Careership: The experiences of women in choosing career paths in TVET in South Africa

Abstract

Background: This study explored the potential role that gender and race play in influencing the career choices of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) college students. Objectives: This research aimed to explore the possible role that gender and race play in influencing the career choice of students enrolled at one of the country’s public TVET colleges. Method: An exploratory qualitative approach was adopted for this study. A total of 33 students were randomly selected to form part of the study sample. A convenient sampling method was used to select a total of 33 students who participated from three campuses. Multiple data collection methods comprising semi-structured interviews and focus groups were used to collect data. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the collected data. Results: The findings reveal that gender and race continue to play a significant role in career decision-making and career destinations of students. In particular, the results show that it is important to pay special attention to women in TVET colleges. Conclusion: The article concludes that career decision-making is an important topic in the public TVET college sector. It is important to look at the enablers and disablers of career decision-making, including gender and race. Contribution: The study contributes towards guiding TVET colleges on how to support new entrants with their career choices. It brings further insight into the potential role of gender and race in influencing the career choices of students enrolling at TVET colleges.