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Abstract

International, European and UK policy documents have recently drawn attention to the strategic importance of career guidance for lifelong learning and the labour market. However, there are gaps in the evidence relating to its positive impacts. A five-year research study is currently underway in England, which is examining the exact nature of effective guidance and how it affects clients' lives. Fifty in-depth case studies have been completed (2003–2004) and clients are being followed up over a four-year period (2004-2007). Client perceptions of guidance have been compared with practitioner perceptions and those of a third party (an ‘expert witness’). Strategies and skills used by practitioners have been scrutinised, together with the structures of service provision. The first follow-up has examined the impact of guidance on clients one year on. Findings presented in this paper are based on the initial two phases of the study (2003-2005).

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Is Career Guidance Effective? Evidence from a Longitudinal Study in England

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