Research on Bottlenecks and Countermeasures for the Development of Young Teachers in Vocational Colleges

Abstract

Young teachers play a pivotal role in workforce development within vocational colleges, yet often face challenges adjusting to their new responsibilities. This study aimed to identify barriers through a questionnaire survey of 11 young teachers. Findings revealed the greatest difficulties lay in adapting instruction methods to meet the diverse needs of learners, navigating constraints on research due to insufficient laboratory facilities and funding, and uncertainty around career progression pathways. To address these issues, we proposed three countermeasure strategies. First, vocational colleges should strengthen partnerships between industry and education through joint training programs and applied research laboratories to enrich curriculum design and enhance teachers’ practical skills. Secondly, establishing formal mentorship programs pairing new educators with experienced mentors can facilitate the transition into their roles and offer career
guidance. Third, colleges should actively encourage the involvement of young teachers in skills competitions to cultivate their practical skills. This research highlights the multifaceted challenges faced by young teachers and the imperative for targeted solutions to strengthen the vocational education workforce.