Career education is a core activity in secondary schools. Starting early in secondary school gives students time to gradually develop their self-understanding and goals, before making important life decisions.
Effective career education is essential to learning and wellbeing. It supports students’ engagement and motivation, empowers them to make informed decisions, and builds their confidence about the future.
A career action plan is a dynamic planning document, owned and managed by a student. Creating a plan is a process of self-reflection and goal setting. The plan helps students:
– consider their motivations and strengths.
– choose their goals.
– clarify the actions needed to achieve these goals.
– commit to participating in the planned activities.
When students update their plan at least annually, their secondary schooling is punctuated with important opportunities to:
– discover their strengths and talents.
– explore the world of work and their place in it.
– identify their values and interests.
– decide on their career and learning goals and pathway.
– take steps toward their goals.
Some general tips when talking about careers with young people:
– focus on skills and behaviour they will need, rather than specific jobs.
– talk about goals and what they find fulfilling.
– be open-minded and encouraging.
– talk about what they have put in their career action plan from school.
– be patient as their choices may change over time.
– remember it’s their decision on the direction they want to go.
– some young people will have a clear goal while others will take a long time to explore and decide.
Parents may like to read how to talk to your child about their career and study options in year 11 and 12
For further information visit the Department of Education Career Education page: www.schools.vic.gov.au/career-education