2026-05-05
Laura Nuttall MLA will this week table a petition with almost one thousand signatures calling on the ACT Government to make career guidance a right for all high school students.
“High school is such a key time for young people to figure out what they actually enjoy doing on a day to day basis”, said Miss Nuttall.
“So it is absolutely crucial that they are supported with the best guidance possible, to make sure their education and work experience lines up with where they want to work.
“But right now, 3 out of every 5 high school students don’t have access to career advisers, with only eight of the ACT’s high schools having a professional career practitioner in a career adviser’s role.
“At a time when the job market is cooked, students deserve professionals in their corner helping them work towards a strong career.
The petition was put forward jointly by the ACT Careers Association (ACTCA) and the Career Development Association of Australia (CDAA).
“Those who already work as career advisers have made it very clear that career guidance cannot be treated as an optional extra, and cannot be down to a postcode lottery.
“Every student has the right to the best possible advice and guidance on their future and the ACT Government needs to ensure this right is met.”