Training Matchup Worksheet Pathway Portals
Lesson 1: Comparing Post-Secondary Options
CAREER QUEST
Student Name
Date
The Hook: Career Connection Match
Draw a line connecting the professional to the most common minimum training path required to enter that field.
Electrician
Architect
Coast Guard Officer
Graphic Designer
Automotive Mechanic
Military Academy / Enlistment
4-Year University (Degree)
Apprenticeship / Trade School
Community College / Tech Center
5-Year Professional Degree
Portal Comparison Chart
As you explore the different post-secondary "portals," fill in the key details for each pathway to compare their features.
Pathway Typical Duration Credential Earned Pros / Benefits University (4-Year) Community College Trade/Vocational School Military Service
Myth Busters
"You only go to a trade school if you aren't 'smart' enough for a university."
Refute this myth using what you've learned today:
Pathway Portals Slides Career Quest Series
PATHWAY
PORTALS
Navigating your options for life after high school graduation.
The Big Question
"What are the various educational pathways available after high school, and how do I determine which one leads to my career goals?"
Today, we aren't just looking at one path. We are exploring the entire map.
Portal 01: University
The Basics
• Typically 4 years of study
• Earn a Bachelor's Degree
• Wide range of subjects (Liberal Arts to STEM)
• Often includes on-campus living (Dorms)
Target Careers
• Engineers, Architects, Teachers
• Doctors & Lawyers (Requires further study)
• Business Managers, Scientists
• High-level Creative Arts
Portal 02: Community College
The Basics
• Typically 2 years of study
• Earn an Associate's Degree
• Much lower cost than universities
• "2+2" Option: Transfer to a university later
Target Careers
• Dental Hygienists, Paralegals
• Nursing (RN), Radiology Techs
• IT Support, Web Developers
• Law Enforcement, Firefighting
Portal 03: Trade School
The Basics
• 6 months to 2 years of study
• Earn a Certification or License
• Highly specialized, hands-on training
• Focus on direct job skills only
Target Careers
• Electricians, Plumbers, Welders
• HVAC Technicians, Auto Mechanics
• Commercial Pilots, Divers
• Chefs & Pastry Artists
Portal 04: Military Service
The Basics
• Enlistment (Job training provided)
• GI Bill: Pays for future college!
• Service commitment (usually 4+ years)
• Includes housing, food, and salary
Target Careers
• Specialized Mechanics, Pilots
• Cyber Security, Intelligence
• Healthcare & Logistics
• Leadership & Management
Pathway Pro Teacher Guide Pathway Portals
Instructional Facilitation Guide
Lesson 1 of 5
7th Grade Career Exploration
Objective
Students will differentiate between 4 major post-secondary training pathways and identify which paths align with specific careers.
Key Vocabulary
Post-secondary, Undergraduate, Associate's, Bachelor's, Trade School, Enlistment.
Prep Time
5-10 minutes (Copying worksheets and preparing slide deck).
Instructional Flow
10 MIN
The Hook: Career Connection Matchup
Students complete the matching section on their worksheet. Pro-tip: Encourage them to guess! The purpose is to surface misconceptions about training requirements.
20 MIN
Direct Instruction: Pathway Portals
Use the slide deck to walk through the 4 pathways. Focus on the 'Why' for each: Why choose a trade over college? Why choose military service? Discuss the cost-to-benefit ratio briefly.
15 MIN
Comparison & Myth Busting
Students complete the comparison chart in small groups. Close the lesson by discussing the 'Myth Busters' prompt as a class.
Critical Discussion Points
The "2+2" Secret: Remind students that Community College isn't a "lesser" choice; it’s a strategic choice. Many students do 2 years at CC for very low cost, then transfer to a prestige university for the final 2 years, getting the exact same degree for half the price.
Trade Value: High-skill trades (welding, plumbing, electrical) often have higher entry-level salaries than many university-degree jobs with zero student debt.
Hook Answer Key
Electrician: Apprenticeship/Trade
Architect: 5-Year Prof. Degree
Coast Guard: Military/Academy
Graphic Designer: 4-Year University
Auto Mechanic: Community College/Tech
Future Forecast Slides Lesson 02: Market Data
FUTURE
FORECASTS
Predicting the job market of 2035 and beyond.
Ghost Jobs: The Past
Switchboard Operator
Manual connection of telephone calls. Replaced by digital switching.
Video Rental Clerk
Managing physical tapes/DVDs. Replaced by streaming services.
Typesetter
Physically arranging metal letters for newspapers. Replaced by computers.
