Estonia Introduces New Standard for Career Specialist

Author: Margit Rammo, Euroguidance, Estonia

Estonia has introduced new occupational qualification standards for career specialists, focusing on four key areas: career counselling, career information provision, career education in schools and career management in organisations. These changes mark a major step forward for Estonia, reflecting the need for comprehensive career guidance across sectors, and aligning with broader European trends in lifelong guidance.

Core Areas and Elective Competencies

The new standard builds on the existing qualifications for career specialists, retaining four mandatory competencies: promotion of services, networking, service development, and instruction and training. Practitioners must also demonstrate expertise in at least one of the four key areas. This framework ensures that professionals can operate across a wide range of environments, from public employment services to educational institutions and private organisations.

Career Education in Schools

One of the most significant updates is the integration of career education into schools, aiming to prepare students early for the demands of the labour market. Career specialists at both European Qualification Framework’s Level 6 and Level 7 coordinate and develop career services in educational institutions, aligning them with the national curricula. 

A key task for career specialists in schools is to work closely with teachers and other staff, embedding career development into both subject teaching and extracurricular activities. This holistic approach ensures that students acquire career management skills from an early age. Specialists also support parents by guiding them on how to assist their children in navigating career decisions, creating a bridge between education and the workforce.

Feedback from students, parents, and other stakeholders is gathered to improve the quality of career education programs. This ongoing evaluation process ensures that career education remains relevant and adaptable to changing student and labour market needs.

Career Management in Organisations

The updated standard also introduces career management within organisations at Level 7, reflecting the growing focus on talent and employee development in modern businesses. Career specialists in organisations are responsible for developing and implementing career management strategies aligned with broader business objectives. This expansion into corporate career management addresses the increasing demand for structured employee development pathways. Career specialists oversee the career progression of employees, while also managing a network of internal and external counsellors who are trained to support staff in their professional growth. By providing career guidance, organisations can boost employee engagement, retention, and overall performance.

A Future-Oriented Framework for Career Guidance

These updates represent a forward-thinking approach to career guidance in Estonia, with an emphasis on professional growth and continuous self-development. The system encourages career specialists to engage in lifelong learning, ensuring they remain at the forefront of evolving career guidance practices, labour market needs, and technological innovations.

By expanding the career specialist role into schools and organisations, the new standard provides a more comprehensive framework that meets the diverse career guidance needs of individuals at different life stages. Estonia’s updated qualification system not only aligns with European trends but also enhances the quality and professionalism of career guidance nationwide, ensuring a well-prepared and adaptable workforce for the future. 

For further information, please view the publication Lifelong guidance in Estonia.