Training in Green Guidance: from Theory to Practice

Climate change is already impacting careers, and this influence is expected to grow in the future. The labor market is undergoing a ‘greening’ transformation, with ‘green jobs,’ ‘green education,’ and ‘green skills and competencies’ becoming increasingly important. Significant efforts are also being made within the education system to integrate sustainability, but also to address the emotional aspects of climate change (eco-anxiety) and prepare individuals for green careers (Hooley et al., 2024). The question of the role of career professionals in addressing today’s environmental challenges is not new. As early as 1996, Peter Plant highlighted the need for new guidance concepts in response to global warming and environmental concerns, suggesting that traditional, individualistic theories and practices of career development should be re-examined. But how can this be implemented in practice? How can we expand our perspective on career decision-making to include sustainability? Is this part of our responsibility? And if so, how can we do so while maintaining ethical standards, impartiality, and respect for the individuals and communities we support?

This training for career guidance professionals draws on research and best practices from six European countries, developed as part of the “Exploring Green Guidance” project. The “Green Guidance” approach and its tools were co-created with career professionals and tested with a variety of target groups. This intensive 5-day training program is designed for career practitioners seeking to integrate sustainable practices into their guidance approach. Participants will explore green guidance theories, gain insights into sustainable career pathways, and learn practical techniques to apply these concepts in their work. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical examples and hands-on activities. Group and individual tutoring and integration of the network of Green Guidance ambassadors is proposed after the end of the training.