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My child has some career ideas

If your child already has a few career ideas, that's a good starting point.

What to focus on

Explore why they are interested in the ideas they have. Is it an industry, role, type of work or workplace that inspires them?

Getting more information about a job will help them to decide if it is something they want to do. They can consider if it is a realistic option for them, any barriers there might be and how they can overcome them. 

If they find out more, and are still interested, they can think about what they need to do next to give them the best chance of success.

Conversation starters

Here are questions you could ask to get a conversation going:

  • What would you like to do or study next?
  • Where do you hope that might lead?
  • What jobs or areas do you think you'd like to work in?
  • What do you know about those jobs and where have you found that information?
  • What would you need to know about a job to decide if you were interested in it?

Encourage your child to think about:

  • Future demand of the jobs they are interested in
  • Competition to get into the jobs they think they'd like
  • Location – where are those opportunities? Would they involve moving or travel?
  • Salary
  • Work pattern - how would they feel about working in the evening or on weekends?
  • Qualifications, skills, and routes into a role - do these seem realistic?

Tools to try

Job Information

Use Job Information to get more information for any jobs your child is considering. You will find:

  • How to get into that job
  • Skills and qualities needed
  • Relevant subjects
  • Related jobs to explore

Career Match Quiz

Career Match Quiz takes about 10 minutes to complete. It will provide a list of career ideas linked to your child's skills and interests. Explore where your child's career ideas are in the list. Are there others they might not be familiar with that you can both find out more about?

Future Jobs Wales

Use Future Jobs Wales to explore some of Wales' most important industries. You can also find jobs and skills information by region and local authority. Learn what jobs are needed now and in the future.

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