People working in a career path share similar interests,
abilities, and talents. Career paths help students identify a career focus
without being locked into a specific occupation. By exploring career paths,
students expand future choices. They develop an understanding that all paths
are important - all of them are needed to keep a community going.
Participation
in a well-organized, well-planned career development component, which includes
the concepts of Career Pathways, directly affects both readiness for employment
and actual employability success; students' performance in school improves,
involvement in school and community activities expands, decision-making skills
strengthen, career preparation advances, and flexibility for meeting change
increases.
In addition,
students who continue formal education beyond high school have a clear
direction and a better understanding as to why they are pursuing post-secondary
education and training options. There is an understanding that learning is
lifelong.