Preparing Students for a Bright Outlook: Survey of High School Career Advising in Technician Fields

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 38
  In Roundtable Session: Career Readiness, Counseling, and Employment Outcomes in Career and Technical Education: Implications for Today's Skills Gap

Abstract

This paper details a survey study of high school counselors’ awareness of and comfort with advising students in technician/technologist careers. The survey focused on careers designated as Bright Outlook by the US Department of Labor to explore familiarity with these careers, effectiveness of the current career advising process, and recommendations on additional support or resources. Results indicate participants were more familiar with technician/technologist careers in health and medicine than those in engineering or other areas of science. Counselors acknowledged the importance of familiarity with a career in the career advising process, but communicate a number of challenges they face in meeting this need. The participants provide specific recommendations for additional supports, and future research in this area is recommended.

Authors

• Sarah Ferguson, Rowan University

• Benita Kluttz-Drye, Rowan University

• Katrina A. Hovey, Western Oregon University