Discussion: What jobs today might be "Ghost Jobs" by the time you graduate college?
Supply & Demand
High Demand / Low Supply
Many employers need this job done, but few people have the skills to do it.
RESULT: HIGH PAY
Low Demand / High Supply
Few employers need this job, or so many people can do it that it's easy to hire.
RESULT: LOWER PAY / JOB SCARCITY
THE HOT LIST (2024-2034)
Solar/Wind Techs
+45% Growth
AI Specialists
+35% Growth
Home Health Aides
+25% Growth
Cyber Security
+32% Growth
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook
THE INDUSTRY
DETECTIVE
Choosing a career isn't just about what you want to do; it's about what the world needs you to do.
1
Identify a career of interest.
2
Research its growth rate (BLS data).
3
Check the average salary.
Investigate!
Let's find your future data.
Industry Detective Worksheet Industry Detective
Researching Labor Market Data & Future Trends
MARKET DATA
Agent Name
Target Career Field
The Workforce Balance
1. Explain in your own words: Why do "Hot Jobs" often pay more than "Declining Jobs"?
2. Based on our "Ghost Jobs" discussion, name one current job you think might disappear by 2040 and explain why.
The Occupational Outlook Search
Using the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) or a similar career site, find the data for one career you are interested in.
Specific Career Title
Industry Sector
(e.g., Healthcare, Construction, Tech)
Data Point Your Findings Projected Growth Rate (%) Growth Description Declining Slow Average Faster than Avg Median Annual Pay ($) Required Education/Entry
THE VERDICT
Based on the growth data and the future outlook of technology (AI, automation), is this career a "sustainable" choice for the next 30 years? Why or why not?
The Price of Life Slides Lesson 03: Financial Reality
THE PRICE
OF LIFE
Connecting your career choice to the lifestyle you want to live.
SALARY VS.
TAKE-HOME PAY
Gross Income
The total amount you earn before any deductions.
THE DEDUCTIONS
Taxes, Healthcare, Insurance, Retirement.
Net Pay (Take-Home)
What actually lands in your bank account to spend on rent and food.
The 30% Rule
Expect roughly 30% of your paycheck to vanish into taxes and benefits before you even see it.
\( $60,000 \)
Gross Salary
\( $42,000 \)
Annual Take-Home
WHERE DOES IT ALL GO?
Shelter
Rent or Mortgage, Utilities (Electricity, Water, Trash), Internet, Insurance.
30-35% of income
Transport
Car Payment, Gas, Car Insurance, Maintenance, or Public Transit Pass.
10-15% of income
Survival
Groceries, Eating Out, Phone Bill, Clothing, Toiletries.
15-20% of income
REALITY CHECK TIME
You are about to receive a career and a salary. Your mission: "Purchase" a life without going into debt.
Step 1: Research
Step 2: Calculate
Step 3: Reflect
Reality Check Simulator Worksheet Reality Check
Monthly Lifestyle Budgeting Simulation
BUDGET BOSS
Student Name
Phase 1: Your Career
Assigned Career
Gross Monthly Salary
\( $ \)
Tax Deduction (30%)
(Salary \(\times\) 0.30)
\( - \$ \)
Your Take-Home Pay
\( \$ \)
The Goal
Allocate your Take-Home Pay across the categories below. You must have at least $100 left over at the end for "Emergency Savings."
Strategy Tip:
Housing is usually your biggest expense. Don't buy a luxury car if you want a nice apartment!
Expense Category Your Choice / Notes Monthly Cost Housing & Utilities
Rent, Water, Power, Internet
|
| \( \$ \) |
|
Transportation
Car, Gas, Insurance, Repairs
|
| \( \$ \) |
|
Survival (Food & Essentials)
Groceries, Toiletries, Cleaning
|
| \( \$ \) |
|
Personal (Fun & Connection)
Phone, Streaming, Gym, Dining Out
|
| \( \$ \) |
| Total Monthly Spending | \( \$ \) |
The Debrief
1. Was your Take-Home Pay enough to cover the lifestyle you wanted? What did you have to sacrifice or "trade down" to make it work?
2. How does this simulation change how you think about "starting salaries" for careers? Is a $40,000/year job enough to live on in your city?
Backward Design Slides Lesson 04: Strategic Planning
BLUEPRINT
ROADMAPS
Designing your path through middle school, high school, and beyond.
BACKWARD
DESIGN
The best way to reach a goal is to start at the FINISH LINE and work your way back to today.
