Careers Work in Schools: A Primer for Career Development Facilitators

Catherine Hughes




The readiness of school students to make and implement career decisions as they approach the transition from school to work can vary greatly. Many students find having to choose from a wide range of options confusing and sometimes stressful. Career services in schools help young people not only to make these decisions wisely but also to develop attitudes, skills and knowledge to prepare for and adapt to multiple learning and work transitions throughout their life.

In this practical text, experienced career guidance professional, Catherine Hughes, provides the reader with an overview on developing, planning and delivering best practice school-based career development programs and services. Topics covered include:

typical career questions asked by middle and secondary schools students

practical application of career theories

tools and techniques to support careers work in schools

tips for design, delivery and evaluation of school career services


This is book one in the series Careers Work in Schools, written to support the work of career development facilitators in schools — from those charged with teaching a work-related subject for the first time to seasoned school-based career practitioners wanting to refresh their knowledge, understanding and practice.


Buy the ebook edition for $9.99


About the Author

Dr Catherine Hughes is the founder of the Grow Careers website, a self-help career information resource that applies lifelong career development for students, parents or guardians, past students and school staff. Catherine has worked as a career practitioner in a variety of settings, including vocational rehabilitation, outplacement, private practice and has over 25 years experience in designing and delivering career services in schools. She is currently a career counsellor at a school where she is responsible for career development programs and interventions for students from Years 7 to 12. Catherine has presented her work and research at national and international conferences. She has received national awards for her careers work in schools and her academic research.

Table of Contents

  • About the Author
  • Connect with Dr Catherine Hughes
  • Acknowledgements
  • Preface
  • Chapter 1 The Context of Careers Work in Schools
  • Chapter 2 Theories of Career Development
  • Chapter 3 Applying Career Theory to
  • Careers Work in Schools
  • Chapter 4 Evaluating Career Services
  • and Interventions
  • Chapter 5 Concluding Comments
  • References