Australia's education system has served the nation well, but must continue to evolve to ensure competitiveness in a world racing towards the future. The report recommendations presented seek to optimise the ways industry partnerships can assist in the provision of contemporary, internationally competitive Science, Technology, Engineering, and…

The purpose of this paper is to introduce some views from the Munich school of interest to vocational education contexts. Recent theorizing on interests sees them as a relation between a person and an object and distinguishes this relationship from situational or more transient interests. This view focuses on the nature of the process of being…

This report is a preliminary investigation of differences in the pattern and level of interests between ethnic groups and control groups of Australian subjects. A theoretical framework for the development of cultural differences in interests is outlined. Self-estimates of interests are also examined to determine the extent to which individuals…

Describes a study that analyzed the career decision-making process of Australian youth and the influence of home and school in making the decision. Results indicated that at age 14, the major influence was parents, and career resources were rarely used. All students felt the need for career guidance services. (JOW)

The influence of family and school on vocational decisions of 24 rural Australian students was measured. The students lived in areas lacking full secondary facilities, necessitating earlier decisions. Family influence was much stronger than that of schools. Teachers had more influence on boys than on girls. (SK)

Explores the role of prestige, sex type, and vocational interests in influencing compromise in career decision making among Australian youth (N=287). Results indicated basic proportions concerning the relative influence of the three variables are supported. However, a variety of compromise strategies were identified. (Author/ABB)

Describes studies that utilized questionnaires and interviews to explore the factors affecting the career choices of students. Reveals differences between scientists and nonscientists with regard to their preferred learning styles and relates these differences to career choice and self-perception. (DDR)

Reports on a survey of Western Australian pre-graduates (16- and 17-year olds) conducted in order to determine their attitudes towards libraries and librarians and other careers. Results indicate the continuation of negative images of librarians, and the shift in perceptions that must occur before it is considered a desirable career option.…

Research focused on two factors that may be influencing females in choice of careers. Factors are role-specific self-concept in science and self-perception in terms of stereotypical masculine and feminine characteristics. Logical ability and mathematics and science courses were also examined as factors in career choice. Results of data for 177…

This study compared the areas of talent and career aspirations of boys and girls in Year 7 (n=398) and Year 11 (n=240) samples in a middle class metropolitan area in Australia. Students nominated the high school subject in which they saw themselves as being most talented, and current perceptions of talent in relation to each of their high school…

Focuses on reasons why so few females hold leadership positions in physical education (PE) in Australian secondary schools. Results from in-depth interviews with 27 female PE educators reveal stereotypic attitudes and expectations regarding gender roles as barriers. Career decision making was found to be influenced by female instructors' personal…

Among 24 tenth-grade students in an isolated rural school in Western Australia, all intended to finish twelfth grade although that required leaving home. Students' career decisions were influenced mainly by their mothers, with little influence from schools and teachers. Girls expressed more criticism of rural schooling than did boys. (LP)

This article describes how females are disadvantaged in many professions and suggests school strategies to help females overcome barriers. It describes the Australian Breakthrough Programme that teaches high-ability girls to become aware of what is happening to them and to become more self-confident and strategic in their approach and actions.…

The intention of Australian youth to pursue vocational training was found to be negatively related to school attainment. The impact of occupational aspirations and expectations was also found to vary by ethnicity and sex. (RM)

Few studies have tracked youth transition beyond the immediate post-school period or have looked at the longer-term outcomes of post-school programs. This study reports the findings of a case study investigating links between an industry-specific school vocational education and training (VET) program and subsequent work transitions to the building…