THE ROLES AND COMPETENCY STANDARDS OF CAREER COUNSELORS IN VOCATIONAL COLLEGES

Abstract

Under the dual context of deepening the construction of a modern vocational education system and promoting high-quality employment, vocational guidance counselors in higher vocational colleges, as key hubs connecting education, industry, and student development, urgently need systematic advancement in their professionalization. This paper aims to clarify the connotation of the multiple roles of vocational guidance counselors, diagnose the practical difficulties in implementing teaching standards, and construct a professional development path adapted to the China context. The study employs policy text analysis, literature review, and international comparison methods, incorporating the National Vocational Skill Standards for Career Guidance (2022 Edition) and the 2023–2025 policy framework, to systematically analyze the institutional demands for the transition from "administrative" to "professional" career guidance practitioners. The findings reveal that current career guidance practitioners have evolved into multifaceted roles integrating career educators, school-enterprise coordinators, psychological support providers, and data service specialists. However, they face structural barriers such as ambiguous identities, capability gaps, and ecological isolation. The experiences of Germany and Australia demonstrate that professionalization must be supported by institutional safeguards. Accordingly, this paper proposes a three-dimensional collaborative model of "standard-ability-ecology" and suggests localized approaches such as piloting dual-track certification, establishing provincial and university-level support centers, strengthening digital literacy and ethics, and jointly building a school-enterprise mentor database. The research findings can provide theoretical support and practical references for improving the China-characteristic career guidance service system and empowering higher vocational students to achieve high-quality employment.