Working Out the Likely Possibilties

Te Ao Hou, March 1966, Page 8

Working Out the Likely Possibilties It is hard to imagine just how unrealistic some pupils can be in selecting careers. I once asked a lower fifth form class to write an essay on the topic of their future careers. One yonug hopeful declared that he was going to be a naval captain. His uncle in the navy would help him to become a captain. Another lad had a well-worked-out scheme. He was going to join a stock firm; after 10 years, when he had become a manager, he was going to leave the firm and join the opposition with all the old firm's secrets! It is hard to remember sometimes that it is secondary school pupils that one is dealing with. So the first task of the careers adviser is to ensure that pupils are thinking about careers, and also to provide them with information on different types of employment. I expect our pupils to be thinking along these lines in their first year at college. Maturing teenagers will inevitably change their minds many times, but by the time they are in the fifth and sixth forms the likely possibilities should be emerging. I think this is probably the best time to see the vocational guidance officer.