Investing in Career Guidance – International Report Published
An inter-agency working group has published a statement focussing on the importance of career guidance, to guide policymakers and emphasise its importance in a changing world. The Working Group is comprised of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop), the European Commission, the European Training Foundation (ETF), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the World Bank.
The Growing Importance of Career Guidance in a Changing World
In today’s rapidly evolving global economy, career guidance has become more than a helpful resource—it’s a necessity. With technological advancements, automation, and the transition to green economies reshaping labour markets, individuals face unprecedented challenges in navigating their careers. Longer participation in education and training, coupled with the need for continuous upskilling and reskilling, underscores the critical role of career guidance systems worldwide.
What Is Career Guidance?
Career guidance is not just about finding a job. The Working Group describes career guidance as “the services that help people of any age to make the educational, training and occupational choices that are meaningful for them over a lifetime. It helps them to acquire and develop the capacity to manage their careers”, with the development of “career management skills”. These skills include job search strategies, networking, resilience, and self-awareness—that empower people to adapt to change.
Why It Matters
Effective career guidance delivers tangible benefits:
- Smooth Transitions: It helps students move confidently from education to employment.
- Labour Market Efficiency: By aligning skills with market needs, guidance reduces mismatches and unemployment.
- Social Fairness: It ensures equal access to opportunities, particularly for vulnerable groups.
- Well-being: Reduces uncertainty and stress associated with career decisions.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its importance, access to career guidance remains uneven. Many countries struggle with fragmented services and insufficient funding. Digital tools offer new possibilities for expanding access, but they also risk excluding those without adequate technology or digital literacy.
Different Needs Across the Life Cycle
Young people face high unemployment and narrow career aspirations, making early engagement in career guidance crucial. Adults, on the other hand, require guidance for reskilling and adapting to technological change—yet awareness and access to services remain low.
Policy Recommendations
To build effective systems, governments should:
- Develop national strategies for lifelong guidance.
- Integrate guidance into education and workplaces.
- Engage employers to provide real-world exposure.
- Ensure quality standards and monitoring.
- Expand digital and outreach initiatives for inclusivity.
The Irish Context
This report comes at a time where Ireland is investing in skills development and adapting to changes across the labour market. Guidance provision remains focussed on young people participating in post-primary education; there is a growing need to expand and invest in adult guidance across the country. The “National Strategic Framework for Lifelong Guidance (2024-2030)” is a good starting point to develop our guidance services and provide supports to people across their entire career.