An exploratory research for improvement of the operation of the Career Exploring Support Centers

Objectives This study analyzed the current status of career exploring support centers nationwide and aimed to derive implications and recommendations for the activation of these centers based on an exploratory analysis. Methods The survey was conducted targeting employees (administrators, practitioners) of all 218 career exploring support centers nationwide. To reflect the diverse staffing and operational situations of the career exploring support centers, we utilized the stratified cluster sampling method among probabilistic sampling methods. Managers were categorized as either center directors or operational managers, while practitioners were categorized as operational staff. One individual from each category was selected to respond to the survey autonomously within the career exploring support centers. Frequency analysis was conducted using SPSS 25.0 software to analyze the operational status of the centers. Results The survey revealed a high proportion of difficulties related to human resources at career exploring support centers, indicating that challenges in staffing and resources, beyond personnel and physical resources, significantly impact the centers' effectiveness. National-level training emphasized macroscopic elements such as systems, policies, and societal changes, while regional-level training focused on tailored integration within local communities. Conclusions Through this study, it is necessary to discuss the establishment of a task management and collaboration system for rationalizing manpower at the career exploring support centers, as well as to discuss the institutional support for the status of the career experience center at a systemic level. Furthermore, there is a need for training and consulting tailored to the requirements of career exploring support centers, as well as active support from external entities such as local governments and provincial education offices to establish networks between career exploring support centers and relevant organizations.