CAREERS ADVISERS’ TASK

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31762, 20 August 1968, Page 17

CAREERS ADVISERS’ TASK

Tn guiding school pupils towards satisfying vocations, some held that interest was a prime requisite and others that advice was all-important, but above all a young person must be encouraged to make his own decision, commensurate with his ability. Mr A. J. Fraser, inspector supervising guidance services in secondary schools, said yesterday.

He was addressing 40 careers advisers from the staffs of schools throughout; the South Island and part of I the North Island at a course being held at Lincoln College ' this week. The task was not to choose a career for a child nor to direct his choice but to bring before the child all his abilities and shortcomings and also the requirements of appropriate jobs. The careers adviser helped him to make the choice himself. Mr Fraser said he did not i support the theory that inter- | est was the chief element in | success. It was a stimulant. | but it did not guarantee per-1 formance. Interest was too!

often confined to activities of which the pupil had some experience. One of the careers adviser’s purposes was to broaden and create new interests. Interest was not always permanent.

Investigations should show abilities and occupations in which the youngster would find personal satisfaction, service to society, and realisation of his aptitudes. “If you are going to help fully, be sure all your pupils know you exist, what your function is, and when you are accessible,” said Mr Fraser. Although careers advisers (permanent members of the teaching staff seconded for this service) had been working for many years, many families did not realise they were available. A careers adviser had the advantage of being on the spot, known to the pupils, and knowing them. Linking this experience with the additional information and help on call from the Vocational Guidance Service made considerable help available to every pupil.