CAO HANDBOOK ENTRY 2016
12
7. Tips for Parents and Teachers
For parents
With the job market being highly competitive and there being a high
demand for skilled employees, it is important your child has a higher
(university, private college, public TVET college) education as this will
help them to succeed in the workplace and establish a rewarding and
enjoyable career of their choice.
(a) Benefits of Higher Education
• Improves prospects in the workplace;
• Graduates will receive qualifications that are recognised as well
as respected nationwide and in most cases, worldwide;
• Graduates often receive higher pay and enjoy greater financial
stability; and
• Higher education exposes your child to new technology, cultures,
research and backgrounds.
(b).Changes that you as the parent may experience
• You may feel alienated if you are not familiar with how the
university works;
• There may be potential pressures caused by a changed financial
situation if you are paying fees;
• You may experience changes in family activities and the amount
of time spent together; and
• Feel concerned about the safety of your child and the ability to
manage in a large institution.
(c) Tips to help and prepare your child
• Encourage your child to meet with a student counsellor, LO
teacher or any teacher as they can offer advice and assist with
how to complete and submit applications;
• You can help your child choose which institutions are more suitable
by assessing how each institution meets your child’s needs;
• Visit the different institutions together, especially those that your
child has expressed an interest in;
• Find out the actual cost of your child attending the institution by
collecting information such as a fee booklet from the institution; and
• Obtain the CAO calendar or create a calendar with your child that
includes application deadlines and other important dates as well.
For teachers
Teachers play an important role in assisting learners on their road to
further their studies. Teachers need to play the role of a career guide
but effective guidance can only take place if the teacher has access to
the various support systems to which they can then refer the students.
(a) Tips for the teacher
• Attendworkshops for teachers organised by various organisations,
including the Department of Education. You will be shown how
to fill in an application form at these workshops and will be told
about various career options for students;
• Help students choose their subjects as this will impact on the
careers or courses they can pursue;
• Gather as much career-related information as possible from CAO
and institutions and make them easily accessible to students;
• Talk to students about careers and work with students on topics
like how to prepare a CV, how to prepare for an interview and how
to search for jobs;
• Be involved with career-related activities with the students –
attend career fairs with them and ensure they get as much
information as possible;
• Organise career events such as trips to career fairs or trips to
