Careers Guidance in Context

Book excerpt: Helping others to make occupational choices requires a combination of skill and a deep understanding of the world of work as it is today and will be in the future. Unlike texts that focus only on skill, Careers Guidance in Context is designed to develop understanding of the factors that shape both the labour market, and careers guidance as an occupation in itself. Careers Guidance in Context re-evaluates the concept of `a career′ in the light of economic restructuring, globalization and the growth of information technology. It draws together up-to-date theories about guidance work and debates the importance of integrating theory and practice. Examining the processes in which practitioners engage when working with individual clients, the book also explores careers guidance within a group setting - an area that has previously been neglected in the literature. The book will be invaluable to students on courses in careers guidance, counselling and education. It will also be of great interest to professionals who need to keep up-to-date with current thinking and practice.