Manuscript received August 2, 2026; accepted September 8, 2026; published September 24, 2026.

Abstract—Students in higher vocational colleges face challenges in career development, including vague occupational awareness, strong dependence in decision-making, and insufficient efficacy in career-related action. Traditional career guidance, which primarily emphasizes information transmission and skills instruction, is insufficient to address their deeper developmental needs. Using Bandura’s social learning theory as its analytical framework, this study elucidates the practical value of observational learning, vicarious reinforcement, and self-efficacy, and draws on the case of Shenzhen Polytechnic University to develop an integrated career guidance model comprising role-model leadership, curriculum-based empowerment, and intensive support. Through a multi-level role-model system, a three-year action-oriented career curriculum, and targeted individual counseling, the model creates a social learning environment conducive to observation, imitation, practice, and reflection, facilitating students’ transition from passively receiving guidance to actively constructing their careers. Practice indicates positive effects on deepening occupational awareness, improving career decision-making, and strengthening career-related action; employment-quality indicators have also shown steady improvement. The model may offer practical insights for career guidance in higher vocational institutions.
 
Keywords—social learning theory, higher vocational colleges, career guidance, self-efficacy, career education

Cite: Yanling Liu and Xiaolin Zhu, "Constructing a Career Guidance Model for Higher Vocational Colleges from the Perspective of Social Learning Theory—A Case Study of Shenzhen Polytechnic University," International Journal of Learning and Teaching, Vol. 12, No. 3, pp. 290-294, 2026.

Copyright © 2026 by the authors. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited (CC BY 4.0).