What is the Year 9 Career Taster Program?
The Year 9 Career Taster Program (CTP) helps students explore their interests and careers, and see occupations in action.
Through facilitating exposure to the world of work and training in an engaging way, the CTP helps students develop career exploration skills, and stay motivated and engaged with their schooling.
Recognition of different circumstances and needs of schools and their students, is a key consideration in the program's design. The CTP can be adapted as needed to respect and support community and cultural needs.
The CTP provides a framework of opportunities from which schools can ‘pick and mix’ to design a career exploration program to suit their students’ interests and learning needs, and integrate it into their Year 9 school program.
There are two components to the CTP framework: Course in Early Career Discovery curriculum and industry exploration and experience. Both components can be tailored to ensure students are able to participate meaningfully.
Course in Early Career Discovery curriculum
The Course in Early Career Discovery is a six-hour accredited qualification providing Year 9 students with early exposure to career options and pathways. It assists them to make more informed decisions regarding their subject selections for Years 11 and 12, and post-secondary schooling options.
Completion of the Course in Early Career Discovery enables students to make informed and realistic decisions about future pathways by focusing on three key areas:
self-awareness and discovery of career interests;
an exploration of pathways to contemporary and emerging skills and careers; and
identification and use of career planning tools and activities.
The course was developed as an accredited vocational education and training (VET) course, which can be delivered by TAFE colleges. Registered training organisations (RTOs) may wish to add this accredited VET course to their scope.
It is not compulsory for students to gain the accredited qualification. Teachers can deliver the course to Year 9 students using the curriculum, and teaching and learning resources as a guide.
Visit the Resources page for supporting documents
Industry exploration and experience
A range of activities are available for Year 9 students to help them begin career exploration through showcasing industry areas, skills demonstrations and experiences.
The industry experiences should be practical, fun and engaging, and highlight the wide range of potential trade and non-trade occupations available.
Examples may include visits to industry training centres, virtual workplace experiences, or a guest speaker from a particular occupational area. Activities allow students to try, see and do; and build their understanding of a range of industries and career pathway options.
Employers and industry are encouraged to partner with TAFEs and schools to deliver key events.