This report discusses the findings from an independent review of career guidance provision in Ireland submitted to the Minister of Education and Skills. The background to this review is that the National Skills Strategy 2025 [available in VOCEDplus at TD/TNC 134.272] proposed a review of guidance services, tools and careers information. This reflected the significance of career guidance given the changing patterns of work and the need for reskilling in the context of lifelong learning. The objective of this review is to examine aspects of career guidance in the Irish education and training sys
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This report discusses the findings from an independent review of career guidance provision in Ireland submitted to the Minister of Education and Skills. The background to this review is that the National Skills Strategy 2025 [available in VOCEDplus at TD/TNC 134.272] proposed a review of guidance services, tools and careers information. This reflected the significance of career guidance given the changing patterns of work and the need for reskilling in the context of lifelong learning. The objective of this review is to examine aspects of career guidance in the Irish education and training system in order to improve the existing career guidance tools and career information and to enhance enterprise engagement. While this review is focused on elements of career guidance in the education and training system, the report notes that there are wider requirements for career guidance outside of the education and training sector.
The review methodology included extensive stakeholder engagement, empirical survey evidence with learners and guidance counsellors, an examination of international best practice, a review of existing research and new econometric modelling of guidance counselling. The review found that Ireland exhibits a number of features of an effective, lifelong and life-wide career guidance system. The evidence assembled as part of this independent review, however, suggests that significant gaps exist. There is an urgent need to enhance effective enterprise engagement and to make much greater use of technology blended with other guidance supports in providing career guidance. There is also a need for reforms to organisational structures to support the provision of high-quality, lifelong and life-wide career information advice and guidance. The report's recommendations are designed to support national goals for effective and inclusive career guidance policy including: the provision of high-quality guidance tools and career information; an awareness of multiple pathways including apprenticeships and traineeships; and enhanced enterprise engagement.
Edited excerpts from publication.
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