Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/844299
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 2 JULY 2017 41 How important is a career fair like I Choose for young students? The 'I Choose' organised by the Ministry for Education and Em- ployment is an excellent oppor- tunity for all Year 10 and Year 11 students to obtain all the neces- sary information to plan their ca- reer path and learn more about courses available after Year 11. It follows a series of initiatives and programmes held during compul- sory schooling for both students and parents. The fair also targets students attending post-secondary education and others who wish to know more about different edu- cational paths in Malta and Gozo. The event will be held on 7 July between 4pm – 8pm and on 8 July 2017 between 9am – 5pm at the Mediterranean Conference Cen- tre, Valletta. How many people are expected to visit the fair? Over 1,000 students are expected to visit the fair in Malta and Gozo. How many participants will be taking part? What sectors do they represent? Post-Secondary Institutions and other entities will set up stands, provide information about the courses they offer, and offer sup- port to students who are deciding on which career path to embark. Career Guidance Practitioners will be available for one-to-one career guidance sessions with students and parents to discuss educational and employment path concerns. Ongoing Information Talks will be delivered during the two-day event in Malta. Talks will be given by speakers coming from differ- ent employment sectors includ- ing tourism, finance, healthcare, construction, sports, creative arts, armed forces, police, manufactur- ing, transport, maritime, languag- es, agribusiness, care, sciences, entrepreneurship and voluntary sector amongst others. Students and their parents will be invited to attend those talks which interest them. Students can call on 9991 4356 to book an appointment with the guidance team or to attend one of the talks. The event Facebook page is: edu.gov.mt/ichoose. Games and activities related to Career Guidance will be organised throughout the event. Are students given career guidance in schools? Within the State Colleges, ca- reer guidance is provided to all students with the aim of providing necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes to make well-informed decisions for successful transitions from school to further education and/or work and hence, to manage their career pathways and lifelong learning. Such initiatives target both students and their parents/ guardians during primary and secondary and include transition programmes, subject options exer- cises, career orientation visits, one week career exposure experiences, one-to-one career guidance ses- sions besides initiatives targeting employability skills such as team- work, creativity, problem solving and critical thinking. Comple- menting these activities are career education lessons within Personal, Social and Career Development (PSCD) where the focus is on ca- reer management skills to succeed in the labour market. Do you find that secondary school students are clear on what career they wish to pursue? Deciding what to do after com- pulsory schooling is a task young people grapple with at a time when they experience physical, emo- tional and developmental changes. Some feel prepared, others may need more support, whilst others delay the decision. It is important that students and parents/guard- ians understand that career path choice at 16 is only the start of their career trajectory. Not being clear about what precisely one wants to do at this age is normal; it will be- come clearer as one goes through work experiences, part-time jobs and educational pathways. What, in your experience, influences a student's choice of career? A number of factors influence the choice a student makes, in- cluding personal factors such as self-esteem, and gender and social factors such as peers, family and social media. These factors are topics discussed in PSCD lessons, career guidance sessions and ac- tivities whereby students are pro- vided with opportunities to ap- proach such factors with a critical mind-set. Are students today restricted in their choice of career by their upbringing? Maltese and Gozitan families still play an influential role in their children's upbringing. However, I would not say that students are be- ing restricted. Parents/guardians are well aware of the importance of encouraging their children to con- tinue studying after Year 11 due to the competitive labour market. There are extreme cases of finan- cial and health issues in the family and children feel responsible for contributing to the family's well- being. Is career choice an important decision for students? Or is it more of a natural progression of their secondary school studies? Nowadays it is more appropriate to talk about choosing one's career path rather than a career as the no- tion of a 'job for life' is becoming less common. The answer to this question is yes – choosing one's career path is an important deci- sion to be based on an understand- ing of their interests and abilities, correct information about courses available, and awareness of op- portunities in the labour market. With the right support from school and family, this decision be- comes a natural progression – one more step the student has to take throughout his/her life. Which careers/sectors are currently more popular among school-leaving students? Students leave compulsory schooling at an age when career choices are still unclear. Generally students tend to opt for careers they are exposed to in their family and community. However, school career guidance initiatives such as orientation visits, one-week work- place exposure, and career talks and fairs increase interest in unfa- miliar careers. What are the criteria upon which students base their career choice? Gaining a clear understanding of the range of interests, both at school or in extracurricular activi- ties, allows students to target ca- reer areas that suit them. It serves as a road map. Once students know their interests, they can begin to observe other variables includ- ing their values, skills, qualities, strengths and other attributes and then look towards post-secondary courses and/or employment op- portunities that suit their inter- ests and abilities. In this context schools, employers and parents have a very important role in sup- porting the student. Interview I Choose career fair will help students select a path to success As school students enjoy their summer holidays, school-leavers and older secondary school students will start considering a future career path and planning to tailor their studies to reach their goals. PAUL COCKS spoke to Dorianne Gravina, College Career Advisor within the Education Ministry's Directorate for Educational Services on the importance of career fairs and how they can help students. SATURDAY 1ST JULY 9AM - 1PM GRAND HOTEL, IMGARR GOZO JOIN US ON Call 99914356 to book your appointment with the guidance team or attend one of the talks.