Vocational Maturity and Career Aspirations Among Adolescents: A Comparative Study of Government and Private School Students

Abstract Vocational maturity and career aspirations are crucial components of adolescent development, influencing educational choices, employability, and long-term socioeconomic outcomes. Adolescence is a formative stage during which individuals begin to understand their interests, abilities, and future occupational roles. The present study aims to examine vocational maturity and career aspirations among adolescents and to compare these variables across types of institutions, namely government and private schools. A descriptive-comparative research design was adopted. The sample consisted of 600 adolescents (300 from government schools and 300 from private schools) aged between 14 and 18 years. Standardized tools, including the Vocational Maturity Inventory and the Career Aspiration Scale, were used for data collection. Statistical techniques such as mean, standard deviation, t-test, and graphical representations were employed for data analysis. The findings revealed significant differences between government and private school students in terms of vocational maturity and career aspirations, with private school students showing higher levels on both dimensions. The study highlights the role of institutional environment, availability of career guidance, and socioeconomic background in shaping adolescents’ vocational development. The findings have important implications for educational planners, school administrators, and policymakers to strengthen vocational guidance and career counseling services, particularly in government schools. Keywords: Vocational Maturity, Career Aspirations, Adolescents, Government Schools, Private Schools