MANY start making their career choices only in their twenties . . . but experts say this should start earlier.
Kay Vittee, CEO of Quest Staffing Solutions, says one of the most fundamental decisions determining your career is taken when you are only 15 years old.
“Choosing the right subjects in high school is likely to be the most important decision you can make for your future.”
Vittee said it was worrying that many teens didn’t really know what they wanted to do for the rest of their lives.
“In today’s evolving world with constant innovation and developments in technology, there are a number of aptitude testing and career guidance options to help determine academic strengths and interests.
“But this same concept of evolving technology means a number of jobs today could be obsolete in the near future,” said Vittee.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics recently identified many careers which are “disappearing” and are expected to decline – in number of workers – massively by 2020.
“Such careers include postal service workers, machine operators, agricultural workers and file clerks. While this is US research, such trends will begin to come through in our society as well in years to come and should be a factor considered by youth deciding on their futures.”
With an unemployment rate among the youth that keeps increasing and is at 38,2%, young people are in a difficult position in the labour market.
Pupils need to look at skills and jobs the market needs.
“This will increase their chances of finding employment in an increasingly limited and competitive environment,” she said.
Two resources Vittee suggested scholars, students and parents reach for include the South African Scarce Skills List (available on the Department of Higher Education and Training’s website) as well as the Critical Skills List provided by the Department of Home Affairs to international talent looking to obtain a Critical Skills Visa.
“Rather than going for subjects or a career just because they look good on paper, try to find a happy medium of what you love to do, the skills you have and how these factors can be made into a career,” she said.
