A major national study conducted by ACER for The Smith Family has revealed that many Generation Y Australian students are choosing careers based on their interests, not money.

The study of more than 1300 disadvantaged Year 11 and 12 students who are receiving support from The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program found that anticipated income does not factor in their plans to attend university. Rather, the type of role and how closely it aligns with their interests and abilities has emerged as the deciding factor for these teens rather than the potential size of their pay packet.

The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program supports more than 23 500 disadvantaged children and young people in Australia, improving their life opportunities through better access to education. The students receive financial assistance in the form of a scholarship as well as access to specialised programs such as homework clubs, literacy support and mentoring. The Smith Family conducts research to better understand why a significant proportion of disadvantaged youth fail to make a successful transition from school to work or further study.

The research areas covered included:

Student perception of the world of work in late 2005 and how these had changed since 2004.

Most of the young people in the study had educational plans which would allow them entry to their preferred job, but there was some confusion about educational requirements, with around 25 per cent of young people planning a level of education too low for their preferred job. The research showed that educational plans change. It should not be assumed that sound plans made in one year will stay the same or, if they change, remain sound.

The extent to which students’ post-school plans in 2005 imply upward social mobility.

These young people from low socio-economic backgrounds were planning a future shaped by their interests, perceived ability, and their families. While the families were found to be supportive, there was little evidence of overly ambitious parents pushing their children in inappropriate directions. The relationship between the expectations of family members and the student’s plans for further study emerged as an important influence on the decision to attend TAFE or university. The role of family expectations in shaping post-school plans may need further investigation. For most students, realisation of their plans would involve upward social mobility.

Factors which shape Learning for Life students’ plans for attending university.

Two thirds (67 per cent) of the students surveyed planned to undertake a Bachelor Degree or Diploma. Around 60 per cent of Learning for Life students agreed that it was worth it to attend university. The strongest factors influencing this view were the socioeconomic status of their preferred job and their perceived ability. Vocational interests were also important. The monetary returns of having a university degree did not appear to be a factor when deciding whether university study was worth it for them, even when they had a reasonably accurate understanding of these monetary returns. Only a small proportion of students demonstrated an accurate understanding of how further study will impact their salary, indicating their assessment of ‘worth’ is based on values other than financial gain.

On track? Students choosing a career is the fourth in a series of reports conducted by ACER for The Smith Family that investigates the study and career plans of disadvantaged youth. A complete copy of the report On track? Students choosing a career is available from www.smithfamily.com.au.

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