The European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop) has presented the updated European Union Lifelong Guidance Reference Framework. The document reflects the need for modern, accessible, and effective career guidance systems in the context of a rapidly changing labour market, digital transformation, and the green economy.
The Reference Framework is the result of broad cooperation between Cedefop, the European Commission, ETF, ILO, OECD, UNESCO, and experts from the CareersNet network. It builds on the previous European guidelines from 2005 and 2015, offering an updated and shared vision for high-quality career guidance in Europe.
At the core of the Reference Framework are principles that ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of lifelong guidance services:
- user-centred approach;
- inclusive and holistic approach;
- equal access;
- transparency;
- evidence-based policy;
- professionalism;
- continuous improvement.
The Reference Framework includes 18 guidelines intended for:
a) policy areas that contribute to the quality, professionalisation, and continuous development of lifelong guidance policies and systems;
b) different target groups – students, learners, children, adults, employed and unemployed people;
c) the social inclusion of at-risk youth and representatives of vulnerable groups.
The updated EU Reference Framework provides Member States with a common basis for analysing, planning, and developing policies that respond to the needs of citizens and the modern economy. It is an important step towards building stronger, more adaptive, and more inclusive career guidance systems in Europe.
You can access the full text at the following link: https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/en/publications/3098