A Model of Trait and Factor Career Counseling to Enhance Students' Career Maturity in Vocational High School

The purpose of this study is to produce a trait and factor career counseling model to increase students' career maturity. This research method uses a combination of qualitative and quantitative (mixed methods design) include the type of exploratory mixed methods. The model of this research is a research and development using quasi experimental design with non randomly Pretest-Posttest Nonequivalent Group Design. The stages of the research and development include: (1) preliminary study, (2) model development, (3) rational model validation, and (4) empirical model validation. The sampling technique uses two stage cluster sampling, and the vocational high schools (SMK) students were selected as the research population. The result of this study shows that majority of students are in the career immature category. Factors such as family environment, community, workplace worldview, the school environment, infrastructure support, and attitudes toward conception jobs / positions provide low impact on students' career maturity. Discussion with a parent/guardian is an activity often done by the students in their effort to increase career maturity. By conducting t-test, a p-value of lower than 0,05 was obtained, meaning the trait and factor career counseling model is proven to be effective to increase students' career maturity. Based on the results above, it is recommended for guidance and counseling teachers (counselors) that career counseling model of trait and factor this into alternative options that can be implemented in schools. The school held a training for counselors to improve the competencies related to career counseling model. Researchers can then conduct research related to the level of preparedness of students and counselors to implement career counseling.