The role of career guidance on preparing learners in the Hardap region for transition to tertiary education

Abstract

This study examined the role of career guidance in preparing learners in the Hardap region of Namibia for tertiary education. The study sough to answers the questions such as, how is career guidance implemented in schools? What are the challenges in the delivery of career guidance to learners? How effective are the existing career guidance programs in schools? What strategies can be adopted to improve career guidance in schools?  The study population included fifteen (15) grades 11 and 12 learners, five (5) first-year tertiary education students, three (3) Life Skills teachers, and three (3) school principals. Three schools were sampled conveniently to take part in the study. A simple random sampling was used to select fifteen learners from three schools. Life Skills teachers from each school were purposively selected and finally the school principals and the first-year students were selected using convenient sampling technique. Employing a mixed-methods approach within a pragmatism paradigm, data were collected through interviews and questionnaires. Thematic analysis and descriptive statistics were used to analyse qualitative and quantitative data, respectively. Results indicated that while career guidance supports learners’ decision-making and readiness for higher education, challenges such as limited resources, inadequate trained personnel, and inconsistent program implementation hinder its effectiveness. The study recommends the starting of career guidance in Grade 8 or 9 and strengthening partnerships with external stakeholders. It recommended that schools should pay visits to universities and other tertiary institutions to receive up-to-date information as well as hosting annual career fairs. Training for all teachers should be contacted for integrating career guidance across all subjects’ disciplines. Schools should also conduct aptitude and interest assessments and allocate enough time for career guidance activities and securing dedicated funding to support these programs.