While practical trainings to obtain licenses kindergarten teacher and nursery teacher are seemed to have positive impacts on career decisions, there are cases where students receive reality shocks during practical trainings, leading to losses in confidence and changes in career paths. The trainings are comprehensive practice opportunities to cultivate applied skills based on the knowledges and techniques necessary for childcare, and at the same time, they must be effective in determining the career paths for students.
In this report, based on a survey of second year junior college students, I have clarified the impacts of practical trainings on career decisions and have examined how student guidance should be provided in the future.
From the results, I have revealed that “gaining fulfillment and accomplishment”, “learning about the appeal of the childcare profession”, “meeting ideal childcare providers”, and “feeling good about relationships with other childcare providers at the training sites”, had positive impacts on career decisions.
In addition, it was found that “opportunities to practice childcare outside of practical training”, “contact with graduates and other childcare professionals”, “chances to hear explanations about employment”, and “opportunities to deepen understanding of occupations other than childcare” may be effective in helping students decide on their career path.