Page 1 - insights-july-2020

Euroguidance Insight

Euroguidance Insight Magazine Issue 1/2020

Covid-19 has had a very disruptive effect and

international mobility is one of many activities that has

been set on hold. No one knows when universities and

learning institutions will regain their status

post-crisis. It is not possible now to think of the

situation as “getting back to normal” because normal

is being redefined, and we can only scarcely predict

some aspects of the new normal. The crisis made us

more interconnected and the need to develop a more

global mindset has become urgent. This has even

made virtual mobility a reality.

The relevance of the study on lifelong guidance

carried out by the Commission was increased by the

crisis and suggests responses to some of the challenges caused by the virus.

Unemployment caused by shutdown raises the need for reorientation and perhaps upskilling and reskilling. During

1
her Keynote speech at the digital Learning By Leaving conference organized by Austria, Alison Crabb called for

tailored guidance services. The conference itself was a showcase for guidance collaboration and a perfect example

of how far we have evolved in going virtual. Serbia was the host of another virtual seminar featuring internationally

renowned speakers such as Prof. Nancy Arthur, Dr. Deirdre Hughes, Dr. Mary McMahon and Tomas Sprlak.

Malta has also taken huge steps towards the digital age, as if they were foreseeing something happening. Both

Estonia and the UK are already heading for the future, designing guidance for Generation Z and avoiding the notion

of linear career development. In Sweden, the Public Employment Service has become digital and self-served,

focusing on updated labour market information.

Traditional learning continues at the same time and Ireland has explored innovative creativity to foster international

learning, whilst Italy has activated stakeholders to develop the field of mobility in guidance. Learning through

cross-national experiences, like study visits and conferencing, is still the preferred way of developing competencies

and will remain at the top of the agenda for many people. Finally, the new Europass is a tool integrating all types

of learning into personalised competence portfolios where all kinds of competencies are described, whether digital

or analog.

1
Head of Unit, Skills and Qualifications, DG Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion, European Commission