Vocational guidance in the upper basic school to promote interest in the technical bachelor's degree in agricultural production

Abstract

Introduction: Vocational guidance is a systematic and technical process of accompaniment aimed at people in training, with the purpose of promoting vocational behaviors that facilitate their transition to adult life. This intervention, based on principles of prevention, development, and social inclusion, requires the active participation of educational agents and socio-professionals. Worldwide, it is recognized as a key tool within the educational system, since it promotes informed vocational decisions, adjusted to the demands of the work environment and the integral development of the individual, especially in stages such as higher basic education, when adolescents begin to build their identity and project their future. Objective: Develop a vocational orientation program for students of higher basic education that encourages interest in the Technical Baccalaureate in Agricultural Production. Methodology: The research was developed under a mixed approach (qualitative and quantitative) of descriptive type and correlational scope, using field methodologies and bibliographic review. A non-experimental design was applied, observing the phenomenon in its natural context without manipulating variables, with the aim of analyzing the interest and needs of vocational guidance of students from high school to the Agricultural Technical Baccalaureate. The population was made up of 245 students from the Mocache Educational Unit, from which a non-probabilistic intentional sample of 35 students was selected. Data collection was conducted through a dichotomous questionnaire of 14 questions (Yes/No) developed in Google Forms, whose validity was ensured through the judgment of experts in vocational guidance and technical education. The results allowed characterize profiles and interests of the students, providing useful information to design intervention strategies. Results: The results of the study reveal a limited vocational orientation towards the Technical Baccalaureate in Agricultural Production, despite the latent interest of students in agricultural and rural issues. Although many value this modality positively for its work and educational opportunities, more than 60% have not received information or talk about it, which makes it difficult to make an informed decision. There is evidence of a strong affinity with content related to agriculture, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, but there is a lack of knowledge about the structure and advantages of the baccalaureate. In addition, although the majority recognize the value of technical practices, only a part has actively participated in them, reflecting poor institutional implementation. Finally, 94.3% of those surveyed consider it necessary to have clear vocational guidance prior to choosing their specialty, which indicates the urgency of strengthening these processes to align student interests with the opportunities of the agricultural sector. Conclusion: The conclusion of the article highlights that the low level of knowledge of the Agricultural Technical Baccalaureate students shows the need to strengthen rural vocational guidance. Based on this diagnosis, a contextualized proposal was designed composed of six units that integrate informative, motivational and community content, with the aim of promoting this educational modality. It is recommended to institutionalize the program within the POA and the PEI to ensure its sustainability, as well as to implement practical pedagogical strategies that favor an informed vocational choice. In addition, it is suggested to establish continuous evaluation mechanisms that allow measuring their impact on student enrollment, participation, and vocational clarity. General Area of Study: Education. Specific area of study: Vocational guidance in basic education. Type of study: Original articles.