Climate change is already impacting careers, and this influence is expected to grow in the future. The labuor market is undergoing a ‘greening’ transformation, with ‘green jobs,’ ‘green education,’ and ‘green skills and competencies’ becoming increasingly important. Significant efforts are also being made within the education system to integrate sustainability, but also to address the emotional aspects of climate change (eco-anxiety) and prepare individuals for green careers (Hooley et al., 2024). The question of the role of career professionals in addressing today’s environmental challenges is not new. As early as 1996, Peter Plant highlighted the need for new guidance concepts in response to global warming and environmental concerns, suggesting that traditional, individualistic theories and practices of career development should be re-examined. But how can this be implemented in practice? How can we expand our perspective on career decision-making to include sustainability? Is this part of our responsibility? And if so, how can we do so while maintaining ethical standards, impartiality, and respect for the individuals and communities we support?
This training for career guidance professionals draws on research and best practices from six European countries, developed as part of the “Exploring Green Guidance” project. The “Green Guidance” approach and its tools were co-created with career professionals and tested with a variety of target groups. This intensive 5-day training program is designed for career practitioners seeking to integrate sustainable practices into their guidance approach. Participants will explore green guidance theories, gain insights into sustainable career pathways, and learn practical techniques to apply these concepts in their work. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical examples and hands-on activities. Group and individual tutoring and integration of the network of Green Guidance ambassadors is proposed after the end of the training.
Expected Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the core principles of green guidance and its relevance to career development practices.
- Critically reflect on the role of career professionals in addressing sustainability and climate-related issues, including considerations of impartiality.
- Apply green guidance theories to reflect on one’s practice.
- Utilize practical tools and resources to integrate green guidance into daily practice.
- Identify and promote sustainable career pathways across various industries.
Content of the training:
- Introduction to the concept of sustainability in career guidance, different conceptualisations of green guidance (theoretical approaches, origins: Plant, Guichard, Rossier, Mastonati, Hooley).
- Ethical considerations and impartiality in the context of green guidance.
- Exploration of the various professional roles of guidance practitioners in relation to sustainability and climate change.
- The impact of the green transition on the economy and employment.
- Critical reflection based on key texts in the field of career guidance.
- Operational framework for delivering green guidance and for “greening” existing tools
- Role-playing and simulations using tools from green guidance toolbox
- Definition of an individual action plan for integrating green guidance tools into professional practice.
- Group and individual tutoring, along with integration into the Green Guidance ambassador network (post-training).