The issue of career planning becomes more serious in ninth grade. During that year students and parents get together with guidance counselors to assess the student's goals for the next four years and decide pretty much what career cluster path they intend to follow in high school and beyond. This is followed by yearly reviews involving the student, his or her parents and a school counselor. Judy Thomas, guidance director at Mainland High School, said many students have already made up their minds by ninth grade about what career they wish to pursue. The amount of parental influence in a student's choice varies, she said.
Many students seem to make choices based on exposure.
But, parental support is still important. Many business, civic and professional groups also offer information about careers to students. One such group is the National Electrical Contractors Association, which recently targeted high schools with a massive recruiting campaign in hopes of easing a shortage of electrical and technical workers. Many students often bypass trade training programs, she said, not knowing that they can often earn as much and go to college for free in many instances. Apprenticeship is a viable option, said Jackson, who can be reached at 756-2776.