Think about this: A student sits in your classroom, eyes filled with excitement but also a hint of uncertainty. They’re dreaming big, it’s the big day… their first day of their dreams becoming reality – maybe of becoming a mental health nurse, an electrician, or even a small business owner.
As trainers and educators, we hold a powerful role in turning those dreams into reality – but how do we ensure we’re equipping our students with the tools they need to achieve their career goals?
In this post, I’ll explore three key ways to support students on their journey: understanding their goals, building practical pathways, and fostering resilience. Let’s dive in!
Start with their “Why”
I’ll never forget this student… I’ll call him Jake. I met him while I was spruiking VET courses to AG-minded kids… he told me he was determined to start a career in construction. He wanted to build things with his hands and make something he point at and say “mate, I built that” – and it was his why that motivated him when things got tough… So I asked him… Why construction?
Jake said was never really good at learning, feeling like he never fit in with his peers. He regularly skipped school so that he could spend time doing anything other than being inside a classroom. He didn’t want to stay but his parents really wanted him to finish high school. So… what’s his why?
He shared with me that his dad was a builder. He grew up around people on worksites, he cut school to spend more time outside. This was the community he felt comfortable enough to be himself in. That “why” kept Jake motivated, even when his school work got tough.
❓ What can that look like?
As trainers, it’s vital to help students uncover their “why.” Understanding their motivations gives us insight into how to guide them effectively. There is little value in talking about careers in Horticulture if the learner does not like plants, the outdoors, or other major aspects of this career. Likewise, people who excel and thrive outside should be exposed to career education pathways that allow them to play to their strengths.
Here’s some easy ways on how you can start:
- Ask open-ended questions: “What excites you about this career?” or “Who inspires you?” or “What does your ideal work day look like?” or “What do you like doing?”
- Create a vision board activity: Encourage students to visualise their education and career goals through images and words.
- Try “This or That” options: “Inside or Outside” or “Plants and Animals or Computers and Artificial Intelligence (AI)” or “Talking to people or Working independently”
- Listen actively: Sometimes just letting students share their stories can make a big difference. Often, the student just needs to talk through their thoughts and ask questions to better understand their educational goals. </aside>
💡 Pro Tip: Keep a note of each student’s career goals and motivations. You can reference these during lessons to make the content more relevant to them.
Building Practical Pathways
Have you ever tried rock climbing? Well, if you have, you might understand the feeling of the handholds being just too far apart. That’s what it can feel like when our career goals don’t come with a clear, actionable, step-by-step plan – which, let’s be honest, is just like most things in life…
As educators, it’s our responsibility to bridge that gap by creating practical pathways that our students can follow. One of my students, Mia, wanted to work in hospitality but struggled with her communication skills. We worked together to find a part-time job at a café, where she gained hands-on experience while completing her studies. She found talking to strangers overwhelming but once she had met them once before, she was able to strike up a conversation with them easily.
Over time, and as she practiced the skills she learned in her course, she became a confident barista making not just amazing coffee, but some amazing friends! By the time she graduated, Mia had both the skills and confidence to land a full-time position at a busier cafe and is continuing on her studies in hospitality.
What does this actually look like in the class room? It might mean we have to spend some time:
- Breaking down qualifications: Explain how each unit of competency contributes to their career readiness and progression. Excel might seem stupid now, but it will be a lifesaver if you don’t want to do all your own math!!
- Connecting coursework to real-world jobs: Use case studies, role-playing, or guest speakers to make lessons relevant. Resume building, AI prompting, or conflict resolution skills can be invaluable in the current employment environment.
- Providing resources for next steps: Share information about internships, certifications, or industry events that can give them a head start. Use your networking skills to expand the opportunities of your students, whether local or global!
✨Build partnerships with local businesses or organisations to offer students work placement opportunities. It’s a win-win-win for everyone involved!
Foster Resilience and Confidence
Here’s the thing: Not every student’s journey will be smooth. Life happens – whether it’s a failed assessment, personal challenges like a death in the family, or self-doubt. It’s our role is to help students navigate these bumps with resilience and confidence.
It might sound like giving someone a bit of slack when things get tough… but how does that actually look in the classroom? One way to do this is by normalising failure as part of the learning process. I once had a student who felt defeated after receiving her first NC grade. Together, we reviewed her work, pinpointed areas for improvement, and created a study plan. I’m so pleased to say that by the end of the term, she wasn’t just passing – she was thriving!
Here’s how you can foster resilience:
- Share your own experiences: Let students know about times when you struggled and how you overcame challenges. Show them that it’s OK to ask for help and seek support with their studies.
- Celebrate small wins: Even completing a single assignment is a step forward! Make sure your comments are positive and supportive.
- Teach problem-solving skills: Encourage students to break challenges into manageable steps and tackle them one at a time. Give them the resources to solve their own problems while still providing a supportive environment.
🌱 Growth Reminder: Remind students that setbacks are temporary and often teach valuable lessons. When you were 5, your biggest problem might have been learning to tie your shoe. You overcame that with patience and practice. This is the same for any other skill in your life.
Create a Supportive Environment
Have you ever noticed how a kind word can change someone’s day? I genuinely love letting retail staff know that I’m so glad they came to work. I enjoy thanking my students for joining me, as I know they don’t have to come to my class. I want them to know that I am going to be a big cheerleader for their study and success in my classes. Creating a supportive environment where students feel seen, heard, and valued is key to their success. If you missed my post a couple of weeks ago, be sure to circle back to it.
💡 Here are some ways to foster a positive learning space
- Encourage peer support: Pair students for group projects or mentoring opportunities.
- Be approachable: Let students know they can come to you with any questions or concerns. Any.
- Use inclusive teaching practices: Adapt materials and methods to suit their diverse learning needs.
In one of my classes, I introduced a “shout-out board.” Every week I open up the whiteboard and let students write positive notes about their classmates. You can genuinely feel the energy in the room shift as students cheer each other on. I like to think that it creates a community that inspires everyone to be kind to each other and do their best.
Supporting students in achieving their career goals isn’t just about teaching—it’s about inspiring, guiding, and cheering them on every step of the way.
Now, I’d love to hear from you!
- What’s one strategy you’ve used to help students succeed?
- Do you have a story of a student who overcame challenges to reach their goals?
Share your experiences in the comments below. Let’s create a space where we can learn from each other and continue making a difference in our students’ lives!
Till next time.