1 Define the term career decision making and indicate why it is important for grade 10 learners to make such decisions earlier. State reasons why it is important for grade 10 learners to align their subjects with careers of their choice. Indicate the importance of considering socio-economic factors when careers are chosen.

Below is an explanation addressing each part of your question: 1. Definition of Career Decision Making  • Career decision making is the process through which an individual explores, evaluates, and selects educational and vocational paths based on personal interests, skills, values, and available opportunities. It involves researching options, weighing pros and cons, and planning steps toward achieving long‐term professional goals. 2. Importance for Grade 10 Learners to Make Career Decisions Early  • Early clarity fosters better planning: When learners begin to consider career options in grade 10, they can map out the necessary subjects, courses, and extracurricular activities that align with their interests.  • Time to explore: Early decisions allow learners more time for self-exploration, testing different fields, and refining their interests before committing to a specific pathway.  • Reduced stress later: Understanding career goals early helps in reducing last-minute pressures in subject selection and course planning during the transition to higher grades. 3. Reasons for Aligning Subjects with Careers of Choice  • Curriculum relevance: Selecting subjects that are directly relevant to one’s intended career can provide a solid foundation of the necessary knowledge and skills.  • Better engagement and performance: When learners see a clear connection between what they study and their future ambitions, they are usually more motivated and likely to excel academically.  • Enhanced career readiness: Appropriate subject alignment increases the chances of acquiring specific competencies valued by higher education institutions and employers, making the transition into specific careers smoother. 4. Importance of Considering Socio-Economic Factors When Choosing Careers  • Realistic planning: Socio-economic factors such as available resources, financial stability, and access to quality education can significantly influence career opportunities. Assessing these factors helps learners make choices that are sustainable in the long run.  • Equal access to opportunities: Understanding socio-economic dynamics can help learners and educators work toward bridging gaps and creating pathways for those from under-resourced communities by exploring scholarships, financial aid, or alternative training programs.  • Future employment landscape: Socio-economic conditions often affect job markets and growth in certain industries. Being aware of these factors allows learners to evaluate future earning potentials and job security in their chosen fields. By considering all these aspects, grade 10 learners are better positioned to make informed decisions that align with both their personal aspirations and the practical realities of the socioeconomic environment in which they live.