A lively interest in everything and positive involvement in lots of things will teach a child that he need never be unemployed in the future, even if at the very worst he never finds a single properly payed job. Schools may not be very good at showing children the way to constructive leisure activity, but most communities have ample facilities for a child to explore his various talents with friends, if he is encouraged to do so (Leaflet E07).
The message running through all our leaflets is that self-help is always possible wherever there is the will. Careers guidance may seem a specialist subject but there are vital elements in it that require the involvement of parents. Where parents are supportive and not disinterested or overpowering, the child is more likely to make a sensible decision about his career.
What To Do
1. Encourage your child to join after-school activities (Leaflet E07). This helps him to find fulfilment in his leisure time. His health may depend in any future period of unemployment on the self-discipline, confidence and sense of purpose which creative leisure pursuits will give him.
2. Try to see that he takes at least one practical subject even in examination years.
3. Avoid reinforcing an idea he may have had from childhood about what he wants to be, by referring frequently to it and by telling other people. That leaves him free to change his mind, as he very likely will; he will not then be afraid to share these changes with you, or become difficult and evasive when you want to talk about his future.
4. Try to avoid having a fixed idea yourself of what you think your child would be good at or even what you would like him to do. He will make better decisions in a free and unprejudiced atmosphere. Sometimes, parents inadvertently put pressure on a child by their unrealistic ambitions.
5. Don’t get bogged down when your child has to opt for certain subjects, especially at the end of his third year (Leaflet E03). Have half an eye on the career he may say he wants to follow but make sure his range of subjects is balanced and reflects what he enjoys, not what he feels he ought to take. Many children change their minds. If they don’t and are missing a subject that is vital for a particular job, then they will probably be able to take it by staying on into the sixth form. By then, good career incentive makes a good examination pass more likely.
6. However, it does no harm to acquaint yourself with the general academic requirements of the job in question or the proposed course at a further educational establishment. For example, a course in dentistry may require a basic qualification in Physics, which may not occur to anybody at the time. The head of sixth form or the careers office will have such information and you should borrow it to read for yourself.
7. Be sensitive to a child who seems unable to come to terms with leaving school because the thought terrifies him. He needs your sympathy and help rather than criticism, but he must learn to realize that he cannot wait until he is absolutely certain about a job before he takes the plunge — he will wait for ever. If you feel that this message is not getting across, speak to a teacher and see if your concern is justified.
8. If your child does not seem interested in any career and time is running out, it is important to see his teacher. You may find that he has been able to approach the subject in a calm and constructive way and that everything is in hand — you can then avoid awful confrontations at home. You can also be sure that you are not the only parent who finds it hard to communicate with your child. Teenagers can be most awkward about discussing decisions that frighten them and if his teacher knows what you would like for your child, leave him to handle it for a while. Your child will tell you in his own time. Then you can praise him!
9. Take the pressure off completely during exam time; it will only make matters worse. You may feel time is running out and the decision has been left too late, in which case it is better in the long run to let things take their course.
10. Use the local careers office. If the school has not arranged a meeting in the fourth and fifth years, arrange it yourself. Your child may have turned down an opportunity to go without your knowledge, but insist that you all go just to have a chat. At least then, your child will be placed on a list and be sent any relevant material that the office receives. This may be general literature that can be left around the house — not prescribed reading — or it may be a list of jobs available. It may never be read ... but it may just be useful.
11. Take a special careers test if you are offered one, especially if you all are at your wits end; some schools do this as a matter of course. The results come out as a thick computer print-out. Answers to a long list of questions are analysed to discover areas of interest and aptitude that in turn indicate the most appropriate occupational areas for the candidate to look at. This method may confirm something that the child had been thinking, or suggest occupations that none of you have never thought of. It may also prove very useful if your child does not gain the required qualifications for the job he has been hoping for. Many jobs besides teaching involve working with children, for example. The print-out will indicate all these. You can also use it as a fire lighter, if all else fails.
12. Make sure you know when there are careers talks at school. These are often voluntary and some children miss them, perhaps because their friends aren’t going. Make sure your child knows that you know about it and expect him to go. These talks may not in themselves be dynamic or relevant but they set a tone, and may just spark off an idea.
Leaflets E05, E06, E10 and E11 cover many other aspects of upper school education, further education and careers. All stress the importance of leaving doors open. A child who has not, during his school life, committed himself to any particular future and leaves school with various offers of jobs and further education, is in a strong position to begin adult life.