An assessment of counselor and counselor in-training attitudes and perceptions of the Wisconsin Technical College System and its value as a viable post-secondary option for high school students

Abstract

Currently, high school students are faced with more information, more career choices, and more post-secondary options than ever before in history. For many young people, finding the right post-secondary option is a complex and challenging task. Many high school students ignore technical careers in favor of immediate employment after graduation or enroll at a four-year university without considering other alternatives. This further enhances the already severe shortage of technicians in Wisconsin’s labor market. The purpose of this study was to assess counselor and counselor in-training attitudes and perceptions of the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) and its value as a viable post-secondary option for high school students. Counselors are significant adults in the lives of high school students and part of their job function is to help students with career exploration and decision-making