Critically discuss how peers could help each other to acquire knowledge about skills required for specific jobs

For the Life Orientation Grade 11 Term 3 2025 task, the topic of Competencies, Abilities and Ethics under Careers and Career Choices explains that acquiring knowledge about skills for specific jobs is an important step in preparing for the world of work. As it has been explained in this topic, peers can influence each other in positive ways by sharing useful information, guiding each other towards resources, and encouraging skill development. However, peers can also spread incorrect information or discourage certain career paths, so it is important to think critically about both the positive and negative impacts.

Critically discuss how peers could help each other to acquire knowledge about skills required for specific jobs

Direct answer to the question:

Critically discuss how peers could help each other to acquire knowledge about skills required for specific jobs.

Peers can help each other by sharing information about job requirements, practising skills together, and motivating one another to improve. However, if peers give wrong information or discourage certain jobs, they can prevent each other from getting the right skills and opportunities.

Elaboration:

Positive ways peers can help each other:

• Sharing information from career expos, online research, or subject choice guidance so everyone knows which skills are needed for specific jobs.
• Practising job-related skills together, such as interview preparation, CV writing, or presentation skills.
• Encouraging participation in school activities or clubs that develop relevant skills, such as debate teams for communication skills or science clubs for technical skills.
• Providing moral support and motivation to attend training workshops, career days, or online courses.

Possible negative impacts to be aware of:

• Peers may share inaccurate information about job requirements, which could mislead others.
• Some peers may discourage certain careers based on stereotypes or personal bias, leading others to avoid opportunities they might have enjoyed or succeeded in.
• Negative peer pressure may push others to ignore skill development in favour of spending time on unproductive activities.

By working together in a positive and informed way, peers can become a valuable support network in developing the competencies, abilities, and ethics needed to secure future jobs — but it is important to check all information against reliable sources like teachers, career counsellors, and official job adverts.