Content analysis of responses from 3,846 Australian Year 12 students identified people as the most useful information source on post-high school options, followed by publications and personal research. Some differences were found for those non planning postsecondary education. More than half named guidance officers as useful; parents were the…

A review of literature on three career development constructs--career maturity, career decision-making self-efficacy, and career indecision--identified the usefulness and validity of each and strengths and weaknesses of relevant research. A close relationship suggests they should be investigated together and more systematically. Revision of career…

Addresses these topics: the changing context of career education, the history of career education in Australia, the rationale for career education, and the future of career development work. Identifies what is known and what remains to be learned from career education research. (Contains 39 references.) (SK)

Australian counselors working in Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander contexts must develop awareness of culture, language, social structure, value systems, and cultural identity of the population. Vocational guidance and counseling should address issues of isolation (geographic and cultural), connectedness, and resilience. (SK)

Women (n=265) and men (n=103) aged 17-61 predicted the probability that a career-related dream from adolescence would come true. More women's than men's dreams included family (but only 15%). Older adults believed their dreams were less likely to come true but reported less disappointment about it. More education correlated with less…

A survey of Year 12 Australian students in coed private (n=105), coed public (n=57), and all-female (n=78) schools revealed a relationship between gender-role identity and traditional/nontraditional career choices; occupations were more gender neutral, but blue- and pink-collar jobs remain stereotyped. Type of school did not influence girls'…

Examines four career theories: developmental theory, person-environment fit, social cognitive career theory, and social learning theory. Highlights the potential of each to inform school-to-work practices. Presents practical interventions. (Contains 41 references.) (SK)

Interviews with six Australian adolescent school-leavers, six employers, six employment service providers, and eight trainers found that schools deemphasize school-to-work; school leavers lack vocational maturity; unemployment may lead them to a peer culture discouraging further education; and employment services and training providers do not…

Reviews the changing world of work and the youth labor market in Australia. Examines the role of career education and guidance. Discuses issues surrounding the relationship between vocational education and career education: conflicting purposes underlying each and the role of career teachers and counselors. (Contains 42 references.) (SK)