Students aren’t the only beneficiaries of these programs.

The annual Canberra Careers Market being held at the Australian Institute of Sport this week offers students and adults the chance to explore a smorgasbord of career possibilities. Operated by the Rotary Club of Canberra City in partnership with the ACT Education and Training Directorate, the market reminds us of the important role career guidance counsellors play in helping young people to think through their learning and career pathways.

The ETD’s recent report, Excellence and Enterprise: Advancing Public Schools of Distinction, “provides a framework that will enable all young people to learn, thrive and be equipped with the skills to lead fulfilling, productive and responsible lives”. Certainly what Canberrans need to recognise and applaud in this framework is the goal to improve the quality and scope of career education in schools.

Evidence shows that in schools offering comprehensive career development programs, students earn higher grades, schooling is seen as more relevant, and employment preparation is more highly rated. To ensure that young people are provided with comprehensive professional career support, high schools and colleges need at least one full time, qualified career practitioner. Full-time, resourced, school-based career practitioners will be able to develop programs, support other teachers and tap community networks so they can refer students to mentors, opportunities, programs and services.

With seemingly limitless educational and work choices, students need to be equipped to make informed decisions about school and work. This means understanding who they are as people, what their strengths and preferences are and what opportunities are available. Career development services provide the means to meet these needs by providing current, accurate and informative advice and information that make strong connections between students current learning and life circumstances and aspirations for the future.

In a complex, changing environment it is not possible for any teacher to be encyclopaedic in their career knowledge. Rather, to effectively perform their role, career practitioners need to know where accurate, current, relevant information is available. A comprehensive online career portal, providing a one-stop-shop approach to life, education and work in the ACT and region, is therefore an essential part of the Governments strategy.

Career education needs to be extended to primary schools. Career development research shows that young children can rule out occupations by age 10 on the basis of values and gender, and the role of significant others, particularly parents. Principals need to ensure that all K-12 students are given access to professional, planned and integrated career development programs so they develop career management competencies for life.

The report refers to expanding the models of career advice across the ACT. Stakeholders need to understand that career development is more than educational and occupational choice. It is about equipping people across their lifespan, not just when young, with the skills, knowledge and attitudes to help make the myriad choices people face in all aspects of their lives, including learning and work.

Career development services that cater for all ages can take a range of forms: Mobile career services similar to mobile library services; community-based career development services that are based where people tend to congregate, (such as major shopping malls, youth and community hubs); and telephone and online services. (Australia has established a telephone career development service for mature-age workers. Such services need to be advertised, supported and expanded.)

We know that the ACT faces serious skill shortages. People are more mobile than ever before. Global competitiveness depends on a flexible, innovative, productive workforce. Investing in career development brings economic benefits. Career-savvy people are better able to navigate the employment market and make more informed choices at entry, during employment and on exit, thereby contributing to productivity and reducing human resource management costs. By investing in improved career development services for everyone, the ACT will be better positioned to attract and retain skilled workers.

The report recognises that improved career support will depend on an active collaboration between education (primary, secondary, tertiary), training (VET, RTOs), business/industry, trade unions, NGOs, professional associations and governments. The starting point is for all stakeholders to regard career education as an investment in young people, the community, and the local, regional and national economy.

Source: Canberratimes.com.au

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