From policy to practice : a systemic change to lifelong guidance in Europe

Abstract

In recent years, there has been strong political momentum in guidance. Career information, guidance and counselling are increasingly seen as key strategic tools for implementing lifelong learning policies, more efficient investments in education and training, as well as employment strategies at regional and national levels. Still, emergence of a knowledge-based society requires that guidance provision is conceived to encourage individuals to continue to develop their skills and competences throughout their lives, linked to changing needs in the labour market. In May 2004, the European Union Council Resolution on lifelong guidance called for reforming guidance policies and practices to support learning at all ages and in a broad range of settings. Special attention is to be paid to broadening access to guidance provision, improving quality assurance mechanisms, empowering citizens to manage their own career and learning, strengthening the coordination of guidance services and setting up structures for policy development involving key guidance stakeholders at national and regional levels. This report sets out to document how much progress is being achieved in reforming guidance provision, since Cedefop launched its first review on the state of development (Cedefop; Sultana, 2004). The study is part of Cedefop’s efforts to support evidence-based policy-making and steering reforms in career guidance, through progress monitoring and thematic reviews, analysis of good practices and mutual learning. All European Union Member States plus Norway have reported on the extent to which they have addressed the priority areas identified in the Council Resolution. The report outlines significant developments and trends of career guidance systems and policies. It also highlights interesting practice from which policy-makers and practitioners can draw inspiration. The study also identifies key challenges that need to be addressed if Member States are to move towards providing quality lifelong guidance. Guidance provision and systems in Europe are at very different stages of development. This study shows that although Member States have made important progress, much commitment is still needed to implement fully the lifelong guidance Council Resolution and build up consistent and accessible guidance systems, which will truly accompany citizens in key transition points of their lives. We hope this report will stimulate debate among policy-makers, practitioners and researchers on how to make lifelong guidance a reality.