North Macedonia Develops Standards and Qualifications for Career Counselors
The Euroguidance Center at the National Agency for European Educational Programmes and Mobility has taken a major step toward strengthening the country’s career counselling system by launching the development of standards and qualifications for career counsellors.
The initiative, which began in March 2024, aims to professionalize career counselling and improve support services for diverse groups, including young people and students to adults, individuals with disabilities, and those from rural areas or with fewer opportunities.
Collaborative Efforts with National and International Experts
Over the past year, the Euroguidance Center organized a series of workshops involving both domestic and international experts. Among the contributors were representatives from the European Training Foundation, Irish career counselling specialist Dr. Jennifer McKenzie, and members of the Association of Career Development Practitioners.
Key national stakeholders also participated, including the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth, the Employment Agency, the Bureau for Development of Education, the Center for Vocational Education and Training, the Center for Adult Education, the National Youth Council of Macedonia, the Trade Union of Education, Science and Culture, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, and the Employers’ Board.
Key Outcomes
The workshops resulted in the development of new professional standards and qualifications for career counsellors, carefully tailored to the needs of different target groups. In addition, participants adopted a Code of Ethics for Career Counsellors, which is expected to serve as a cornerstone for professional practice in the field.
Discussions also led to proposals for amendments to the Law on Secondary Education, particularly in relation to the role of career counsellors. Two by-laws were drafted – one defining the duties of career counsellors in secondary schools, and another outlining the procedure for their recruitment and selection.
Next Steps
The next phase of the project will focus on adapting the developed standards and qualifications and formally including them in the Register of Qualifications and the Register of Occupations. This step will ensure the official recognition of career counselling as a profession in North Macedonia.
According to the Euroguidance Center, the long-term goal is to continuously improve the quality and efficiency of career counselling, ensuring stronger and more inclusive support services for all target groups.
The Euroguidance Center at the National Agency for European Educational Programmes and Mobility has taken a major step toward strengthening the country’s career counselling system by launching the development of standards and qualifications for career counsellors.
The initiative, which began in March 2024, aims to professionalize career counselling and improve support services for diverse groups, ranging from young people and students to adults, individuals with disabilities, and those from rural areas or with fewer opportunities.
