An Assessment of Career Guidance Services at Secondary School Level in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Abstract

Secondary schooling is the terminal stage in which a student can be put on a career trajectory and prepare them for the world of work. This quantitative study aimed to assess career guidance services and activities at the secondary school level in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. Data was gathered on the Career Guidance Teacher Questionnaire (CGTQ) from 99 secondary school teachers. The questionnaire's validity and reliability were ensured through pilot testing. The data were analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results of the study show that the secondary school level is considered the most important stage for students’ career development. Career guidance activities in schools assist students in clarifying career confusion and saving time, money, and energy of the students. Co-curricular activities in school, study tours, and part-time vocational engagement of students are good sources of inspiration for career choices. The findings of the study revealed that limited resources in terms of materials, seminars, workshops, and lack of teachers' training in the field of career guidance were the problems at the secondary school level. This study recommends that the governing bodies, fill the missing gap in career counselling of secondary school students and shape their future policies. Digital career guidance platforms should be provided to students who can access remotely for self-assessment and career information. Teacher capacity building ought to be enhanced to cope with the problem and update career counseling skills to meet the emerging trends in the field of career guidance.