Start a conversation
Start a conversation
For many young people, choosing the right career pathway requires a lot of consideration and exploration.
Education and career aspirations are often shaped by how young people think they will fit in with others, and by the expectations of their parents, carers, teachers and peers.
As key influencers of young people’s career decisions, parents, carers and teachers need to begin career conversations much earlier than secondary school.
Research shows gender biases of possible career options are evident in children as young as six. One example of such gender stereotype is the belief that girls are less interested than boys in computer science and engineering.
Many young people do not have the opportunity to meet a wide range of successful professionals and trades people and need opportunities to engage with a variety of role models from the world of work.
So how do we have career conversations?
Parents can have career conversations with their young person by showing an interest in their aspirations. Consider the following:
- Make time to have career conversations with your young person.
- Support high aspirations and take care not to ‘crush dreams’.
- Link children’s learning to career pathways.
- Provide accurate, up-to-date career pathway and labour market information.
- Point young people to information on the full range of options and pathways open to them. A great starting point is the myfuture website.
Try these career conversation starters: | |||
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What is something you have achieved that you feel really proud of? | What achievements have given you the most satisfaction? | What do you see yourself doing in five years? | Are there any jobs you’ve seen or heard of that interest you? What do you find appealing about them? |
What skills have you gained from your part-time job? | What would you do if your dream job was far away from home? | If you had a chance to learn about anything, what would that be? | What world or community challenge do you want to solve? |
Career conversation events
Career conversation events
Talk to your child about their pathways and opportunities.
Information sheets and supporting material
Information sheets and supporting material
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8 Steps to start your business
Follow these steps to see if you are ready to go into business, how to get started and what assistance is available.
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Apprenticeship and traineeship intake guide
View a range of apprenticeship and traineeship career options that are available in businesses operating in Western Australia.
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Apprenticeship Support Australia
Apprenticeship support and resources to help with skills development advice and solutions for businesses and job-seekers across Australia
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Australian Jobs 2021
Trend overview of the Australian labour market to support job seekers and employment service providers, career advisers, those considering future training and people interested in labour market issues.
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Brick and blocklaying try-a-trade opportunity for young people
Information for young people who are curious to become a bricklayer can find out how to do a one or two day trial.
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Bricklaying apprenticeship engagement pathway
A pre-apprenticeship or a pre-vocational program will help students gain the necessary skills to transition into a bricklaying apprenticeship. Find out more by contacting a registered training provider on the attached information sheet.
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Course Guide 2022 - North Metro TAFE
Find out about the different course options available at the North Metro TAFE.
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Course Guide 2022 - South Metro TAFE
Find out about the different course options available at the South Metro TAFE.
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Disability sector - Your skills
Think about the skills and values you have, and how they can shape your career in the disability sector.
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Disability sector career pathway map
Find out about the career benefits, and the different study and career options in the disability sector.
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Disability sector employment guide
Gain an understanding of what employers look for in their recruitment. Access a checklist of things you may find useful when applying for jobs, and how to write a good resume and cover letter.
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Early childhood education and care
Regional Early Education and Development Inc (REED) have early childhood education and care employment opportunities in the Wheatbelt.
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Insurance careers
Find out about the benefits of working in the insurance industry, and career stories from people working in different roles across the sector.
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Jobs and skills centres
Career, training and employment services for businesses, students, jobseekers and people looking for a career change.
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myfuture at a glance
The myfuture website provides online resources to explore career pathways, and tools to develop self-knowledge for career decision-making.
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Parents and guardian’s guide to your child’s education, training and work opportunities in 2021
Understand the different opportunities for education, training and work in 2021 to help your child establish and further their career.
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Things you have to do to start your business
A practical guide on what you have to do to start your business.