Abstract
Tertiary institutions in South Africa are experiencing alarming undergraduate drop-out rates. This has partly been attributed to students’ inadequate preparation, and failure to gather information on, and planning for, their careers. The need for sound career guidance at the high school level is key, making the role of Life Orientation (LO) increasingly prominent. The aim of this study was to determine what benefits high school learners derive from attending career talks. To this end, a qualitative study was conducted with Grade 10 learners studying STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) at a township high school in Mamelodi, Tshwane. Data were collected using a qualitative questionnaire and analysed thematically. The findings demonstrated the importance of role models sharing information on their careers and work experiences. Another finding pertained to the importance of information on diverse careers, for the development of learners’ career self-efficacy as students of STEM in a township high school context. The findings highlight the importance of LO teachers organising career workshops. The study will benefit the Department of Basic Education, businesses, and employers as key stakeholders, by helping to enhance the career development of future employees and entrepreneurs.
Highlights
Tertiary institutions in South Africa are experiencing alarming undergraduate drop-out rates.[1]
This study has demonstrated the importance of role models, comprehensive career information, and career interests and choices, in the development of career efficacy in STEM learners in a high school context
It can be concluded that events which are directed at high school learners will be beneficial to them
Summary
Tertiary institutions in South Africa are experiencing alarming undergraduate drop-out rates.[1]. It has been reported that 52% of learners made their career selection after Grade 12, while 34% made concrete career decisions during registration at high education institutions.[3] This shows that many Grade 12 learners have no or little idea of what they want to study or aspire to do post-school.[3] According to Moodley and Singh,[1] one in eight learners believe that because of the scarcity of career-related information at the relevant time, they did not make the right career choice The high drop-out numbers place an emotional strain on learners and parents alike, and such mismatches in turn have an impact on the economy.[1] The need for sound career guidance at high school is becoming increasingly clear, and is significantly serving to amplify the role of Life Orientation (LO) teachers. Vanin[4] comments that career counsellors play a significant role in career selection choices of students, as is evident from growing concerns about the introduction and delivery of career counselling in high schools
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