The career aspirations of grade 12 students in central Newfoundland

The purpose of this study was to provide a detailed description of the career aspirations of Grade 12 female students in central Newfoundland, the barriers they anticipate in their movement from high school to the workplace or post-secondary institutions and the factors that influence their immediate career plans. Also, a comparison was made with the 1989 Youth transition into the Labour Market Study (Sharpe & Spain, 1991) to determine if any changes in career aspirations have occurred. -- Individual questionnaires were administered to 197 Grade 12 female students in the Grand Falls-Windsor and surrounding region. Many of the findings were similar to those in the 1989 YTLM study. The majority of students planned to attend post-secondary school after graduation. Career choices were based mostly on personal interest and were discussed mostly with parents. The job motivational factor of security was of most importance followed by social needs and fulfillment. -- The majority of students envisioned a future that involved working in an occupation, however, some expected to have the combined role of worker and homemaker. Most students were unsure if they would have to rely on Employment Insurance benefits to supplement seasonal employment Occupations associated with medicine and health were must popular followed by those in the social sciences, engineering and mathematics. -- The 1999 and 1989 respondents had more similarities than differences in their career aspirations and post-secondary plans. The most noteworthy difference between the two groups was the number of 1999 respondents who were undecided about their future. -- The students surveyed identified industries they thought would offer the best employment opportunity in the future, but they did not make their career choice based this information. Also, the students did not choose industries that were in Newfoundland's growth employment sectors. It is recommended that schools implement programs that inform secondary female students and their parents about job market opportunities as well as about non-traditional careers