The Morrison Government has launched a new resource to make it easier for parents and carers to start positive conversations with their children that help raise career aspirations, address biases and contribute to children's development.
The Career Industry Council of Australia has teamed up with the National Careers Institute (NCI) to develop 'Little Ripples', which provides parents and carers with a series of fun activities and games they can use at home with their children.
Little Ripples is based on evidence that shows children begin forming perceptions from as young as seven years of age, including their views on careers and the stereotypes that might exist in some industries and occupations. This is an important time to set the future stage for our children's career expectations, and their lives.
Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, Stuart Robert, said these little ripples can last a lifetime.
'Asking children about what they want to be when they grow up may sound like an innocent question, but this creates ripples that effect how they see themselves for years to come,' Minister Robert said.
'These evidence-based online resources are designed to help parents and carers have a positive conversation with their children about their future aspirations and dreams, using conversation cards and activity sheets that can be printed at home.
NCI has also created the School Leavers Information Kit to provide young people with information about their education, training, and employment options. There is also a Parents and Guardians Guide for school leavers which provides information that enables parents and carers to have discussions with school leavers on careers, education and training pathways. The NCI is being expanded through a $7.6 million investment announced in the 2021/22 Budget.
