Page 35 - Euroguidance Insight Magazine

During 2021, the topic for discussion was ‘The role of ‘Seizing the moment: Are employers and employ-
digitalisation in career guidance practice’. Although ees seeing eye-to-eye?’ in which he addressed the
this had already been identified locally as a priority importance of understanding current employment
area, the pandemic exacerbated its importance. This realities as they developed in changing geopolitical
was especially the case when we were faced with scenarios involving Malta. Reference was also made
the closure of schools and the need to re-organise to the thoughts of employers and employees as
career guidance provision to adapt to the new captured in the new 2021-2030 Employment Policy.
reality. Whereas before the pandemic the career Some reflections were made in relation to the extent
guidance services were provided face to face, the of the alignment between employers' demands and
provision of remote career guidance interventions employees’ concerns. In conclusion, strengthening
through telephone, the internet, computer and existing collaboration and networking with stake-
social media networks became an obligatory holders in career guidance in the education and
alternative. employment sectors are key to the development
of a seamless Lifelong Guidance System in Malta,
The keynote speaker was an international expert in targeting not only users from compulsory schooling
this area, Dr Raimo Vuorinen, from the University but also beyond. Hence these Stakeholders’ Fora
of Jyväskylä, Finland. Due to travel restrictions, Dr will certainly continue to be given priority by the
Vuorinen discussed the topic online, focussing on EG Malta.
the benefits of employer and education engage-
ment and the use of digital platforms/tools in Post-pandemic lessons from Malta
career guidance practice. Table discussions among within compulsory schooling
stakeholders followed, about how this could be
further s strengthened and how the use of digital COVID-19 has certainly transformed the way our
tools further integrated within career guidance career guidance service has been delivered in the
practice for the benefit of students and all career past two years. This unprecedented experience has
guidance service users. taught Euroguidance Malta many lessons worth
sharing with the guidance community. Locally,
the 2022 Stakeholders’ Forum focused on ‘Innovation guidance services were transferred online, and
of guidance provision’. Professor Vincent Cassar, from services had to adapt to be able to operate. This in-
the University of Malta gave his keynote speech cluded the use of online one-to-one and telephone

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