“Promoting Equal Opportunities through Guidance" on 25-26 September 2025”: A Full House and Plenty of Inspiration in Mannheim!

On 25–26 September 2025, the international conference “Promoting Equal Opportunities through Guidance: Recognising Diversity – Unlocking Potential” took place in Mannheim.

More than 150 practitioners and experts in educational, career, study and lifelong guidance, alongside representatives from research institutions and guidance providers from Germany, Austria, Luxembourg and Switzerland, gathered for two intensive days of exchange. The central question: how can guidance serve as a key driver in promoting equal opportunities?

The event was jointly organised by the German Association for Educational and Vocational Guidance (dvb), the University of Applied Labour Studies of the Federal Employment Agency (HdBA), and the National Euroguidance Centre Germany hosted at the Federal Employment Agency.

Keynote and Exchange of Practice

Following a creative icebreaker and the official welcome, my colleague Jeanette Hammer (BA) and I had the honour of delivering the first keynote: “How Networking and Quality Assurance Support Equal Opportunities – The Example of Educational and Career Guidance in Lower Austria.”

With the help of a detailed presentation, we introduced our counselling practice, networking activities and the quality management system in our region. The response was overwhelmingly positive: many participants requested further materials, expressed interest in job shadowing within our network, or simply shared their enthusiasm about this inspiring example from Austria. Even our Austrian dialect became a small highlight of its own, adding a refreshing note to the exchange.

Kick-off Meeting of the Euroguidance Centres

In the afternoon, we joined the kick-off meeting of the Euroguidance centres from Germany, Austria, Luxembourg and Switzerland. Together, we agreed to strengthen cooperation in the German-speaking region and to expand future collaboration.

Inspiring Workshops and the Josephine Levy-Rathenau Prize

As part of the Josephine Levy-Rathenau Award ceremony, we were introduced to an outstanding master’s thesis on “Supervision in Agriculture,” which sparked lively conversations well into the evening.

Day two offered a broad choice of workshops. Jeanette attended “Guidance as a Mirror of Society: Empirical Impulses for a Fairer Practice,” where findings from a study on lifelong learning and counselling were presented. The results underlined the importance of diverse and professional guidance offers throughout different life phases – while also pointing to the need for more outreach and visibility so that people find their way to guidance at the right time.

I, in turn, had the chance to explore the project “Talents in Focus: More Equal Opportunities through Talent Scouting.” The presentation of this initiative was moving and inspiring, and in personal discussions it quickly became clear that this idea is one I would like to bring back to Lower Austria. 

Closing Keynote and Takeaways

The conference concluded with a thought-provoking keynote by Prof. Dr. Paulina Jedrzejczyk (HdBA) under the intriguing title “How a Curtain Can Contribute to Equal Opportunities.” The talk offered new perspectives and impulses for quality development in guidance while at the same time affirming the value of our ongoing efforts.

A European Learning Experience

This Erasmus+ funded journey is yet another wonderful example of how international exchange among colleagues is a true enrichment. Conversations and joint work sessions inspired, challenged, and motivated us – leaving us grateful for the opportunity to keep improving.

A heartfelt thank you for this unique chance, made possible through the European funding programme

Dipl.-Ing. Rosemarie Pichler

Project Manager, Educational and Career Guidance of Lower Austria

Consortium Lead, Erasmus+ in Lower Austria