Which professions are lacking in our society?

Every year in Slovenia, ninth-grade students, which is the last year before high school, have a chance to check out different schools at Information Days.

Some professions around the world and in Slovenia are lacking yet are urgently needed.

In Slovenia as of last year, there were as many as 102 professions needed, including:

• mechanic
• chimney sweeper
• forester
• chef
• carpenter
• baker
• bricklayer

“Children need to be shown that these professions are creative, dynamic, and also well-paid,” says Sara Gošnak from the Centre of the Republic of Slovenia for Vocational Education and Training.

By directing them towards professions that the labor market needs, we provide them with better employment opportunities, faster independence, and a stable future.

Sara Gosnak

It is important to gain first-hand experience before making a choice – you can visit companies, attend open houses at schools, and meet successful masters.

They enable employability, the acquisition of practical skills, and opportunities for career growth.

Our education system allows students to continue their studies even after completing their vocational education. This means that students do not lose the opportunity for higher or university education.

Sara Gosnak

However, it is more difficult for them to choose university-level studies, especially if they become interested in another field in high school.

Scholarships are available for professions in short supply.

Scholarships are certainly an important factor, but they are not enough on their own. In addition to money, improving the reputation of the professions is key.

Sara Gosnak

“If we show that these are respected professions with good working conditions, scholarships will be an additional incentive and not the main reason for choosing a profession,” the expert says.

In some places, salaries are good, even better than academics’ salaries.

Glossary

An occupation is the work a person does to earn a living.

A profession is a job or type of work that needs special training or study.

A career is the work a person chooses to do throughout life.

An academic refers to a person with higher education in a university.

Points to Consider

1. Which schools would you like to attend?
2. Which occupation or profession are you interested in?
3. Which professions require university education?

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The original version of this article was published on February 13^th.