Wingham High School students were given advice on how to best make this transition during a special workshop recently.

The group of year 11 students attended a Post School Options Workshop at Club Taree, hosted by the Smith Family.

The group of 26 students learnt about the importance of values and goal setting, communication skills and the benefits of building self esteem.

Setting financial goals, self-confidence strategies and general etiquette were also addressed.

Emillie Cullen was one of the students who learnt some valuable tools as she prepared for life after school.

"Today was great as they helped us with our values and our goal setting skills, and what we want from the future," she said.

As for what her future holds?

"I actually want to be a high school history teacher and I plan to go to university," she said.

"I absolutely love my history."

Amongst the many skills learnt at the workshop, Emillie picked out two that were of key importance.

"Being able to work in a group, you don't have to take on everything yourself," she said.

"And always ask questions."

Fellow student Mikayla Peckett found one aspect of the workshop fascinating.

"The etiquette, I thought it was amazing and I loved it," she said.

"I didn't know anything about etiquette, and I had no idea we would be learning about it.

"We learnt things like how you work your way in with the cutlery and with drinking if you weren't drinking alcohol you turn your glass up."

As well as learning about the finer points of etiquette, Mikayla said there were practical skills she said would help with her future employment.

"We learnt how to improve your questions for employers, instead of asking are there any positions available you ask 'what are you looking for in an employee'," she said.

"I thought it was very inspirational because it's a different way of how to succeed."

Goal setting skills learnt at the workshop further inspired Miakyla to achieve her dream future profession.

"I would like to be a part of the military as a medical technician," she said.

"Because I have had an injury with my ankle I've had to go the long way round and see a doctor.

"Now I just have to send all my information off, that's the goal I've set.

"Today's workshop really inspired me to send it off and get what I want out of school as well."

The Smith Family's Learning for Life Program co-ordinator Heidi Prowse said it was important to prepare students for their post-school future.

"This program offers an invaluable opportunity for young people to focus their attention on their future and motivate themselves for the path to individual success," she said.

"We are aiming to build confidence among the students, who are just beginning to consider their options beyond school, so that they are aware of the range of options available to them - be it further study or work - and well equipped to pursue their goals.

"We had a range of speakers who addressed the students. It was about reinforcing skills they may or may not have, and applying those skills when it comes to things like applying for jobs."

Wingham High School career advisor Shirley Clissold said the workshop went hand in hand with one of the school's main philosophies.

"It's about goal setting and building aspirations, and seeing them build their confidence is a good thing," she said.

"Building aspirations is a big part of our school, getting them prepared for when they leave school by building like skills.

"And a workshop like this is very much needed, anything that makes them want to strive for more."