Lesson 2B: Choices and Opportunities

The latest PISA survey, conducted in 2018, resulted in a study called “Dream Jobs? Teenagers’ Career Aspirations and the Future of Work”. In the survey, teenagers were asked about the jobs they expect to have when they are 30. The results show that the career expectations of young people haven’t changed much over time. The majority of teenagers still answer with the so-called traditional jobs. Doctors, teachers, managers, engineers, lawyers and police officers are very popular even in the 21st century. There are differences between the girls’ and boys’ lists, though. Doctors rank highest on the girls’ list, followed by teachers, managers, lawyers and other healthcare workers. Boys, on the other hand, seem to be more interested in the fields of engineering and science. Their number one job is that of engineers, followed by managers and doctors. Boys also choose to become ICT professionals, sportspeople and motor mechanics. These jobs are nowhere to be found in the girls’ top ten.

Experts are worried about young people’s lack of knowledge about the future of work. For young people who are making decisions about their future now, it is very important to understand that the world of work will probably change by the time they are 30. It has already changed a lot over the past two decades, with advancements in technology and the era of social media. Some jobs are being done by machines, and a lot of new jobs are being created. However, many teenagers are unaware of them, and that is definitely something that must be changed. It’s true that ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’, which is why young people should be given career guidance. They should be given the opportunity to meet people with various jobs, as well as people who break gender stereotypes: a male nursery teacher, nanny or hairdresser; a female plumber, mechanic or firefighter. This could help them choose their future career, as well as realise that gender beliefs should not affect their career decisions.

 Study the explanations.

When we report immediately what someone says, we use a present reporting verb: say/says (that). When we are talking, we sometimes use reported speech without that.

We change pronouns where necessary to be clear who or what they refer to (e.g. I → she) and make necessary verb changes (e.g. I've read → she’s read).

Host: This week’s podcast is all about career choices. I’d like to introduce Dr Timothy Delph, a careers adviser who advises future vocational-school students. Dr Delph, we’re excited to have you here today!
Careers adviser: Thank you very much; I’m glad to be here!
Host: So what exactly do you do?
Careers adviser: I help students understand themselves, and the world of work, better. I try to make them think critically about their skills, their education and their future life... In a nutshell, I help them make future career and life decisions.
Host: How do students usually choose a career path?
Careers adviser: Well, that seems to be the problem. Teenagers usually choose jobs their parents or friends do, or something they’ve seen on television and social media. They are often unaware of the changing world of work and the new jobs out there. For example, factory-worker jobs are being automated as we speak, or moved to another country, where they are cheaper. Automation is happening in other jobs, as well – but mostly in routine or repetitive ones, such as accounting. This doesn’t mean people will be out of jobs; it simply means that they will have to learn new things and develop new skills. Young people should be aware of these changes. When choosing their future profession, it would be a good idea to visit job fairs, speak to career advisors, and try to learn more about their interests and abilities. Schools should organise career days, where students can listen to adults talking about their jobs and sharing stories about their experience.
Host: Those are some great ideas you mention. What else can schools do to prepare young people for the world of work?
Careers adviser: Today, employers look for workers who can think critically, solve problems creatively, collaborate and communicate well. Critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication, or the four C’s, as we call them, are the most important skills of the 21^st century. I believe they should be taught at schools, because they are essential for the students’ success in school and later on in their workplace. They need to learn how to deal with abstract problems and real-life situations, work in teams, learn to distinguish good information from bad, speak at least one foreign language, and be good at time management. By teaching this, schools can help students prepare for jobs and technologies of the future.
Host: Thank you very much for joining us today and sharing your knowledge with us! And for our listeners, check in weekly to hear new episodes, and head over to our social pages to learn more about…