«Parents must put their child at the centre»
Mr Hering, how strongly do parents influence their children's career choices?
Mothers and fathers are the most important partners when it comes to finding a career. They are role models and often have a career themselves. What do they say about it at home? Can you feel the sparkle, the enthusiasm for their job? Or do they moan on Sunday evening because they have to go back to work on Monday? Do they feel helplessly at the mercy of their boss or do they see themselves as an active person? The young people take all of this on board. Their attitude towards the world of work is shaped in this way.
What attitude would be helpful with regard to the career choice process?
An optimistic, active attitude is ideal. Choosing a career is a first career decision. It's about getting to know professions and finding what you enjoy and what you're passionate about. Taster sessions are a great way to do this. Parents can make career choices a topic of discussion and support their child in the process. They can make regular enquiries, but must also have the necessary patience and trust that their child will find their way.
How can parents support their child in the career choice process?
Parents can ask questions and describe their observations, for example when a child who is tired of school comes out of the taster session beaming. They can also comfort the child after a rejection. They can also use their network or - even better - look together with their child to see if anyone they know has a job that they would like to try out. This could be someone from the football club or from the neighbourhood.
How often do parents and young people have different career ideas?
Of course, it can happen that parents answer the question of what might suit their child differently to the child itself. It is then important to put the person looking for a job at the centre. Why exactly is a certain profession of interest? Is there a current hype on social media? Is the interest in the job well-founded, has it already been tasted? Is the spark there?
«More school» must match the child's interests and abilities.
Once these aspects have been clarified, parents usually have a greater understanding of their child's career aspirations. Changing or adapting expectations can also be difficult. Many parents define themselves by their child's profession. Prestige also plays a role. We often don't want anything worse for our children than what we have achieved ourselves.
For many parents, the grammar school is still the best way to choose a career. Why is that?
Parents only want the best for their child. «More school» is often mistakenly seen as better or safer. However, «more school» must match the child's interests and abilities. And: an apprenticeship is not a quick fix, but an education in which sound knowledge is imparted. With the vocational baccalaureate and the passerelle, all paths are open.
If parents with an academic background have reservations about apprenticeships, they need some clarification: vocational training is the standard form of education in Switzerland. Perhaps it is reassuring that the current head of UBS, Sergio Ermotti, has also chosen the path of vocational training. And then there are times when we have to convince parents to go to high school because they have completed an apprenticeship themselves. The unknown is more difficult to grasp.
What potential for conflict does the choice of an apprenticeship harbour?
Conflicts can arise with regard to both the level of the apprenticeship and the choice. For example, when young people are pressurised into an EFZ apprenticeship, although a two-year certificate apprenticeship would make more sense as a first step. In vocational training, it is often more effective to take the pressure off and enable a sense of achievement. This increases motivation for professional life.
There are currently enough apprenticeships, but of course not for every profession.
How optimistic can apprenticeship seekers be about the job market?
There are currently enough apprenticeships available, but of course not for every profession. In principle, young people can approach their career choice with great confidence. Installing kitchens, caring for people, sustainability, which is being promoted with the construction of solar cells and heat pumps: All of these are associated with crisis-proof and meaningful professions. The main thing is that someone is passionate about the path they have chosen. This motivation is crucial. If it can also be felt by the parents, it is much easier to support their child's wish.
