Career education and the world of work

The steady rise of youth unemployment in Australia has led to the introduction of career education programmes in secondary schools and junior colleges - This paper analyses the purpose of these programmes against the background of the structural character of unemployment and the emerging concern with underemployment, i.e. underutilization of qualifications due to occupational change. The Career Education Project (CEP) was initiated in 1976 in South Australia for a 2-year period. It aims to develop self-awareness and realistic career awareness in students. To equalize opportunities for girls and women CEP has supported in 1977 and 1978 two special programmes. The work experience programmes - generally intended for low ability students - have been operating in some schools for the last few years, but were only in 1977 formally established. Students gain work experience in production or social services. Link courses are educational activities designed to ease transition from school to work. CEP is in an indeterminate state, work experience is gaining stability of administrative support, while link courses, although Departmentally approved need clarity of definition. In all 3 programmes there is a concern to make schools relevant to the world of work, particularly as defined by employers, thus improving school industry relationship. All programmes are integrated in the curriculum. Problems relate to the need for better teacher preparation and coordination between programmes and between Departments.