'Milling and churning' towards career decisions

By STUART DYE, education reporter

Today's young people are the "milling and churning" generation, according to new research.

Unlike their parents and grandparents, work is no longer the driving force in young New Zealanders' lives.

The study by the Council for Educational Research study reveals a growing trend for school-leavers to postpone careers or change their minds several times about study or work experience options - a phenomenon dubbed "milling and churning".

However the results do not reflect a lack of commitment or focus, according to lead researcher Dr Karen Vaughan.

She says milling and churning is the way young people cope with the huge number of pathways available to them these days.

"Asking them to rush their decision-making may be detrimental to young people in the longer term. What is more important is supporting young people through the confusion and changes of heart to help them make the best choices."

Presenting her research at the Post-Primary Teachers' Association conference in Wellington yesterday, Dr Vaughan said education leaders needed a greater understanding of young people's experiences if policy on transition was to be effective.

"Milling and churning should be seen not as a barrier to young people getting on with life, but rather as something to be understood by policymakers, schools and employers in order to support students through what are often confusing changes."

It provided them with a variety of work and study experiences and allowed them to choose a work and lifestyle to which they were most suited.

Dr Vaughan has compiled about 100 case studies as part of the four-year study on transition.

"On one hand the weight of possibilities puts pressure on them to make the best choices. On the other, the flexibility provided by choice is something they would not do without."

Young people were committed to getting qualifications and acquiring the knowledge that would let them make choices.

The research was supported by a Vice-Chancellors' Committee report which showed more than a third of last year's university graduates elected not to go into full-time employment after completing their studies.

"Unlike their parents and grandparents, work is no longer the major source of identity, nor career driving force in young people's lives," said Dr Vaughan.