Vocational Guidance Helps Plan Careers

Chronicle (Levin), 8 September 1949, Page 2

Vocational Guidance Helps Plan Careers

» (Contributed) Decisions of great importance which have far Teaching effects face the parents of young persons leaving primary and post primary schools. In the former case the decision is as to which school the pupil will be sent and what course he will follow. In the latter instance.it is what type of employment is to be chosen by the school leaver. A knowledge of what is entailed in these choices is widely recognised by parents, an'd probably recognised more fully is their admission of the limitations of their own knowledge as to types of schools, their different courses and the basic requirements of entrants into the bewildering number of diverse occupations which are open to the y'oung people of today. These difflculties have long been recognised by educationists and during the last two decades 'definite advances have been made towards a solution. Vocational guidance is now amply recognised as one of the essentials of our educational system. At first its growth was slow, but since it has ■been recognised that it is no fad but a fundamental in the system, development has taken place rapidly. In the main centres of the Dominion there are now vocational guidance centres in eharge of skilled and trained officers. It is the work of .these officials to keep closely in touch with the requirements of industry, the trade and professions. They visit primary, intermediate and post primary schools and discuss the problems of jobs with pupils. In the first place it is usual for them to address the school as a whole, giving advice of a general character. Questions are welcomed' and afterwards opportunity is taken to discuss personal vocational problems with indivi'dual pupils, and, if desired, with their parents too. These personal interviews are usually followed up with further detailed advice mailed from headquarters to each pupil interviewed. On the other hand vocational guidance officers must be in close contact with conditions existing in all avenues of employment and be in a position to advise potential employees of the possible supply of young labour. While their work is not that of an employment agency, help is given to young people seeking employment and to employees requiring assistance. Once boys and girls have entered employment vocational guidance 1 officers' follow them up and carefully watch their progress. In post primary schools careers teachers have now been appointed. These teachers act as a liaison between the school and the guidance centre. All the year round they are at the school and it is their job to give advice to pupils concerning positions and the requisite training required. At all times they have behind them the officers at the centre. Briefly stated, vocational guidance today aims at putting the boy or girl into the position for which he or she is best fitted by temperament and training, and in seeing that as far as it is possible pupils from the primary schools pass on to the best type of post primary schools and course. It aims at directing the thoughts of young people away from blind-alley occupations, from those jobs which are likely to be overcrowded, and into avenues where they will have every opportunity of attaining success and happiness. Vocational guidance is here to stay. It is neither a frill nor a fad. Today officers from the Wellington centre visited Otaki. This afternoon they met senior pupils of the Otaki School and tonight will address the Home and School Association. An invitation is exvtended to as many parents as can possibly do so to attend and hear this important address.