AI career planner breaks constraints, ignites passion and put underprivileged students on track

“In fact, 90% of students can’t decide their interests.” Now a founder of an education group, Ernest was once as clueless as his students. “By the time I reached Form 5, I still had no idea what to study in university or career to pursue. Fortunately, I found my subject and graduated at 19, but this shouldn’t be down to luck.” So, what does it take? 

Passion breaks barriers  

As a child, Ernest showed signs of autism. “Back then, SEN wasn’t known. When I talked to myself, teachers would complain to my parents, so I learnt to hide myself.” He navigated his way through school by himself with luck, and now as a teacher, his heart is with children like him. He encountered students from different backgrounds at work, and saw how resources impact performances and passion breaks barriers. For example, a student with weaker English skills made significant progress yearning for the robot competition in the US; and a Band 3 student who completed an online first-year psychology course by a university, with grades comparable to Band 1 students. “Students just lack motivation. If they got more information in advance and were able to identify their strengths, they could beat the odds.”

Technology complements career planning resources

OnTrack is an AI-powered career planning platform developed for underprivileged students, which integrates Holland Code career test with further education and career information. It analyses students’ abilities and needs, to recommend the most suitable careers and studies for them. AI can overcome resource constraints and reduce the workload of teachers and social workers, compensating the limited time for career guidance at school. The easily accessible information on the platform also allows students to find what they need swiftly; while the analysis reports offer social workers with insights into the students’ abilities and interests in advance, making counselling more efficient.

Steering the way rather than deciding the future

The project focuses on feasibility, setting practical goals for students. “Even if two people have the same personality, differences in academic ability or experience can significantly influence their choices. Besides, family and university admission requirements are considered, to provide relevant recommendations.” He emphasised that the project does not decide students’ careers for them, but provides them with resources and options. “This will at least give them a reason to study, knowing that exams aren’t just for pleasing their parents.” In reality, social resources could never be fairly distributed. “Education is not a zero-sum game, but rather leveling up. Through technology, we hope to bridge the resource gaps.”

Gaining a deeper understanding of market needs via hands-on experience

OnTrack received The Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Fund through MakerBay Foundation’s Impact Innovation Lab, which enables it to bring its services to secondary schools in different districts. It has benefited over 600 students from low-income families to date. Ernest noted that this experience helped him understand school operation and collaboration procedures, from coordinating with teachers of various disciplines to school timetabling. Meanwhile, he also embraced a new role, expanding his research to early childhood education. “My first child arrived during the same period. At the early childhood stage, parents should provide more resources that allow their kids to choose what they love in the future, and I’m working hard on it as a father myself.”