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"In the 21^st century, the greatest skill will be the capacity to acquire new skills. In the new economy, acquiring knowledge will be a life-long journey, not just a destination to be reached."

Clarifying CAREER EDUCATION

Career education encompasses the development of knowledge, skills and attitudes through a planned program of learning experiences in education and training settings that will assist students to make informed decisions about their study and/or work options and enable them to participate effectively in working life. [http://education.qld.gov.au/students/service/career/]

Career Education should be Intentional, Developmental, Comprehensive & Available to all students.

Defining WORKFORCE PREPAREDNESS

Being prepared for the 21^st century workforce means more than learning a trade. Workers must have high levels of reading, communications, math and technology skills, a commitment to excellence, a strong sense of responsibility, and the ability to learn and adapt throughout their careers. [http://www.mbrt.org/workprep.htm]

YOUTH Work-World Talks, a career education program designed for middle school youth to (1) explore personal preferences, likes and dislikes, (2) explore the world on work, (3) address transitioning to high school (4) discuss early college outreach and 54) introduce concepts of volunteerism and service learning.

• "Careers can develop in ways that are as unique as people themselves.
• They may be the result of education, training, relationships with peers, or challenges inside and outside the workplace.
• But increasingly for many students in middle grades, the process of finding a fulfilling career begins with a career development program that provides opportunities to explore both themselves and the world of work."¹

TEENS Career Talks, a career education/workforce preparedness program designed for grades 9-14, to (1) relate school subjects and extra-curricular activities to careers (2) discuss postsecondary education/training options (3) explain the impact of early college outreach for career planning (4) explain volunteerism and service learning relationship to career goals; and (5) employers' and society's expectations of young adults and entry-level workforce.

1. "What students learn in school -- in terms of knowledge, skills, and work ethic -- will have a significant impact on how successful they will be in life.

2. Prospects for good jobs with good wages have never been better.

3. But, at the same time, today's jobs require more skills than ever before.

4. We must make sure our students know what they need to know to get these jobs, have successful careers, and live rewarding lives."

ADULTS Employment & Career Coaching, a career education/workforce preparedness program designed for adults, employed, entry-level, re-entering, career changers, re-careering or transitioning from military/service corps programs. Through self-assessment, planning, labor market and workforce needs analysis and demands of life roles, career/vocational options are explored and evaluated based on informed decision-making and purposeful execution; 55+ Computer Basics, and Domestic Violence in the Workplace.

• "Career development involves being aware of one's personal goals, values and work goals. It involves continuously learning and applying new knowledge, taking advantage of opportunities…while achieving one's career and personal goals.
• A very important component of career development is career counseling, the process of self-exploration combined with looking into the world of work (Betz, 2006).
• Life issues are a big part of your work issues and integrating them both into the counseling process makes for a well rounded approach to career development (Betz, 2006)."¹

We welcome your input, please send comments to chisouth_eh@uiuc.edu

For up-to-minute articles on employment related issues: please view the Extension Career Express Newsletter.