"If I want to be a Surgeon, what do I need to have done the day before I start?"
Think: Residency → Med School → University → AP Biology → 7th Grade Science.
Finish Line
You Today
THE 4 STAGES OF THE JOURNEY
04
Career Entry
Certifications, state licenses, apprenticeships, or that first entry-level job.
03
Training
The "Portal" you chose (University, CC, Military, or Trade School).
02
High School
Electives, GPA, extracurriculars, and the classes that matter for your field.
01
The Now
Study habits, specific subjects, and exploring interests today.
YOUR MISSION:
MAP THE BLUEPRINT
1
Pick ONE specific career you are most excited about.
2
Research the specific degree or certification needed.
3
Trace the steps backward to your 7th grade elective choices.
Ready to build your roadmap?
Career Blueprint Map Worksheet Career Blueprint
The Backward Design Strategic Map
NAVIGATOR
Student Name
The Goal: Career Entry
Target Career Job Title
Specific Certification/Degree Needed
Step 3: Training Portal
What specific school or program will you attend? (e.g., "Austin Community College" or "US Navy")
Step 2: High School Prep
Name 2 specific electives or clubs you should join in High School to prepare.
Step 1: 7th/8th Grade Steps
What is one thing you can do THIS YEAR to learn more? (e.g., "Shadow a parent," "Pick a specific elective")
THE ACTION PLAN
Most people wait until 12th grade to plan their future. How does having this "Blueprint" now, in 7th grade, give you a competitive advantage?
Career Spotlight Slides Lesson 05: Final Presentation
PROFESSIONAL
SHOWCASES
Unveiling your career pathway findings to the class.
CAREER FAIR
GALLERY WALK
Today, our classroom becomes a "Pathways Exhibition." You will rotate, learn from your peers, and provide expert feedback.
Respectful Listening
Thoughtful Questions
Specific Praise
Visual Aid
Peer Review
Scout Findings
Final Verdict
WHAT TO HIGHLIGHT
The Career & Why
Why did you pick this? What's the main attraction?
The Roadmap
Where are you going after 12th grade? How long is the training?
The Outlook
What is the growth rate? Is this a job of the future?
THE MAP IS
IN YOUR HANDS
"The best way to predict the future is to create it."
Career Quest Series Complete
Career Scout Peer Review Form Career Scout
Gallery Walk Peer Observation & Review
PEER REVIEW
Scout Name (You)
Rotate through the "Career Fair." Select two classmates' presentations to analyze in detail. Provide constructive feedback and note one thing you learned from each.
OBSERVATION 01
Presenter Name
Career Researched
One surprising fact I learned about this career:
A strength of their presentation/roadmap:
OBSERVATION 02
Presenter Name
Career Researched
One surprising fact I learned about this career:
A strength of their presentation/roadmap:
THE SCOUT'S VERDICT
After seeing all these pathways, has your own "Dream Career" changed, or are you even more sure about your original choice? Why?
Pathways Portfolio Teacher Guide Career Quest
Unit Culmination & Teacher Guide
End of Sequence
Lessons 4 & 5 Guidance
The Culminating Project: The Career Blueprint
Students have spent Lessons 1-3 gathering data. In Lessons 4 and 5, they synthesize this data into a final visual presentation. The goal is Strategic Realism : demonstrating that they know exactly what it takes to get from where they are (7th grade) to where they want to be (Career).
Visual Requirement
One-page infographic, slide, or poster showing the Roadmap, Salary Data, and Educational Portal.
Oral Requirement
A 2-minute "Elevator Pitch" during the Gallery Walk explaining their path.
Lesson 4: Workshop Guidance
"The hardest part of Lesson 4 is the research specifics. 7th graders will often say 'I'll go to college.' Challenge them to name the Specific College and the Specific Major ."
Check High School Graduation Requirements: Have local high school course catalogs available if possible.
Identify 'Gatekeeper' Classes: Remind them that if they want to be an Engineer, their math choice in 8th grade (Algebra I vs 8th Grade Math) matters immensely.
Lesson 5: The Gallery Walk
Management Strategy: 1-2-1 Rotate
Split the class into Group A (Presenters) and Group B (Scouts) . After 15 minutes, switch. This ensures everyone gets to present and everyone gets to see the work. Use the 'Career Scout Peer Review Form' to keep students on task.
Mastery Rubric
Data Accuracy
Does the roadmap match real-world requirements for that career?
Financial Literacy
Does the student correctly identify salary/education cost ratios?
Forward Vision
Did they identify specific middle school/high school actions?