Job Outlook is a careers and labour market research information site to help students investigate possible future careers. There is a wealth of information covering hundreds of individual occupations. http://joboutlook.gov.au/
In this website, students can target careers they are already interested in as well as seeing dozens they may never have considered. Having a list from A-Z helps students who have little idea of where to start. The list includes some fascinating careers and the information provided about each is practical and up to date. Here is a quick introduction to the website so that you can share this with your teenager…
CAREERS are listed alphabetically. See the tab ‘A-Z’ at the top of the page…
Students can find interesting and valuable information on each career. If we look at ARCHITECTS, here is what can be found…
*OVERVIEW (A concise snapshot of the career.)
‘Architects plan and design buildings, provide concepts, plans, specifications and detailed drawings, negotiate with builders and advise on the procurement of buildings.’
*TASKS (Gives students a good summary of main activities.)
- Obtains advice from clients and management to determine type, style and size of planned buildings and alterations to existing buildings.
- Provides information regarding designs, materials and estimated building times.
- Prepares project documentation, including sketches and scale drawings, and integrates structural, mechanical and aesthetic elements in final designs.
- Writes specifications and contract documents for use by builders and calls tenders on behalf of clients.
- Inspects construction work in progress to ensure compliance with plans, specifications and quality standards.
*PROSPECTS (Useful information about the demand for this career, average age, gender etc.)
*PATHWAYS (Useful links and resources as well as providing a link to Course Seeker which is another fantastic website. In Course Seeker, students can locate tertiary courses in any state in Australia. www.courseseeker.edu.au
*SKILLS and KNOWLEDGE (This highlights the exact skills and knowledge needed in this career as well as the main types of activities covered in the day to day work.)
*WORK ENVIRONMENT (This covers typical demands of the job, work values and interests that are key to being successful in this career.)
What now?
After looking at all of the information on a career, young people should ask themselves these questions…
- Do I currently have the skills required in this career or could I develop them?
- Am I interested in the tasks and work environment? Can I imagine working in this career and being happy?
