When I Grow Up: Career Lessons and Activities for Grades 9-12

Overview

The When I Grow Up career exploration curricula aim to place career decisions and knowledge in action through application. Students will rationalize career and education decisions to map thought processes and decision points using the When I Grow Up Workbook, (an online workbook) which can be self-directed or used in conjunction with 19 supportive lessons directed by a teacher or facilitator for larger groups of students.

(Please note this is a free resource published by Workforce Solutions and is an American resource.)

Objectives

  • To supplement grade 9-12 activities and lessons for educators regarding career connected learning.
  • To provide fun engaging activities that highlighting various aspects of career exploration and job search skills.

Instructions

The 19 lessons can be used by educators as a supplemental resource and bank of ideas and activities to compliment the career connected learning they are already doing. The curricula are divided into 3 sections: Skills Identification and Career Exploration, Job Search Skills, and Employability Skills.  Each of the 19 lessons includes:

  • Employability Skills
  • Instructional Direction
  • Learning Outcomes
  • Resources Needed
  • Modification and Extensions

Labour market information is integrated and summarized in a customized list of high-skill, high-growth occupations, and industries. This list comes in booklet form and includes a list of jobs, called The Hard Facts, which teens often desire but may not be aware of the market reality.

Designed to serve the high school environment, the workbook allows for students to consider their options through directed research and questioning to prepare educational and lifestyle decisions for later discussion and action. As part of this action, students are led through a series of modules on job search skills which help them apply their own identified skills and interests to the job search process. This includes consideration of social media presentation and attire.

Finally, each lesson and activity integrate practice of some or all of nine Employability Skills recognized by employers as the most needed traits for workplace success, often known as “soft skills.”

This resource could supplement the myBlueprint work and activities.

Key Highlights

  • Ready-made lesson plans for teachers.
  • Fun and engaging activities.