A Critical Thinking Approach For Implementing Interdisciplinarity In Career Guidance For Secondary School Students

Skills that promote the growth and well-being of society are particularly important. In this context an important task is to encourage more young people to choose professions in mathematics, science and technology, as the adequacy of the number of graduates in these highly sought after fields is extremely important for innovation and growth.In the context of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, the fields of Wood-Forestry, Metal-Machinery, and Agriculture-Food are considered to be fast-growing industries. However, the number of trained specialists is insufficient, and the motivation and interest of potential employees should be facilitated by school career counselors.The aim of this article is to study the most demanded professional competencies in Wood-Forestry, Metal-Machinery, and the Agriculture-Food industries and to elaborate recommendations for designing a methodology for career counselor’s professional development training for career guidance in secondary school.Research methods: A literature study and a questionnaire. In total 130 respondents - Administrative, Sector managers and Sector specialists from companies, voluntary answered the survey questions online.The results of the study determined the most demanded competencies in Wood-Forestry, Metal-Machinery and the Agriculture-Food industries are related to design, technology and economics. It is recommended to use a critical thinking approach for implement interdisciplinarity in career guidance in secondary schools. The career counselors should be introduced to the most demanded professional competencies in Wood-Forestry, Metal-Machinery, and Agriculture-Food industries during professional development training for career guidance for secondary school students.