Media Release - CDAA Applauds Report on Improving Career Education in Schools

21/04/2022

The Career Development Association Australia applauds a new report with evidence “from the coal-face” that makes recommendations to improve career education in Australian schools. 

The National Youth Commission Australia’s (NYCA) You Can’t be What you Can’t See - Careers Education in Secondary Schools report highlights that the quality of career education in schools varies considerably.

“State and Federal Governments are starting to take steps to provide better career support for young people,” CDAA National President Linda Jeffrey said. 

“But it is still the case that the quality of career education a young person will receive is often a postcode lottery largely thanks to fragmented underfunding.” 

The Covid Pandemic has also created serious challenges for students, teachers, and school-based career development practitioners and what has been achieved despite this is commendable says Ms Jeffrey. 

“But while schools are returning to normal, many students find themselves having to make decisions without the accepted level of insight into employment and the workforce,” she said.

“For the most part, these young people have not been able to attend work experience, work tasters, work-related excursions or face-to-face work-related guest presentations.”

CDAA has had a report from a school-based career practitioner that they are experiencing the highest ever demand for in-school career consultations.

“These students are having an enhanced level of anxiety and confusion. Despite having access to numerous resources online, they are struggling to make practical career decisions,” Ms Jeffrey said. 

Experienced career development practitioners can provide the required personalised support to help these young people get ‘back on track’ with their career planning.

But to achieve this, CDAA supports the suggested steps provided by the NYCA report to improve career education in our schools. 

These include - implementing a comprehensive careers education program in all secondary schools, starting careers education earlier, strengthening school-industry links, and providing more funding.

CDAA members can help you manage your career, make occupational and study decisions and plan career transitions. Find a career specialist here. 

Media Contact:

Georgia Kelly-Bakker, Communication & Events CDAA
Office Phone: 0421 102 477 | My Phone: 0415 117 938
Email: [email protected]