GRADE 9 Social Studies SOCIAL STUDIES AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT – PRE-CAREER SUPPORT SYSTEMS Notes
PRE-CAREER SUPPORT SYSTEMS
Subject: Social Studies — Topic: Social Studies and Career Development
For learners aged 14 (Kenya) — Simple notes to help you know the supports available before you choose a career.
What are pre-career support systems?
These are services, people and activities that help you learn about jobs, get skills and choose a future career before you leave school.
Common examples (easy to remember)
- 🔍 Career talks and guidance — sessions in school with the Guidance and Counselling teacher who explains different careers.
- 👩🏫 Career clubs — clubs like STEM, Debate or Entrepreneurship where you practise skills and meet role models.
- 🤝 Mentorship — a teacher, older student or professional gives advice and support.
- 🏢 Work attachments and internships — short visits to workplaces to see what jobs involve.
- 🛠️ TVET and technical training — colleges or workshops (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) that teach practical skills.
- 📚 Career assessment tools — simple tests or questionnaires to find what you are good at and like doing.
- 🎪 Career fairs/open days — events where businesses, colleges and training centres meet students.
- 👪 Parental and community support — family and neighbours help with information and roles.
Why these supports matter
- They help you know many career choices, not only what your friends choose.
- You can discover your strengths and interests early.
- They build skills (communication, teamwork, technical skills) useful in any job.
- They reduce wrong choices and save time and money later.
Who provides the supports in Kenya?
- Schools — Guidance and Counselling teachers, career clubs and organised attachments.
- Parents & community — share experience and help find places to visit or intern.
- Government & agencies — institutions like KUCCPS (for placement to higher education) and TVETA (for vocational training) help with options and standards.
- Employers and NGOs — may offer mentorships, internships and career fairs.
How you (14-year-old student) can use these supports — 6 easy steps
- Talk to your Guidance and Counselling teacher — ask about career tests and talks.
- Join a school club that matches your interest (science, art, ICT, agriculture).
- Ask your parent or teacher for a short workplace visit or attachment during school holidays.
- Attend career fairs and open days — write down 3 jobs that interest you.
- Find a mentor — an older student, teacher or neighbour who can guide you.
- Try simple online career quizzes or read about careers at the school library.
Quick checklist
- Have I spoken to the Guidance teacher this term? ✅/❌
- Am I in a club that builds skills? ✅/❌
- Did I attend a career talk or fair this year? ✅/❌
- Do I have someone to ask about careers? (mentor/parent) ✅/❌
Short classroom activity (5–10 minutes)
Pair up and tell your partner:
- One job you like and why,
- One skill you need for that job,
- One person who can help you learn that skill.
Simple visuals — Career Ladder
🔎 Explore
Talk, test, join club
🛠️ Learn
Skills, attachments, TVET
🎯 Decide
Choose courses, seek placement
Helpful Kenyan resources (ask your teacher how to contact)
- School Guidance & Counselling teacher — start here.
- TVET centres — for hands-on skills training.
- KUCCPS — helps with placement into universities and colleges when you finish secondary school.
- Local career fairs and employer open days — ask the school when they happen.
Final tip:
Try many things while in school. Use the supports around you — they are there to help you find a future that fits your strengths and dreams.
End of notes — PRE-CAREER SUPPORT SYSTEMS