A pack of colourful playing cards captured falling through the air. The box cover reads, 'Jobs of the future'.

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” – a question that echoes through childhood. Yet, for children in regional, rural, and remote communities, the answers might not be so readily available.

The National Careers Institute (NCI), in partnership with the Career Industry of Australia (CICA) recognised that early career exploration is crucial, regardless of location, but unique circumstances faced by families in these communities required a tailored approach.

While the Little Ripples initiative had successfully sparked career conversations nationally, the NCI and CICA knew that deeper insights into the specific needs and behaviours of regional, rural and remote families were essential to creating a truly impactful program.
A father with his young son flying a drone over a field of crops in rural Australia.

Our Approach

Anthologie partnered with the NCI and CICA to address this challenge, adopting a research-driven and community-centric approach. Through in-depth research and focus groups with educators, industry professionals, and parents of primary-aged children in regional, remote and rural areas across Australia, we sought to uncover insights into their specific challenges, aspirations, and the ways they engaged in career conversations with their children. This research included valuable insights from Australia’s first Regional Education Commissioner, the Hon Fiona Nash, who provided a unique perspective on the educational landscape in these communities.

We discovered that while parents were eager to support their children’s dreams, they often lacked resources and guidance to initiate meaningful discussions. We also found that everyday moments could spark career exploration, but parents needed tools to help them navigate these discussions effectively.

Two stacks of playing cards, one labelled 'Job' the other 'Industry' standing upright. Two cards from each stack is laid face up showing descriptions of a scientist and the video game development industry.

Solution

To address these challenges, we needed a tool that was both engaging and empowering. Inspired by the research insight that play and everyday moments can spark career exploration, we crafted the “Jobs of the Future” card game.

This interactive game allows children to combine cards representing diverse industries and roles, sparking their imagination and prompting discussions about the potential responsibilities and skills required for these unique and exciting future careers. The game’s simple yet ingenious design encourages creative thinking and opens up a world of possibilities, empowering parents to learn about their child’s aspirations and give children the opportunity to explore their interests and broaden their horizons.

We worked hand-in-hand with parents in communities nationally to test and refine the game, ensuring it resonated with their experiences and values. This collaborative approach led to a final product that is not only enjoyable but also deeply impactful.

To amplify awareness of Little Ripples in regional, rural and remote areas and promote the game, we worked with the NCI to develop a targeted digital campaign that emphasised the importance of early career conversations. Through platforms like Mamamia, we connected with parents and educators, offering them this tangible tool to empower their children. Additionally, to ensure the game reaches every corner of Australia, it is being professionally printed and packaged for distribution to schools and libraries across these communities.

Impact

The “Jobs of the Future” card game is actively making its mark in regional, rural, and remote communities, providing a valuable tool to engage children in conversations about their potential. Early indications suggest that the game is sparking curiosity, expanding children’s awareness of diverse career options, and fostering a sense of excitement about the possibilities that lie ahead.

Four primary school aged children jumping on top of four cylindrical hay bales in a field.

Project Credits

Discover more of our Our Projects