The Future of Education

The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector in South Africa plays a critical role in tackling youth unemployment but continues to face challenges in preparing graduates with transferable skills for the labour market. The International Career Coaching Programme (ICCP), developed through international collaboration, was designed to address this gap by offering career coaching accredited by the UK CPD Certification Service. This study evaluates the programme’s effectiveness in enhancing employability and workplace readiness among TVET students and lecturers. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining post-program questionnaires with semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS, while qualitative insights were examined through thematic coding. Findings indicate substantial improvements in communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability, with participants reporting increased confidence in navigating both local and global job markets. The ICCP also demonstrated potential to strengthen institutional capacity by aligning vocational training with international labour demands. The study concludes that ICCP provides a scalable model for integrating career coaching into TVET curricula, contributing to broader debates on employability and sustainable skills development. By embedding career coaching into vocational education, the programme offers a pathway to more resilient and future-ready graduates.