EXPLORING THE EFFICACY OF CAREER GUIDANCE PROGRAM FOR SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL: A BASIS FOR DEVELOPING AN IMPROVED IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

Proponent: Jennifer R. Talaugon
Research Agenda
Category: Human Resource Development
Topic: Career Guidance Program
Office/School: City of Balanga National High School –
Senior High School

The transition from junior to senior high school represents a pivotal moment in a student’s educational journey, one that has been the subject of various studies focusing on the importance of effective career guidance. Previous research emphasized that this phase is characterized by significant uncertainty, as students are often faced with choices among higher education, entrepreneurship, employment, or middle skills development. Scholars highlighted the necessity for schools to fulfill their critical role in fostering career domains, ensuring that students acquire the essential skills, attitudes, and knowledge required for successful navigation through life transitions. Career guidance programs were identified as vital mechanisms to facilitate students’ discovery of their interests, talents, and decision-making capabilities, allowing them to explore viable career options and opportunities (DM 155 s. 2020).

Further investigations into career guidance services have demonstrated their effectiveness in empowering individuals of all ages to manage their career paths. As noted by the OECD (2010), career guidance is crucial for helping students reflect on their ambitions, qualifications, and skills, enabling them to make informed educational and occupational choices. Researchers pointed out that a comprehensive approach to career guidance encompasses personalized counseling, skills assessments, and engagement with the labor market, ultimately fostering decision-making and career management skills (Hiebert, 2010). This evidence underscores the multifaceted nature of career guidance as a lifelong process essential for successful transitions in education and employment.

The implementation of the Secondary Career Guidance and Counseling Act of 2019 (Republic Act No. 11206) further solidified the importance of structured career guidance programs in secondary education. Studies have shown that such programs not only help students make educated decisions regarding their futures but also align with labor market needs (Basic Education Act of 2013). In response to these legislative mandates, the City of Balanga National High School – Senior High School has diligently implemented career guidance initiatives that integrate various learning opportunities. These initiatives aim to continually enhance the quality of career guidance delivered to students, ensuring they are well-equipped to embark on their chosen paths as future professionals, entrepreneurs, or skilled workers.