Eye-Opening Career Guidance Training Empowers Teachers at Tegbareid Polytechnic College

Addis Ababa, April 29 and 30, 2025 – How do you guide students in finding a career that truly fits who they are? That question took centre stage during a two-day training on career guidance, provided by CINOP on April 29 and 30 at Tegbareid Polytechnic College.

The training brought together teachers and trainers involved in the college’s student incubation program. Through hands-on activities and reflective exercises, participants explored the vital role of self-awareness and sector insight in effective career guidance.

One of the highlights was drawing their own personal career journeys. This exercise helped participants recognize the many influences behind career choices—ranging from personal passions and strengths to external developments and life circumstances. “It really made me think about how much my own path was shaped by more than just my initial plans,” one participant noted.

Trainers also explored the broader “career landscape” within their sectors, designing pathways for two educational programs. Using practical tools such as the Career Compass and self-assessment tests, they discovered how to help students better understand themselves—and how their unique personalities and strengths align with future career opportunities.

One of the key insight was the distinction between equity and equality. By doing the self-assessment themselves made them realize how diverse students are and that there is no one-size fits all approach. “It’s not about treating everyone the same—it’s about recognizing and supporting their individual needs.”

By the end of the training, the consensus was clear: this approach to career guidance was both enlightening and immediately applicable. “The training was a real eye-opener for me,” one trainer concluded. “I learned a lot that I can apply tomorrow in my work.”

The training was part of the ongoing 3E Project efforts to build future-ready education systems by empowering teachers, supporting students, and strengthening the link between education and the labour market.