PARENTAL INFLUENCE ON VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND CAREER CHOICE: IMPLICATION FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The study was designed to evaluate parental influence on career choice for their children. The study was carried out in Yenagoa LGA, Bayelsa State. It adopted a survey design. The sample was two hundred (200) which was obtained through random sampling technique. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire. Thedata collected was analyzed using percentages and chi-square. The study revealed that; small but influential families/parents do not want vocational education as a career for their children, the level of the parents' education also influenced children's choice of career significantly, and wealthy parents also do not want their children to choose vocational education as a career. It thus recommends that public awareness about the profession and programme be embarked on by government to correct the misconception people have about vocational education and finally, provide enough funds in the budget to boost vocational education programmes.