That is a very interesting area of research.
There has been research done about making primary/elementary pupils ‘career aware', and I have included some examples below. There is also literature focusing on relevance in mathematics.
I think you may struggle to find a piece of research that exactly matches your own idea.
I started out with simple database searches with career awareness, career choice, relevance education, occupational information then combined each one of these with terms such as mathematics, primary education, elementary education, pupil attitudes.
There are a few studies which involve activities for pupils matching jobs to specific skills in mathematics which may give you some ideas? Where available in full text, links are included.
I hope this helps.
NOTE: For information about accessing full text articles please read this TTRB article: Access to full text journal articles
ERIC
http://www.eric.ed.gov/
Career Awareness in Elementary School. US Department of Education, 2004, pp. 2, 0 refs.
"Children may do better in school if they can see how education is connected to a successful future. This brochure is designed for parents to help their children: (1) Discover the variety of jobs available; (2) Connect classroom learning in school to real-world situations; (3) Begin viewing himself or herself in an occupation; and (4) Develop work-readiness skills such as working in teams, making decisions, solving problems and being a leader. By helping children learn about a broad range of careers from an early age and showing them how education is connected to those careers, parents can contribute greatly to future success. The brochure includes a list of career skills for elementary school children, and suggested career awareness activities for parents and children."
URL: http://www.eric.ed.gov/contentdelivery/servlet/ERICServlet?accno=ED505531
Improving Student Awareness of Careers through a Variety of Strategies. M.A. Research Project, Saint Xavier University and SkyLight Field-Based Masters Program. , May 2003, pp. 74. Benning-C, Bergt-R, Sausaman-P.
"This report depicts a program for increasing students' career awareness through a variety of strategies that include multiple intelligences, career counseling, field trips and cross-curricular activities. The targeted population consisted of fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students in a Midwest, urban community. Analyses of probable cause data disclosed students are unprepared for the workforce. A review of solution strategies suggested by researchers, combined with an analysis of the problem setting resulted in selection of strategies and materials to be implemented within the school day. The strategies and materials encouraged children to become aware of the variety of careers available to them. A focus on four career clusters and emphasis on several specific occupations occurred throughout the intervention phase. Strategies focusing on multiple intelligences, career counseling, field trips, and cross-curricular activities helped incorporate career awareness education into the curriculum. The objective of increasing career awareness of various occupations was clearly met. Students gained an understanding of how their schoolwork related to life in the future and post intervention data indicated that the career education provided the students with greater activities for achieving self-esteem. Eleven appendixes contain surveys and evaluation guides. (Contains 26 references.)"
URL: http://www.eric.ed.gov/contentdelivery/servlet/ERICServlet?accno=ED481018
When Am I Ever Going To Use This Algebra Stuff? Ohio Journal of School Mathematics, Aut 2000, no. 42, p. 3-7. Mikusa-Michael, Loudin-Jayme.
"Proves that there really are people who use algebra in their jobs and that there are issues in society that require an understanding of mathematical concepts and processes which can be taught in an Algebra I class. Provides real-life situations and activities that use algebra."
How Do You Use Math? Learning and Leading with Technology, Oct 1996, vol. 24, no. 2, p. 24-26, ISSN: 1082-5754. Brown-Joan-Marie.
"Describes a multimedia math activity for sixth-grade students who have access to a computer lab. Students work in groups and interview an adult who uses math in his or her job. Then, they write an explanatory narrative describing how that adult uses math. Finally, they create a KidPix video slideshow with voice overlays to share with the class."
Mathematics Career Unit for Junior High School. Corporate source: White Bear Lake Independent School District 624, Minn., 1973, pp. 27, 0 refs. Mack-William, And-Others.
"Part of an exemplary program for junior high school students, the material in the guide was developed as a supplement to existing mathematics programs. The various math skills are divided into six groups: whole numbers, decimals, fractions, percent, ratio--proportions, and area--volume. For each of the groups, three to seven different career packets are provided, each of which contains job descriptions and the math skills needed for each job. Sample career packets include: consumer, carpenter, electrician, auto mechanic, auto salesman, and sportswriter."
URL: http://www.eric.ed.gov/contentdelivery/servlet/ERICServlet?accno=ED107765
"Everything Is Math in the Whole World": Integrating Critical and Community Knowledge in Authentic Mathematical Investigations with Elementary Latina/o Students. Mathematical Thinking and Learning An International Journal, 2009, vol. 11, no. 3, p. 136-157, pp. 22, 96 refs., ISSN: 1098-6065. Turner-Erin-E, Gutierrez-Maura-Varley, Simic-Muller-Ksenija, Diez-Palomar-Javier.
"This critical ethnographic study of an after-school mathematics club for elementary-aged Latina/o youth focuses on connecting critical, community, and mathematical knowledge in the context of authentic, community-based investigations. We present cases of two extended projects to highlight tensions and dilemmas that emerged, particularly tensions related to ensuring rich mathematics in the contexts of projects that were personally and socially meaningful to the students. Our analysis offers insights into critical mathematics education with elementary aged students, and has the potential to counter dominant deficit perspectives of Latina/o youth. Additionally, the findings of this study inform critical approaches to teaching mathematics in schools attended by marginalized students in order to reverse prevalent trends of our educational system failing these students. (Contains 4 footnotes.)"
AUEI
What will I be? EQ Australia, Winter 2007, p. 8-9, ISSN: 1320-2944. McMahon-M.
"This article provides an introduction to early childhood career development and career education in preschools and primary schools. Career development is alive and well in childhood as the comments of young children illustrate. Career development is also evident in children's play in which they take on adult roles such as teacher, doctor, builder, or police officer. Much of children's career development learning happens unintentionally as they form impressions of work by observing people, events, scenes and actions in their homes and communities. Learning about career development may also be intentional, and preschools and primary schools provide an excellent setting for such learning through career education. A useful tool for teachers is 'The Australian Blueprint for Career Development'; it outlines the career development competencies that may be developed in children, and also provides guidance for teachers interested in developing programs."
