ReportCompetence Framework_DEF_19.06.2018

The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. [Project Number: 2017-1-SK01-KA204-035385] 5. CONCLUSIONS According to the objectives of this study and the obtained results, the following conclusions are drawn: • The results obtained from the questionnaires and the qualitative interviews to professionals highlight the importance of all the competences identified on this study for the work practice of career counselors. • The research developed by each of the member country shows clearly that, due to the weak economic situation and increased unemployment there is a need to start or redirect the career profession. It will be necessary to count on professionals who know how to assist with changes in the profession and who can support a client’s guidance needs appropriately. • From the research on professional guidance developed in the framework of this project, we can highlight the diverse situations encountered in the involved countries and the relatively low specialized training offered for guidance professionals to manage these situations effectively. Due to this situation, most professional guidance services are not effective as they should be to support the targets. This goes in line with the OECD recommendations to provide further training support to improve counselors capacities to improve the efficiency of the public employment policies. 1. On the one hand, professional counselors almost always have a higher degree. But it has not been the one that has given them the knowledge and skills required for their exercise. Based on data related to the training and qualification of counselors, the OECD (2004) establishes five major training and certification models. Which are the following ones: • Qualification specialized in professional guidance. Although a specialized higher degree is not required for professional guidance, except in the United Kingdom, Germany and Australia. • General qualification in orientation and counseling. • Basic and general preparation, but insufficient. • Limited training. In some cases, people who have not received specific training in this field are appointed for professional orientation positions. • Training in the labor framework. The same case occurs as in limited training. 2. On the other hand, the level, content and structure of the training courses and the types of qualifications required of professional counselors influence the categories of professional guidance services that public administrations can offer their citizens. Which influences access to career guidance. 3. Finally, almost all training programs still consider career guidance as a personal and individual service. Since few programs teach professionals to help users develop the skills and knowledge necessary for autonomous management. Employment policies have been the issue in recent decades that has had a greater importance within the social policy developed by the European Union.