Exploring career aspirations through art
When we talk about introducing career education in primary schools, it is not about students having to decide what they want to do when they are older. Rather, it’s about what primary schools can do to help them raise their career aspirations.
Primary schools provide an ideal time to help students to learn as much as possible about the world of work and the variety of jobs available (some of which we know don’t even exist yet) and to help break down any stereotypes and notions they may have about careers.
Comprising two activities, Career Allsorts provided children with the opportunity to hear from a variety of people talk about their job and to create an artwork of a job they would like to do when they are older.
Adapted from the ‘Drawing the Future’ report, Career Allsorts aims to broaden students’ career aspirations and expose them to a different range of careers. In other words, to open up possibilities for students rather than limiting their opportunities.
I had the pleasure of seeing Career Allsorts in action and it was encouraging to hear the comments from some of the students as they reflected on the talks. As one student said to me, ‘I thought engineers were mainly men, but now I know that’s not true.’
Primary schools are encouraged to continue to support children explore their careers and look at opportunities to challenge some of the stereotypes children start to form about career at a young age. To build a robust society and promote opportunities for all, it is never too early to start career education.
My sincere thanks to all the Member Schools who participated in our first Career Allsorts exhibition, and the students who enthusiastically shared their aspirations for the future. I hope you enjoy the exhibition.
Maria Floudiotis
Education Consultant, Careers
Independent Schools Victoria