Abstract:

Introduction:
Counselling and career guidance services in distance higher education institutions have rapidly transformed to adapt to the transitions necessitated by technology changes and pandemics. In addition, the students transitioning from higher education to an employment field require great counselling services to prepare them for the labour market. Understanding the experiences of staff in supporting students through counselling and career guidance from entry into the university to graduation point in the context of distance education is crucial.

Aim:
This study aimed to explore staff perspectives on counselling and career guidance services provision to Open Distance e-Learning (ODeL) students.

Methods:
This qualitative explorative, descriptive study involved conducting five (5) in-depth interviews on Microsoft Teams platform with staff providing counselling and career guidance services to undergraduate and postgraduate students in an ODeL institution. Career Counselling staff in the three regions/campuses were purposefully selected to participate in the study. Data were analysed thematically and involved coding data into themes and sub-themes

Results:
Two themes emerged from this study. These were 1) Counselling and career guidance service impact involving outreach and visibility initiatives and modes of service provision. The hybrid mode of service provision involving face-to-face engagements, online engagements, audio information, podcast, and YouTube videos, was deemed impactful. 2) Multifaceted counselling services such as diversified emotional support counselling, career choice counselling, academics/study counselling and exit counselling

Conclusion:
Through the outreach activities, students get the necessary exposure to vital information that guides their career choices. The student career counselling offered in an ODeL institution impacts the student walk processes and provides a holistic approach stretching further to the emotional well-being of the students.

Keywords:

Counselling career choice, career guidance, distance education, South Africa.