On track? Students choosing a career

Adrian Beavis, Smith Family

Abstract

What are the study and career plans of Years Eleven and Twelve students? To find out why a significant proportion of disadvantaged youth fail to make a successful transition from school to work or further study, The Smith Family surveyed more than 1,300 disadvantaged Years Eleven and Twelve students supported by The Smith Family's Learning for Life educational scholarship program about their study and career plans. Two thirds of students are planning further study at university or TAFE. Mentors and career advisers are crucial in influencing the careers that students choose. There is also a strong correlation between parent expectations of further study and a student's desire to attend TAFE or university. Stronger family support for university correlates with plans for a higher level of education. The majority of disadvantaged students surveyed do not truly understand the education level required for their 'dream job' or even the availability of specific jobs in the current market. Most still believe that holding the appropriate qualifications guarantees employment. Typically, the young people in the study - all of whom are from low socioeconomic families - were planning a future shaped by their interests, perceived ability and, it seems, their families. The early picture to emerge of these families, from these data, is one of supportiveness. The interests of young people were being encouraged and their plans set to accord with their ability. For most, this means that their plans, when realised, will involve upward social mobility. Despite this, there was little evidence of overly ambitious parents pushing their children in inappropriate directions. What this study shows is that ability and interest have a significant effect on students' educational and vocational plans, a finding which is consistent with other studies by the Australian Council for Educational Research for The Smith Family.