The implementation of career education programs in township schools

M.Ed.Career education as a learning area is seemingly not effectively taught in many schools especially township schools. Selection of subjects at the end of grade 9 for grade 10 is seemingly not informed by learner’s ability to perform in those subjects but rather by other factors like (inter alia) subject streaming in those schools, peer influence and lack of parental involvement. Many learners only realise their mistake at grade 12 when it is too late to change their streams. This scenario lead to the question: how are career educations programs implement in township schools at grade 9? The research design of this study followed a qualitative paradigm where data was collected through interviews, documents and observation sheets with Life Orientation educators. Interview transcripts were analysed, coded, categorised and developed into themes. The themes were then analysed and then conclusions drawn. The main findings were discussed through the themes and reflected that: Educators are passionate about the implementation career education programmes even though some of them were not trained. Document analysis showed that work schedules and lessons were planned and activities done through assignments, projects and the portfolios. The career workbook from the district office is extensively used and the policy document is available in all schools. The main problem is the movement of educators (and not learners) to different classes when periods are changed because this does not allow them to create conducive environments that reflect their learning areas. Lack of resources which includes functional computers with internet connectivity hampers implementation. This results in educators improvising by using magazines and newspapers (which is not necessarily a bad idea but should be used as additional resources to show creativity). Learners are influenced by friends, family, the media, other educators and parents in making career choices instead of focusing on their abilities and interests. The Department of Education should avail bursaries to those educators who are interested in Life Orientation and also arrange suitable times for training and workshops with educators. Information sessions with parents on subject selections for careers should be held during parent’s evenings