Career Guidance and Counselling in the Establishment of Vocational Education in Tanzanian Secondary Schools: Influence on Students’ Subject Choice and Career Pathways

Abstract

This article present a systematic literature review on career guidance and counseling services in secondary schools: its development and implementation, considering the establishment of vocational education in secondary schools. The review found that career guidance and counseling are inadequately implemented due to structural and institutional challenges. The review analyzes empirical studies that were published between 2015 and 2025 using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) Framework. This review found that career guidance and counseling services are inadequately implemented due to structural and institutional challenges, including the absence of trained personnel, inadequate facilities and materials, limited time allocation and lack of clear operational guidelines. These challenges reduce the effectiveness of career guidance and counseling in secondary schools. Strengthening career guidance and counseling process is therefore essential to support students’ academic and career development and to align educational with national vocational goals. It is therefore recommended that, teachers should receive continuous professional training in career guidance and counseling, adequate institutional support and clear policies and that appropriate guidelines be developed and enforced by relevant educational authorities.