User outcomes

Key outcomes

From the sample obtained during qualitative interviews, evaluator recorded clients’ motivation with regard to obtaining higher qualifications and improving their opportunities in the labour market. In terms of obtaining relevant information, client expectations were met. However, financial barriers were a significant challenge, and limited the clients’ ability to achieve educational goals. Respondents interviewed within the WAVE 1 generally expressed that they had received the information they were looking for. They felt they had experienced improvements in self-confidence, and their desire to re-enter education or training. According to respondents, the main obstacle lies in insufficient information about courses offered within further education.

Strengths and achievements

Expectations were generally met and programme staff see GOAL services as a step to the activity which is going to be supported in the future. They have established very good cooperation with the local stakeholders.

Challenges and barriers

The main obstacles are lack of financial resources (lack of state support) for the target group and lack of relevant information about further education. There is no integrated system and support from the state budget that will enable low-skilled clients to enroll in particular courses within the further education system. There is also significant problem in providing these services to the clients who live in areas where public transport availability is limited.

Another barrier lies in the fact that even when the target group receives useful information about their possibilities regarding further education or achieving their career goals, they are not able to reach them without further help from the counsellors, in most cases. That is quite apparent from the follow-up survey. Some of the clients were able to reach their goals, however those clients’

motivation was really high, which is not so common within this target group. In case of career goals, it is quite apparent that some of the clients were able to find a job, however rather due to improving on the labour market than due to achieving the goals they were trying to assess. Therefore it is vital to set up the guidance system in the form of continuing guidance sessions in order to help boost the possibility of the goal achievement.