Career services in Australia: supporting people's transitions across the lifespan

This report grew from a request of the former MCEETYA National Careers Taskforce for a mapping exercise which would describe existing career information, guidance and counselling arrangements in Australia and identify gaps, opportunities and good practice models in the provision of career services throughout Australia.  The aim of the report is to inform the work of the Taskforce.  Miles Morgan Australia Pty Ltd was contracted to undertake the mapping exercise and to develop Australia’s response to an OECD questionnaire on career information, guidance and counselling policies.  This report draws on the responses to the questionnaire and a range of other documents and conversations with various stakeholders.  

The report provides a brief overview of career services in Australia, as well as national policy frameworks.  It discusses what services Australian school, TAFE and university students can expect, and what is available for those who are not attached to education or training institutions.  Nationally available programmes and products; the contribution of industry; and an improved infrastructure for a national career system are also covered.  

The most common recommendations from stakeholders dealt with:

• greater integration of career services;
• the allocation of additional resources;
• greater collaboration between all levels of government;
• the development and implementation of system-wide policies and practices;
• agreed standards for career service providers working in varied settings;
• strengthened community partnerships that support young people’s career development; and
• the development of performance measures, to ensure greater accountability for outcomes. 

The report concludes that the national effort needs to expand to encompass not only those who are making the transition from school, but those who are making the transition from TAFE to further studies or employment, or from university to employment, or from unemployment to education, training or employment.