GRADE 9 Pre-technical FOUNDATIONS OF PRE-TECHNICAL STUDIES – SELF-EXPLORATION AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT Notes
SELF-EXPLORATION AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Foundations of Pre-technical Studies — Pre-technical (Age 14, Kenya)
- Understand your interests, skills and values
- Explore career choices relevant to Kenya and pre-technical study paths
- Make a simple career action plan and set SMART goals
1. Know Yourself: 4 simple steps
- Interests: What do you enjoy? (e.g., fixing things, growing crops, drawing plans, working with computers, cooking). Write 5 activities you like.
- Skills: Things you are good at now (reading, measuring, using tools, solving problems, working in teams). Ask a friend or teacher for two skills they think you have.
- Values: What matters to you? (helping others, safety, earning money, being creative). These guide your choices.
- Personality: Are you practical and hands-on? Creative? Like working with people? Calm under pressure? Simple labels help match jobs.
- ☐ I like working with my hands
- ☐ I enjoy maths and measuring
- ☐ I like using computers and apps
- ☐ I enjoy growing food or plants
- ☐ I enjoy helping people directly
Talk to a parent, teacher or older student. Ask: "What do you think I do well?" Write two answers:
- ________________________
- ________________________
2. Career clusters useful in Kenya (examples)
Below are groups of jobs that often link with pre-technical training. Each cluster has sample careers and the typical study route.
Carpenter, Mason, Bricklayer, Plumber, Electrician. Study: TVET institute, apprenticeship, artisan courses.
Auto mechanic, Motorcycle technician, Fabricator. Study: Technical institute, hands-on workshops, apprenticeships.
Computer support, Network technician, Software basics. Study: ICT short courses, TVET, online learning.
Farm manager, Horticulture, Food processing. Study: Agricultural training colleges, TVET, internships.
Chef, Hotel attendant, Tour guide. Study: Vocational training, hospitality short courses.
Start a small shop, repair service, or farm enterprise. Study: Business skills courses, mentorship.
3. How to explore careers (step-by-step)
- Do activities in school: join clubs (science, agriculture, ICT, craft).
- Visit a TVET center or polytechnic to see workshops and talk to instructors.
- Try short courses or holiday apprenticeships—many trades teach on the job.
- Use role models: ask local artisans, electricians, farmers about their work.
- Read job descriptions and ask: What are the daily tasks? What tools do they use? What training do they need?
4. School subjects and career choices
Some subjects help with technical jobs:
- Mathematics — measurement, calculations
- Science (Physics, Biology, Agriculture) — understanding materials and living systems
- Technical Drawing / Design and Technology — planning, drawing, building
- Computer Studies / ICT — digital skills, programming basics, spreadsheets
5. Setting a SMART goal (example)
"I will join a basic electrician course at the local TVET college during the December holidays and complete 6 practical sessions, so I can help with wiring tasks at home and decide if I want formal training."
- Specific: join electrician course
- Measurable: complete 6 practical sessions
- Achievable: course available locally
- Relevant: matches interest in hands-on work
- Time-bound: during December holidays
6. Simple 3-step career action plan (template)
e.g., Talk to my teacher about the TVET December course. Deadline: __________
e.g., Save KSh ____ for course fees; visit the centre. Deadline: __________
e.g., Apply for a formal certificate or apprenticeship within 1 year. Deadline: __________
7. Where to get reliable information in Kenya
- Talk to your school career teacher or guidance counselor
- Visit local TVET centres, technical institutes and polytechnics
- Ask artisans or small businesses in your community
- Check information from TVETA and school guidance notices (ask a teacher to help)
8. Study and life skills that help in any trade
- Do short daily practice — 20–30 minutes
- Do practicals, not just reading
- Ask questions and make notes
- Be on time, be responsible
- Keep tools and work area clean
- Work safely — follow instructions and safety gear
9. Simple exercises to try this week
- List 5 things you enjoy and match each to a possible job.
- Choose one skill to practice for 20 minutes 3 times this week (e.g., soldering basics, measuring, coding block puzzles).
- Talk to one adult who works in a trade; ask them two questions about their daily work.
10. Safety and respect at work
Always use protective gear (gloves, goggles, masks) when needed. Respect teachers, trainers and older workers. Learn from mistakes and keep improving.