Guidance tools
Context and aims
The GOAL service in the Czech Republic was a face-to-face service. To work towards providing a high quality service for the target group, there were several tools used during the guidance process. Clients were active partners in the counselling process. Clients were referred to the counsellors in regions mostly through regional branches of Labour Office (in some cases, particularly in Most by non-profit organisations focused for example on the Roma minority and disadvantaged groups in the labour market).
Training of the counsellors and boosting their competences corresponds with high rating of the counsellors given by the clients, suggesting that the former factors contributed positively to client satisfaction. Vast majority of the clients was satisfied with their counsellors in the sense of explanations regarding the content and focus of the sessions, information backup. Such a positive stance towards the counsellors is also caused by the fact that almost no one has ever known career options and ever used a similar service before. Everyone appreciated that the COUNSELLOR dedicated to them. They could talk to someone about their life situation, look for solutions, offer a different view. These people also positively evaluated information about educational opportunities they had never heard of. From the techniques / tools used, all career guidance clients have identified personal interview as the most powerful technique (face to face contact). The selection of particular tools suitable to each individual client is very demanding and has to correspond with client’s needs.
Tool selection, development and use
Staff members attended training where many tools were introduced. They regularly use them in accordance with client’s needs. There are various tools developed for the GOAL project purposes (methodologies, online tools, cards, using of existing tools etc.).
Strengths and achievements
Positive feedback from the clients. There is a “common” methodology focused on work with client in both centres. General framework of these procedures has been respected during each session. Clients said they feel more motivated after the session. Direct face to face contact remains the most effective tool according to programme staff, partners and clients.
Challenges and barriers
It's essential to ensure awareness about this service to the general public (promotional tools, PR tools) and to secure funding of the services. Administration tasks were very time demanding for counsellors (providing high quality guidance x meeting the project indicators).
