1.2.3. Role of Career Services in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)

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A banner depicting the office of career services showing a student climbing a set of stairs to access the office.

Previously, removing barriers to accessing courses and services in TVET/HE  institutions was discussed. However,  focus was not put on "after graduation and the role organisations can play to support students in accessing employment''.  The question that remains is therefore how TVET and Higher Education pathways can be more inclusive and accessible. 

A blanket approach cannot be applied to career service provision since different students have different needs. However, the following can be used by career services to support students in overcoming barriers and promoting self-advocacy:
i)  Assess each candidate's needs;
ii) Adopt programmes that provide stipends e.g.  transportation to/from job interviews;
iii) Bring employers to job seekers e.g. through job fairs, providing accessibility support for interviews;
iv) Provide career counselling, and;
v) Provide reasonable accommodation.
          Career services can also be used to locate employers who value Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), and support them to become more inclusive. They can use approaches like: 
          i) Intentionally liaising with corporate DEI teams(where they exist),and;
          ii) Locating associations or organisations promoting workforce inclusion ( for example, The Kenya Association of Women Business Owners).
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