Qualify Policy Recommendations _final

Dear reader, This Policy Guide is made with a simple goal: to encourage policymakers to assist professionals by introducing the results of the project “Career Coaches for Low Qualified Adults” (QUALIFY) developed in the framework of the Erasmus + programme and giving them some ideas on how to encourage and support their work with low qualified adults. The target groups of the QUALIFY project were guidance practitioners, career advisors and recruiters working with low skilled adults. Our aim was to develop new approaches to career guidance and create conditions for more tailored and personalised support. This was done through the creation of soft-skills training modules and useful complementary ICT tools to support professional daily practice when working with low skilled unemployed adults. These ICT tools were developed from the QUALIFY face- to-face training that was successfully delivered as part of the project. This guide was prepared for policymakers and decision makers at a national and local level to promote the importance of career guidance to low skilled unemployed . It is essential to ensure that low skilled qualified people in Slovakia and across Europe receive more personalised and empathetic approaches to support them into employment. This is not possible without an effective soft-skills and up-skilling training programme for professionals to share with their clients. We believe that lifelong learning is a necessity in both the private and the public sphere. Being open towards education and training is crucial to become a successful professional, regardless of the level of qualification acquired. In addition, implementing training with particular focus on soft skills for individual personal development is key. The QUALIFY project partners liaised with career professionals as part of the training to create innova- tive and user-friendly learning tools. The methodology supported the professionals to cascade this learning to their clients, in particular ones with low qualifications. This model can be replicated widely in other EU countries and the online ICT tools will support this. We have been listening and learning from guidance professionals, advisors and recruiters who partici- pated in the QUALIFY project. By listening to their needs and the identified needs of their clients, we have made a unique and holistic program, strong in soft skills and up-skilling, coaching and networking. In this guide, you will find recommendations gathered by project partners from our research, evaluation forms and interviews conducted with low skilled unemployed and professionals. All partner countries have engaged in these tasks. Enjoy the read!