Careers and employability support services are vital parts of a well-functioning society. These services are increasingly recognised by employers, governments, and citizens as value-added means to help support individuals’ transitions into meaningful learning and work.
Transitions in and out of work, changes in physical and mental health, identity crisis, moving to another area and feeling stressed about life can sometimes be real challenges. We know that education, skills, health, relationships, finance, and location impact differently on people’s lives depending on circumstance.
Dr Deirdre Hughes (Research Director) has recently led an international collaborative research project, in association with Liane Hambly and Chris Percy (Senior Associates), working with 31 careers specialist practitioners and career development senior leaders from Wales, Scotland and Canada to produce a “Career Development and Wellbeing practical toolkit”. This is designed for use by practitioners and senior leadership teams working with young people and adults.
Career development and wellbeing has been researched in many career construction studies. However, little is known in a career development and employment services context about how best to approach potentially sensitive wellbeing conversations to support individuals who may be facing tough times.
In the year(s) ahead it will be essential to find new ways to keep individuals motivated, resilient, agile, and aspirational in a rapidly changing world. In this context, there is a strong rationale to ensure career development and employability practitioners feel sufficiently well-equipped to support a wide range of adults in ‘a safe and ethical place’ that supports career and wellbeing conversations and action.
From mid-September – late October 2022, Careers Wales has commissioned Deirdre, Liane and Chris to roll-out a national programme of training to careers advisers across Wales on this important topic. For more information: contact – [email protected] or tel: 07533 545057