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This project investigates learning and career development services
for adults, particularly those who are in some way disengaged from
the labour market or educational systems.
- Most adults do not understand that in the contemporary world
of work it is important to develop the skills to be able to manage
one’s own career and life pathways.
- A strong culture of career development needs to
be built in Australia, one which has a focus on all age groups
and which encourages older adults to consider career and learning
options before a crisis hits.
- When made aware of what career guidance services can offer,
many older adults who are disengaged from the labour force recognise
their value. This indicates a potential demand for a career guidance
service which is conducted face-to-face in a community setting
by people with appropriate qualifications in career guidance and
adult learning. Those offering advice and guidance need to be
familiar with local labour market conditions and the variety of
formal and informal learning options available in the community.
- Such career guidance and advice is best when it is community-based,
affordable and impartial; that is, when it is one step removed
from agencies offering other assistance such as welfare, job matching
or training.
- Timely personal intervention in career decisions is needed, as most adults
disengaged from the labour force are not likely to be proactive
in seeking career guidance. In this context career advice or guidance
should be offered as early as possible to enable people to make
informed decisions about their options.
- Local conditions will determine how an impartial, community-based career
guidance service operates. To be sustainable, they will usually
require a partnership funding model, with contributions from various
public agencies and some fee-for-service revenue. In addition,
providers will need to develop their counselling skills and build
their capacity in terms of relationship building, negotiation,
policy development, marketing, financial management and evaluation.
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