Educational Section


Tips for Helping Teens Prepare for the World of Work!



1.        As they progress through adolescence, help teens identify their strengths and weaknesses. Talk to them about what they do well, not just what they need to do better. Point out the successes they can see, like good grades or recognition for work well done.

2.        Praise teens when they do it right. Don't settle for lackluster efforts. Self-management skills such as dependability, honesty and punctuality may or may not help teens get their first jobs. However, good self-management skills will definitely help them to do well in their first jobs and will be reflected in future job references.

3.        Encourage teens to form friendships and take part in extracurricular activities at school. Talk to their teachers and do what you can to help make school a rewarding experience both socially and academically.

4.        Study descriptions of course options and plan course choices together. Don't assume teens know what they're doing when they choose their classes!

5.        Encourage your teens to explore different occupations by talking to people about the work they do. Most people like talking about their work. They may even be willing to let young people tour their workplaces.

6.        Try to give your teens as few rules and as many choices as possible. They need to develop confidence and decision-making skills.

7.        Ask your teens for help. Working together has more benefits than just getting the work done.

8.        Encourage teens to choose activities and part-time jobs (10 to 15 hours a week) that help them develop important transferable skills:


        *        communication skills (both written and spoken)

        *        numerical skills (basic arithmetic, ratios and measurement)

        *        knowledge skills (how to access and use information to solve problems)

        *        computer skills (including a variety of software packages).



9.        Help to relieve some of the pressure teens may be feeling about making the right choice. Today's teenagers do not have to make either/or career decisions-they do not have to choose one occupational goal over another. They can, and generally should, choose to pursue more than one career goal at the same time.