School counselors are advised to update career guidelines in line with industry needs

KUCHING, Sept 23: School counsellors play an important role in ensuring that students get accurate and relevant career guidance with current economic changes, said Sarawak Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn.

He said that among the main challenges identified in previous settlements were financial constraints, lack of exposure to clear career paths and the role of parents in shaping student choices after Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM).

"School counselors should go back to their respective schools and review the career guidance. Update it and make sure it's relevant to the jobs that students will be pursuing", he said.

He said this while addressing the closing ceremony of Career Order System (SPEAK): Talent Bridge 2030 Kuching Series, here today.

According to Sagah, school counselors should also be more sensitive to changes in the job market as there is still a reliance on old career information and general job titles that no longer reflect modern economic developments.

Obviously, career guidance needs to take into account the emergence of new opportunities in high-skilled fields as well as future industry needs.

In the meantime, he noted that talent development should not be stopped after one acquires an academic qualification, but instead must be continued through improvement of skills and practical training to meet industry needs.

"Having a university degree alone is not enough. We need to improve skills through additional training and practical experience in industry", he said. - TVS