Supporting the Development of Students’ Career Competencies: Recommendations for Establishing a School Career Services System

The publication outlines a comprehensive framework for enhancing career guidance and services in Estonian schools. It emphasises that career development is a lifelong process that helps individuals adapt to a changing world, identify personal strengths and interests and make informed decisions related to education and work. Effective career guidance contributes not only to individual well-being but also supports the functioning of the education system, labour market, and broader society. 

The document defines key concepts related to career development and describes how schools can systematically organise career services. These services include career education, which is integrated into the curriculum to help students build awareness of themselves and opportunities; career information, which provides structured data on educational paths, professions, and labour market trends; and career counselling, a personalised process that supports students in making decisions about studies and careers. It explains how career education, career information, and individual career counselling complement each other and should be embedded in everyday school practice rather than treated as separate or occasional activities.

It also presents practical guidance for schools on planning and delivering career-related activities, clarifies stakeholder roles, and highlights the importance of collaboration within the school and external partners. The document provides practical guidance on organising career services at the school level, integrating career-related learning across subjects, and building cooperation with employers, higher education institutions, and support services. It also highlights the importance of evidence-based planning, quality assurance, and continuous professional development for career practitioners.

The aim of the authors is to support school leaders in reflecting on the approach to career education in their school, updating the school curriculum, and establishing a career services system that responds to students’ needs and aligns with the guidelines set out in the curriculum.