“Strong cognitive skills are not enough on their own to achieve good performance … in technologically advanced industries … social and emotional skills as well as cognitive skills [are also required].” (OECD, OECD Skills Outlook 2017, 2017, p 28).

DET Australian Government has released the Future Ready National Careers Education Strategy. The strategy highlights the shared responsibility of Government and school systems, school leaders, teachers and careers practitioners, parents and caregivers and employers in the community to work together in support of decision making around career choices. 

In an excerpt from the strategy, it states that “Parents, carers and families play a significant role in the decisions students make about their career choices beginning with subject choices and educational pathways. It is important for parents and caregivers to be aware of the value of career education. When parents and carers work with their child’s interests, the school, community and local business network they can help build essential skills and attitudes to prepare them for the future.

The purpose of career education is to build resilient individuals with the capacity to adapt to the changing nature of work and manage multiple careers in their lifetime, according to circumstances and needs. Early engagement by parents ensures children are better prepared for life beyond school.”

Through the strategy, governments, school systems and schools will share, expand and encourage programs and practices that work in a local context. 

The strategy emphasises collaboration with parents and caregivers in partnership including:

Transferable skills

• Talk to children about how the skills they develop at school, sport, or while volunteering can be used in different ways, including in the workplace.
  • Ask your child’s school about suitable tools and resources that may assist you in the conversations with your children about their passions, subject choices and potential career paths.
  • Access tools and resources to support evidence-based conversations with your child about the skills needed in the range of post-school options and pathways available to them.

Meet the needs of all students

• Start conversations with your children about careers from a young age.
  • Identify a child’s individual passions and strengths to assist in supporting their future pathway choices.
  • Use opportunities in your local area to explore career possibilities with your child.
  • Encourage them to lead the conversations about the things that interest them and how they might follow those interests

Partnerships
Collaborate with your local career education stakeholders (universities, and training providers, local government, employers and industry) to support the needs of your local community and ensure they continue to support pathways for school students.

Informed and Involved

Parents and caregivers know their child best. Discuss your child’s interests with your child’s school and explore the possibilities available in your community.
• Understand and value your child’s progression and growth to support them to achieve their career goals.