Career aspirations of Gozitan students

Abstract

This report discusses the educational choices and career aspirations of Gozitan students in an attempt to highlight the main trends and suggest ways of improving the situation. The educational choices of Fifth Form, Sixth Form and University students are examined through an analysis available data. The results of a survey regarding the educational and occupational aspirations of Gozitan Fifth Form, Sixth Form, MCAST, ITS and Art and Craft students are presented and discussed. The report concludes with an attempt to identify guidance needs in Gozitan schools and a number of measures are proposed in this regard. This study does not early school leavers. According to the Education Division, 20% of Gozitans young persons who completed compulsory schooling in 2004 did not further their studies. 3% started working while 17% registered for work, migrated, or remained at home. This figure probably underestimates the number of young persons who do not pursue further studies as it does not include school dropouts (defined as those who do not sit for the schoolleaving exams). Secondary Level Education As in the case of Malta, languages are the most popular subjects at SEC level among Gozitan students, although a slightly higher ratio of Gozitan students sit for science subjects when compared to their Maltese counterparts. It appears that the preference for science subjects is increasing in Gozo at Sixth Form level, as the percentage of students pursuing studies in these subjects has tended to increase in recent years. Gender appears to influence subject choice at SEC level in the Maltese Islands, but such influence appears to be stronger in Gozo. The proportion of male Gozitan students who register for computer studies is double that of females, and the latter showing a high degree of preference for home economics and business studies. Students Intend to follow Further Studies According to responses to a survey questionnaire, drawn up for the purpose of this study, it emerges that the majority of Gozitan students intend to further their studies beyond their present education. Most students would like to proceed to the University and pursue a bachelor degree. Sixth form female students whose parents have a post-compulsory level of education tend to have the highest educational aspirations. Form Five Area Secondary respondents who wish to further their studies tend to favour MCAST rather than the University. Study at the University of Malta Most Gozitan students following courses at the University of Malta are females, possibly reflecting the fact that Gozitan female students tend to achieve higher educational grades than their male peers. The most popular faculties and institutes among Gozitans are the Faculty of Education, the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy, and the Institute of Health Care. The two most popular courses are the Bachelor of Education (Honours) and the Bachelor of Commerce. Career Aspirations Most Gozitan students who wish to proceed to the University aspire for traditional occupations such as teaching. However, computing has also become very popular. Gender differences in career aspirations are evident, with teaching and the caring professions being chosen more by females than by males and science-related professions such as computing and engineering being relatively more popular among males. While most students would prefer working in Gozo, some would consider working in Malta. The Lisbon Agenda This report indicates that progress is being made in pursuit of the education-related goals set out in the Lisbon Agenda. Few students intend to quit schooling at the age of 16. The participation of females in the labour market is also likely to increase considering the higher proportion of females who are following tertiary educational courses. The quantity of low-skilled workers in Gozo may decrease substantially in the coming years due to the considerable number of students pursuing education beyond compulsory schooling. Government’s effort to promote science subjects has also started to be reflected in the educational options of Gozitan students. However, the students’ educational and occupational choices still seem to be overly restricted by gender stereotypes. In addition, many students would seem to prefer occupations such as teaching which do not necessarily reflect the current labour market needs of Gozo. The Career Guidance System The career guidance system within Gozitan schools needs to be upgraded in order to anticipate skill needs and labour market shortages at the macro level, and to provide better guidance regarding career choices on a more personal dimension. Gozitan schools need more career guidance resources such as books, tests and other sources of information. There needs to be greater liaison with the Employment and Training Corporation and with business. The nascent career centre in Gozo can prove beneficial to upgrade the existing information among students and teachers, and should be given more funding. There also needs to be a technology centre in Gozo to promote technology-related subjects. Guidance teachers require professional training. Specific career guidance teachers in secondary schools together with a peripatetic career guidance teacher in primary schools are urgently needed. Career guidance activities should form a more prominent part of the schools’ development plan. The Personal and Social Development (PSD) Curriculum in Secondary schools should be more career oriented, with the aim of increasing awareness amongst students of potential employment opportunities. The hospitality industry, which a very important one in Gozo, should be given more importance in this regard. As the future labour market needs in Gozo are difficult to predict, career guidance should promote multiskilling and basic lifeskills that will facilitate employment mobility.