Explore systems, networks and policy tools
Use these resources to examine how Career Guidance systems are organised, how professionals and policy actors cooperate, and which tools can support system development and quality improvement.
Cedefop’s European network of independent experts in lifelong guidance and career development. CareersNet supports knowledge exchange and contributes national and comparative intelligence on guidance policies and systems.
Useful for: following European developments and connecting system-level trends with national practice.
A European resource kit developed through the European Lifelong Guidance Policy Network to support policy development in lifelong guidance. It brings together reference points and practical material for reviewing and strengthening guidance policies and systems.
Useful for: system-level discussion, policy review and identifying areas for development in guidance provision.
A joint publication by the European Commission, ETF, Cedefop, OECD, ILO and UNESCO outlining why Career Guidance matters for individuals, economies and societies. It describes Career Guidance as support that helps people manage careers and make meaningful education, training and occupational choices, and highlights features of effective guidance systems.
Useful for: introducing the policy case for Career Guidance and discussing access, coordination, quality, professionalisation, labour-market information and technology.
Professional foundations and practitioner competences
Use these publications to examine the professional roles, competences and development needs of Career Guidance practitioners, and to connect system-level concepts with the knowledge and skills required in practice.
A foundational NICE handbook presenting common points of reference for the education and professionalisation of Career Guidance and Counselling professionals. It covers professional roles and core competences, curriculum design, training approaches, quality and emerging developments in the field.
Useful for: exploring professional standards, practitioner roles and competence frameworks, and understanding how Career Guidance expertise can be developed through training.
A foundational NICE handbook presenting common points of reference for the education and professionalisation of Career Guidance and Counselling professionals. It covers professional roles and core competences, curriculum design, training approaches, quality and emerging developments in the field.
Useful for: exploring professional standards, practitioner roles and competence frameworks, and understanding how Career Guidance expertise can be developed through training.
Career Management Skills
Career management skills are a central theme in contemporary Career Guidance. This resource connects theory and practice and explores how people can be supported to develop the competences needed to navigate learning, work and career transitions.
A recent NICE publication examining career management skills from conceptual, contextual and practical perspectives. It includes chapters on foundations and challenges, diversity and contextual influences, the role of practitioners, and strategies for implementing career education.
Useful for: deepening understanding of career management skills and identifying approaches for helping different groups develop them in education and guidance settings.