A recent survey shows parents' opinion and guidance is valued by young people planning for their future.

High school years are when teens face important decisions that will shape their future. But whom do they go to when they need advice? A recent nationwide survey of 1,194 teenagers (Youthtown 2014 NZ) has found the people they turn to for guidance - and this may surprise many people - are their parents. Just four young people out of every 10 of those questioned believe they've had useful career counselling. The teenagers candidly answered questions about the things that matter most. They were asked about relationships with family and friends, whom they identify with and why, and what their plans are. The survey was open to all young Kiwis aged 13-18.

The fact that parents have such a positive influence in their lives is perhaps counter to popular misconception that the teenage years are when parents lose their influence. The survey results show that parents are the biggest influencers and that young people do listen to them (72 per cent) therefore it is vital that parents are equipped for discussions about job choices with as much information as possible, including the school subjects that align with these. Parents should not assume that the schools are the only ones taking care of this area and should be actively involved in the process. It is important that we give our young people information, skills and confidence so that they can make good decisions about their future.

Of the young people surveyed, 68 per cent said they were "worried" or "moderately concerned" about getting a job or career they wanted. Asked what could stop them being successful, they noted themselves (23 per cent), indecision or procrastination (20 per cent) and job availability (16 per cent) as key obstacles. During the survey most young people had identified their talents, however over one-third had not. Although half of respondents knew what job or career they wanted and had a plan to achieve their future career, only four out of 10 young people believed they had had useful career counselling.

What we need to ask ourselves now, is how can we ensure every young New Zealander gets the guidance they need to give them confidence to follow their chosen career path. The chief executive of Careers New Zealand, agrees it is important for young people to establish a positive network to support their career decisions and plans. Career guidance is just one part of that picture.

As the study identified, parents and caregivers are really influential in this role and we'd encourage them to talk about career planning as part of normal, everyday conversation - really listening to what they want to do, helping them break down the steps to get there, and providing encouragement and motivation for a successful career journey. Engaging parents and caregivers in the learning and transitions of their children is a high priority for education providers and agencies. Careers NZ has developed their capability and has introduced a self-assessment tool and support services for schools and tertiary providers for the development of career management competencies in Years 7-8 through to secondary and tertiary.

By connecting schools, tertiary education, community and business organisations together in identified priority areas, they can work together on initiatives that smooth the pathways between education, training and work. Careers NZ have online tools at www.careers.govt.nz to ensure they are relevant to young people's needs, including the launch of Career Checker, an introduction to career planning. Strengthening the pathways from school and tertiary to employment is a government and community priority.

We've learned from this research is that young New Zealanders want to succeed, and spend considerable time thinking about their future, and a career here in New Zealand. Another interesting point to come out of the survey is that this country's teenagers' aspirations are now global rather than confined to New Zealand. They say adventure, travel, better work opportunities and higher salaries are what attracts them abroad. They noted that more opportunities and jobs would make New Zealand an even better place to live.

We live in a global environment and young people have many successful role models that they can identify with from around the world. It is therefore only natural that they aspire globally and there is nothing wrong with that. It is always very interesting to hear what young people have to say and  it is important that we listen.

Vicki Wilson

Career Education Leader

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