A fresh look at guidance practitioner professionalism

Lockdowns and social distancing have accelerated the digitalisation of labour markets, triggering changes in work patterns and skills demand as European companies and public bodies have embraced new technologies and look for new talent. As reflected in several EU countries' resilience and recovery plans, upskilling, reskilling and career guidance are ever more important, empowering people to manage their learning and working careers. Some EU Member States have been working towards comprehensive ICT-driven lifelong guidance and career development systems, integrating advanced skills...  [+] Show more

Lockdowns and social distancing have accelerated the digitalisation of labour markets, triggering changes in work patterns and skills demand as European companies and public bodies have embraced new technologies and look for new talent. As reflected in several EU countries' resilience and recovery plans, upskilling, reskilling and career guidance are ever more important, empowering people to manage their learning and working careers. Some EU Member States have been working towards comprehensive ICT-driven lifelong guidance and career development systems, integrating advanced skills intelligence resources. They interlink public employment services, enterprises and education and training providers with users looking for work or learning opportunities, and reach out to those needing social and financial support.

Against this fast-shifting backdrop, EU and national policy-makers have renewed their attention to guidance practitioner changing roles, competences, skill needs and continuous professional development. This briefing note offers new insights into how countries are modernising their career guidance systems and services. Practitioner professionalism, including digital competences, is an integral part of this endeavour; Excerpt from publication.