On October 13, 2023, the Office for Dual Education and the National Qualifications Framework convened a workshop at the Palace of Serbia, focusing on the development of the career guidance and counselling (CGC) system. Professor Dr. Gabrijela Grujić, Director of the Office, inaugurated the event by emphasizing the profound impact of career choices and related activities on individuals' lives. ”Successful career development implies the ability to select appropriate life roles, adeptly managing their significance and importance. Therefore, career guidance and counselling serve as vital pillar in facilitating career choices and fostering motivation for professional growth and is of key importance for the quality of life of the individual, and society as a whole” she underscored.
During the workshop, findings from a research endeavour led by a team of experts from the Institute for Pedagogy and Andragogy at the University of Belgrade's Faculty of Philosophy, under the leadership of Professor Dr. Aleksandar Pejatović, were presented. ”Career guidance and counselling is a lifelong process, assisting individuals of all ages, at every stage of their lives, in making decisions pertinent to their career development, encompassing both personal and professional realms. Embracing this paradigm of career guidance and counselling entails its integration across all sectors, at every level, and catering to all individuals. While the legal framework and by-laws of the Republic of Serbia establish the foundation for the implementation of CGC activities, there remains room for further regulation in this domain, particularly within the employment sector” emphasized Professor Dr. Pejatović at the outset of her presentation.
The research involved evaluating the implementation of CGC programmes and services across educational sectors (spanning all levels of Serbia's National Qualifications Framework, including adult education), employment, and youth sectors. This evaluation encompassed an assessment of adherence to CGC standards as outlined in relevant by-laws.
The workshop participants were briefed on an action plan proposing further development of CGC. Subsequently, collaborative endeavors were agreed upon, including the formation of working groups tasked with drafting proposals for by-law amendments in alignment with revisions to the Law on the National Qualifications Framework of the Republic of Serbia. Other planned initiatives included developing a professionalization system for staff delivering CGC services (i.e., career practitioners), establishing and managing a Career Guidance and Counselling Portal, and devising a sustainable financing mechanism for organizations providing CGC services.