To boost the existence of career-learning environments in Dutch vocational education, the innovation project 'Career Orientation and Guidance (COG) in Secondary Vocational Education' started in 2012. In this article, we describe the effects of this project on the level of policy formulation and implementation by means of three case studies. Data…

This brief, the ninth in a series, explores issues and promising practices in paving career and technical education (CTE) pathways to high-STEM occupations--a key piece of the STEM college and career readiness puzzle. Other briefs focus on related parts of the puzzle, such as the role that math and science standards play in students' college and…

This longitudinal qualitative study examines the process adolescents undertake as they socially construct their career ideations. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a cross-section of 60 adolescents living in economically disadvantaged urban and rural communities twice a year from seventh through the twelfth grade. Using constructivist…

The taking of a "gap year", immediately after completing their secondary school education, to explore life before embarking on formal studies or starting their career, is a growing phenomenon among young people in South Africa. This research study explores the experiences of three young people who engaged in a gap year and focuses on the…

The Careers Project is a study of the preparation all students in public middle and high schools receive to explore career options and the relationship between that preparation and California's state and regional economies. The California Research Bureau (CRB) undertook this research at the request of a bipartisan group of members of the…

Career exploration and counseling are experiencing a resurgence through the school-to-work movement. Counselors are rethinking their roles and emphasizing self-reliance and student accountability for their own career paths. (JOW)

Describes how some schools are using the technology of the Internet to pair students with mentors via electronic mail. Looks at challenges and benefits. (JOW)

This career exploration instructional booklet on the occupation of a postal employee is one of several resulting from the rural southwestern Colorado CEPAC Project (Career Education Process of Attitude Change). The content includes: (1) A brief presentation of the job functions of five types of postal employees, the traits and qualifications…

This career exploration instructional unit on airport careers is one of several resulting from the rural southwestern Colorado CEPAC Project (Career Education Process of Attitude Change). This unit is designed to help students become aware of the different types of jobs connected with running an airport (e.g., ticket agent, pilot, skycap, traffic…

Describes how to teach a 6-unit English course in career investigation and planning. (DD)

Describes a program to phase a special needs student into the vocational training program and later to make a transition to community-based placements. A class in reprographics is used as an example. Discusses curriculum and student placement and follow-up. (CT)

A program offered by the National Hot Rod Association's Youth and Educational Services in conjunction with the U.S. Army enables students to learn how the Army can offer a pathway into auto mechanics and related careers. (JOW)

Some problems encountered by gifted students in career counseling are discussed and a program, Enriched Career Search, is suggested for alleviating those problems. Noted among career search problems related to the gifted are career tests that are not geared to the multi-talented student's unconventional career aspirations and rejection of careers…