Wow! I initially thought that students would talk to teach other all the time about occupations, but when looking at the stats and reflecting on my own experience I don’t think we empower and utilise peer groups as well as we could in schools.
The chance encounters- some of which were one-off experiences leaving massive impressions- makes me think most schools can use the socio-cultural resources within the community far better too. For example, we have multiple excursions and incursions with a wide variety of community members with a wide variety of occupations. Perhaps including a quick couple of questions about their job and what sorts of pathways need to be taken to get there could be a start.
Thinking about the role peers can play is certainly important - especially when you think about how strong and dynamic some groups can be.
Linking aspirations to excursions and incursions sounds like a fantastic idea! Thank you for sharing.