Career decision making of grade 12 learners at a rural high school in Limpopo : an exploratory study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the career decision making of grade 12 learners at a rural high school in Limpopo. The world of work has changed and there is a need for young people entering this world of work to be well matched and have the necessary skills to cope with the challenges it brings. Informed career decision-making is therefore essential. The study was exploratory and qualitative in nature, conducted within an interpretive paradigm. A purposeful sample consisting of 18 grade 12 learners at a rural high school in Limpopo was utilised. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and data were analysed using the thematic analysis. The study findings identified the factors considered by the learners under study in career decision-making as well as the challenges they face, when making career related decisions. The results were integrated with literature and theory and finally recommendations to aid the learners’ in their career decision-making. Recommendations for future research were also made.