Lifelong Guidance in Iceland: Policy, Professionalism and Partnership

Author: Jónína Kárdal, career and guidance counsellor, Iceland 

Iceland’s Education Policy 2030 places lifelong learning and guidance at the heart of its vision for an inclusive and adaptable education system. A new national strategy aims to ensure everyone has access to quality career education and counselling at every stage of life, which is supported by skilled professionals, digital innovation, and strong European partnerships. 

Lifelong Guidance in Education Policy 2030 

Iceland´s Education Policy 2030 envisions lifelong learning based on flexibility and inclusiveness.  The guiding values are perseverance, courage, knowledge and happiness.  The policy places career education, guidance and counselling as an asset in shaping a future-ready, inclusive education system. The second action plan of the Education Policy 2030 identifies the development of a national strategy for lifelong guidance.  This shows a better understanding of how career and guidance counselling can help people at different stages of life, such as when considering education choices, entering the labour market or career transitions. 

A National Strategy for Guidance Across the Lifespan 

The strategy is intended to improve access to guidance throughout the lifespan of individuals, starting with compulsory education and continuing into adulthood.  It reveals the significance of early intervention and support, particularly in upper primary and lower secondary levels, where students begin to explore their interests and consider future pathways. The plan also acknowledges the potential of digital tools to enhance access and engagement.  Career education, guidance and counselling are embedded not only as a support, but as a structural developmental process aligned with national priorities in education.  

Iceland in the European Lifelong Guidance Landscape 

These priorities are broadly aligned with developments across Europe.  Iceland´s approach reflects principles promoted by Euroguidance and the European Lifelong Guidance Policy Network (ELGPN), which have long advocated for: 

• Lifelong access to guidance services 

• Integration of guidance into education and employment systems 

• Cross-sectoral cooperation  

• Professional development and quality assurance 

• Use of technology to support guidance delivery 

Each country adapts these principles to their context, and Iceland´s commitment to a national strategy suggests a willingness to find solutions to shared challenges and opportunities in the field of lifelong guidance. The strategy also provides a framework for strengthening connections between education and the labour market.  

A 45-Year Tradition of Professional Career and Guidance Counselling 

Iceland has a history of formal career and guidance counselling of almost 45 years. Career and guidance counsellors are certified specialists by law and hold a master's degree in the field.  This can be seen as a strength within the Icelandic guidance systems, along with the fact that it is a legal right for all students at the elementary and upper secondary level to have access to guidance.  This lays a solid foundation that reflects a commitment to educational equity and that career development is considered a fundamental part of learning.  The service is provided by qualified experts and as such, these professionals bear the title career and guidance counsellor a reference to their profession, providing guidance and counselling in a lifelong perspective, from education to transitioning into the world of work.  

University-Based Education and Research in Guidance Counselling 

Since 1991, the University of Iceland has provided specialised education in the field of counselling, which begins with a postgraduate diploma in school counselling. In 2006, a two-year master’s programme in career and guidance counselling was added. This helped create a strong professional base and supported ongoing research in the field. 

The Role of the Icelandic Educational and Vocational Guidance Association 

The Icelandic Educational and Vocational Guidance Association (Félag náms- og starfsráðgjafa), has played a strategic and collaborative role in the development of the profession.  The association has advocated for the embedding of professional guidance within national policy, promotes professional development and ethical standards. In 2006, the Association started Career and Guidance Counselling Day, which is celebrated every year on October 20. This event aims to highlight the importance and objectives of career and guidance counselling in education, as well as to honour the profession and its practitioners. In conjunction with this celebration, the association acknowledges a member for their significant contributions to the field of career and guidance counselling in Iceland. 

Digital Innovation and Future Pathway 

Digital platforms have become an important part of how guidance and counselling are changing. Næstaskref.is a national resource that provides accessible information about education and career options. The platform is an essential link in providing quality career information and helping individuals explore pathways and make informed decisions. The platform supports both students and career and guidance counsellors in the guidance process and reflects the growing role of technology in lifelong learning. 

Conclusion 

Career and guidance counselling in Iceland is in a position to empower individuals, support transitions and contribute to a more resilient and inclusive society through a strong educational policy foundation, leadership and European collaboration.