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Executive summary

The research

This report presents the findings from a Europe-wide study that addressed two purposes:
• to review trends and patterns in training provision for career guidance practitioners;
• to develop a common competence framework for career guidance practitioners in the
European Union (EU).
Sections 1 to 4 review current training and qualification systems for career guidance
practitioners in Europe. These sections explore the current and changing context of career
guidance services, national training systems and emerging trends across Europe. Section 3
focuses on several issues which require attention as provision of training for career guidance
practitioners is developed. Section 4 contains case studies which explore, in some depth,
recent developments in six countries.
Sections 5 to 7 focus on the competence framework of career guidance practitioners.
They explore the concept of competence, the design of the competence framework and
suggestions for its use. Section 8 explores ways of moving forward, and links the two strands
of the project by relating current and proposed training issues to proposed uses of the
competence framework.

The need for training in career guidance skills

The training and competence of career guidance staff make an essential contribution to the
development of high-quality career guidance services, essential in meeting the needs of
national populations and furthering EU strategic aims. Career guidance services need to be
both widely available and able to contribute to a range of client needs from supported
self-help through to intensive personalised support. This requires a diverse workforce,
frequently operating through devolved and dispersed networks. A range of training options
must be matched to various professional and non-professional roles. Training structures
should permit progression and lateral movement by all involved in delivering career guidance
services, including progression from non-professional to professional roles and movement
between sectors. There is a need for a cadre of professional career guidance practitioners in
every country who are able to guide, develop and support diversified delivery networks.
There is also a need for some career specialists educated at the second and third levels of
higher education, to deliver higher-level training courses, undertake research and evaluation
nationally, and engage with the international academic community.

Current training provision

Current training provision is very diverse. It reflects national delivery systems, where career
guidance practice is frequently a subsidiary element within another main professional role.
Training may be mandatory or optional, systematic or ad hoc, and at any level from short
uncertified courses to master’s degrees. In many countries, training in a related specialism

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