Tools and techniques for a better choice of profession

The career guidance tools developed in this project support students, including those with learning and hearing impairments, in identifying vocational education (VET) study fields and career paths...

The career guidance tools developed in this project support students, including those with learning and hearing impairments, in identifying vocational education (VET) study fields and career paths that align with their strengths, interests, values and abilities. By implementing the project, we want to achieve that all students, including those with learning difficulties, hearing impairments, and adults in need of reskilling, can access and use the digital career test and career board games without economic, social, or geographic barriers. Also, we aim to help students explore career options, reflect on their values, and discover their strengths in an interesting, inclusive way. A dedicated manual has also been developed to support special education teachers and career counselors in guiding these students more effectively. By developing these tools, we aim to reduce early school leaving among VET students, boost self-confidence in students with difficulties and hearing impairments, and enhance their sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in their chosen educational and career paths. This leads to better use of their talents, skills, abilities, and a more positive impact on both their professional and personal lives.

During the project, the following activities were implemented: management activities, including dissemination activities and development of the career guidance tools for VET students with learning and hearing impairments: a digital career test, three career board games, and the manual. The digital career test is based on Schwartz’s values, featuring 21 questions. It helps students identify three suitable career paths in vocational education aligned with their values, tailored to the project partners' VET schools’ programs. It is freely available in English, Estonian, Macedonian, and Latvian. Three board games were created: A Trip to VET (Estonia), The Career Cube Game (North Macedonia), and a Chosen Choice (Latvia). A manual was developed to guide students more effectively. The digital career test and career board games were tested by project partners at VET schools. Management activities are essential for the project managers, career counselors, and teachers to keep the project on track and aligned with its goals. Two in-person and five online transnational meetings were held, including a two-day kick-off meeting in Riga to launch the project. Dissemination efforts played a key role in promoting the digital test, board games, and manual developed during the project.

The following project results were developed during the project: a digital career test, three career board games, and a support manual. The digital test, based on Schwartz’s value theory, includes 21 questions and provides three vocational career suggestions aligned with students’ strengths, interests, values, and abilities. It is free to use, available in English, Estonian, Macedonian, and Latvian, and tailored to the project partners‘ vocational programs. Results can be emailed, and the test can be taken multiple times. While the suggestions are helpful, students are encouraged to discuss them with a career counselor. Three board games were also created: A Trip to VET (Estonia), The Career Cube Game (North Macedonia), and a Chosen Choice (Latvia). These engaging tools, especially useful for students with learning difficulties and hearing impairments, support career exploration through interactive play. The manual is designed for career consultants and special education teachers. It explains various learning difficulties and hearing impairments, how to recognize the learning difficulties, offers strategies for support, and describes career board games, including printable versions of the board games for practical use.