CAREER CHOICES OF SENIOR HIGH TECHNICAL STUDENTS IN THE WA MUNICIPALITY OF GHANA

Abstract

Choosing a career can be hard when you have no idea what you want to do. However, there seems to be paucity of studies on career choices among senior high schools’ students in Ghana in general and Wa Municipality in particular. This study was intended to find out the career choices of students of Wa Senior High Technical School in the Wa Municipality of the Upper West Region of Ghana. A descriptive survey design was employed for the study. Data was collected from a sample of 80 students and 20 teachers using questionnaire.  All respondents responded to the questionnaire. The data were presented in tables and charts and analysed using frequencies and percentages. The study found out that, the students needed career information, employment information, interpersonal needs, educational needs and self-understanding. The top career guidance needs of students as expressed by teachers and the school counsellor include educational information, study habits, interpersonal information, educational needs and career needs. The study also found that, the factors that influence students’ choice of career are extrinsic and interpersonal factors and they include perception of colleague/peer pressure, teachers’ influence, societal perceptions, availability of further training and occupational security. This helps students learn about and explore careers that ultimately lead to career choice. This played a critical role in shaping students career choice. It was recommended that Career Education and Guidance should be introduced in the primary school to enable children to explore the world of work as young people need to make a smooth transition from primary school to the initial years of Senior High School and the Ministry of Education should allocate fund for a Guidance and Counselling activities in all basic and second cycle schools. This will enable the guidance coordinators to function effectively at their various levels of work. Keywords: Career Choices, Challenges, Senior High Technical School, Students, Wa, Ghana.