wants to do instead? Justin and Kylie tackle a tricky question from a parent whose son is struggling with Year 11. They explore vocational schools, apprenticeships, TAFE, distance education and the idea that education doesn’t have to mean sitting in a classroom until Year 12. The goal is to help young people keep learning, contributing and moving forward without forcing them into a path that clearly isn’t working. KEY POINTS: Why school isn’t the only way to get an education Vocational schools and hands-on learning School-based apprenticeships and TAFE Why “earning or learning” is a useful family expectation Helping teenagers build character, reliability and practical skills Why a 17-year-old doesn’t need their whole future figured out Finding purpose through contribution and solving real problems QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: “You need to be either full-time earning or full-time learning.” RESOURCES MENTIONED: Boys: Building Strong Young Men from the Inside Out by Justin Coulson The Industry School School-based apprenticeships TAFE and vocational education Lift the Load 50 for 50 fundraiser for Top Blokes ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Talk to your child’s school about alternative pathways. Look beyond university and traditional Year 12 pathways. Explore apprenticeships, TAFE, vocational schools and practical training. Help your teenager find something that builds skills and a sense of contribution. Take the pressure off having their entire future figured out at 17. Focus on reliability, communication, initiative and integrity. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.