The role of universities in enhancing school career orientation programs

M. Sibiya Leo; Mandisi Matyana

doi:10.20525/ijrbs.v14i6.4299

Authors

M. Sibiya Leo University of Zululand, South Africa https://orcid.org/0009-0006-3774-593X
Mandisi Matyana University of Zululand, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6928-4724

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20525/ijrbs.v14i6.4299

Keywords:

Orientation programs, School Career, Universities

Abstract

The transition from high school to higher education or the workforce represents a critical phase in a learner's life. Career orientation programs play a vital role in navigating this transition, with universities positioned to enhance high school career orientation initiatives through their resources, expertise, and industry connections. The aim of this paper is to highlight the key role that universities play in enhancing school career orientation programs. The paper is looking at providing current challenges facing these programs and also providing some future prospects. This paper adopts a qualitative approach, reviewing existing literature on the impact of university involvement in these programs. The findings reveal that university involvement provides several strengths and highlights areas for potential improvement in current practices. The article recommends the enhancement of career guidance, improved access to resources, increased industry exposure, and strengthened mentorship and support, developing structured collaboration frameworks between universities and high schools, implementing continuous evaluation mechanisms for these programs, and focusing on tailored support for under-resourced schools and re such as enhanced career guidance, improved access to resources, increased industry exposure, and strengthened mentorship and support. Consequently, the highlights that collaboration between universities and high schools is essential for bolstering career orientation initiatives at the high school level.

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