double coded. Then the author and the second coder independently categorised students’ responses and compared results. Afterwards, necessary coding adjustments were made. These steps were repeated till both agreed on the coding of the responses to ensure inter-rater reliability. 2.3 Results The analysis yielded 10 categories for training needs, 7 categories for impeding issues, and 6 categories for personal strengths or resources which could facilitate their guidance and counselling work. 2.3.1 Training needs All participants considered that there was a need for training. The number of training needs identified by each participant ranged from 1 to 9, with the mean number of training needs being 3.9. Twenty-seven students (87.1%) mentioned 1 to 5 training needs. In terms of their perceived needs for training, participants saw the need for training in communication skills, counselling skills, skills in handling cases, interpersonal skills, knowledge related to guidance and counselling, and ways to deal with their own issues as most important (See Table 1). Here are some examples: Communication skills: “Communication skills with different students (different students with different background.)” (Subject number 4) Counselling skills “Strategies for responding to students so as not to discourage them and stimulate students’ emotion.” (Subject number 1) Skills in handling cases “To learn how to act professionally to deal with students’ problems.” (Subject number 9) “How to deal with different kinds of problems, e.g. family, personal problems.” (Subject number 20) Susanna Wai Ching Lai-Yeung / Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences 113 ( 2014 ) 36 – 43 39 Interpersonal skills “How to develop good relationship with students.” (Subject number 20) “Interpersonal skills” (Subject numbers 10, 15, 18, 28) Table 1. Training needs Rank Area of training needs Total no. of responses 1 Communication skills 23 2 Counselling skills (e.g. questioning skills) 17 3 Case studies/ skills in handling cases 13 3 Interpersonal skills 13 4 Knowledge related to guidance and counseling (e.g.