Two Thirds of School Leavers Still Unsure About Their Career Choice
As the HSC results approach, new research out today has revealed the majority (68%) of school leavers have not yet decided what career path they want to travel down. The survey conducted by Martin College, one of Australia’s largest providers of careers-focused education, has also revealed that 8% have absolutely no idea what they want to do.
Brisbane school leavers are more decisive with 36% knowing the exact career path they want to take, compared to 30% of Sydney schools leavers and 28% of Melbourne school leavers. When asked which industry they wanted to go into, the poor state of the healthcare system seems to have struck a chord as Healthcare and Medical was voted number one, with IT second and Graphic Design third.
Martin College’s Managing Director, Warren Jacobson, said: “It is surprising that so many school leavers are yet to make up their minds about their career choices. It’s also clear that slowdowns in other industries are not reflected in IT. In October, more than 14,500 IT jobs were advertised on Seek, an increase of 2,000 since March. Martin College has also experienced a dramatic increase in enquiries for our IT courses.”
Around half (49%) of school leavers rely on advice from their parents, who will no doubt be encouraging them into further study as 87% of parents surveyed stated they want their children to acquire qualifications upon leaving school. However, those who haven’t quite made the grade with their HSC results or missed out on a university place need not lose heart.
Martin College offers a direct route to job readiness or an alternative pathway to university. As Warren explains: “Our practical courses are delivered by industry experts and we have agreements with universities throughout Australia to provide graduates of the Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses the opportunity to progress to a related university Bachelor Degree with significant credit points. With a total study time of as little as 50 weeks, our graduates can achieve entry and credit at selected Australian universities.”
Kris Farias is a graduate from Martin College who achieved Advanced Diplomas in Business Management, Marketing and Event Management and is now studying a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) at the University of Western Sydney. “My intention when I started studying at Martin College was to fast track my career,” said Kris.
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“But when I learnt that Martin College provided graduates with a university pathway and credits could be transferred towards university, I took advantage of the opportunity available.”
For school leavers who want to enter the workforce and fast-track their career, a diploma can be achieved in as little as 15 weeks and an internship program offers students the opportunity to gain professional experience in their chosen field.
Martin College students can now access the government’s VET FEE-HELP loan scheme which means students can study now and pay for their course later.
Key survey findings:
- 68% of school leavers are still unsure about what they want to do for their career and 8% have absolutely no idea
- Healthcare and Medical is the field that interests school leavers the most with IT second and Graphic Design third
- Sales and Secretarial are the least popular career fields
- Parents are relied on most with 49% of school leavers relying on them for career advice, career guidance counsellors are second (20%) and teachers third (10%)
- 96% of Australian parents think it’s important for their children to have a successful career
- 87% of Australian parents want their children to acquire further study qualifications after school
- Brisbane school leavers are the most decisive with 36% knowing what they want to do compared to Sydney (30%) and Melbourne (28%) school leavers.