“I’m expected to make big decisions about my future—but no one really helps me,” one student confessed during the CAGEA project survey. And they’re not alone.
The Career Guidance from an Early Age (CAGEA) project set out to listen—to teachers, students, and parents across five European countries. What we heard was powerful: career guidance matters deeply, but the systems designed to deliver it are not keeping up.
Across hundreds of voices, one message came through loud and clear: career guidance needs to start earlier, be more engaging, and involve the whole school community.
Teachers: Willing but unsupported
Teachers see career education as critical to student development. But many feel left to figure it out alone. With little training in counseling or labor market trends, and no dedicated time in the curriculum, teachers often juggle guidance between lessons—if at all.
Despite this, their enthusiasm is remarkable. They’re asking for practical, ready-to-use materials, digital tools, and structured time to make guidance part of everyday teaching—not a side task.
Students: Curious but confused
Young people want to dream big—but lack the tools. Many students shared how they’re expected to choose a path in life while feeling uncertain, unprepared, and overwhelmed.
They crave interactive tools, gamified platforms, and real-world exposure. They want to connect what they learn in school to real careers—but too often, that link is missing.
Parents: Caring but under-informed
Parents are emotionally invested in their children’s success, but feel like outsiders in the career conversation. They want to help—but often don’t know how.
They need access to reliable resources, conversation starters, and opportunities to collaborate with schools—without feeling like they need to become career counselors themselves.
The Path Forward
The CAGEA project doesn’t stop at identifying gaps. It’s now developing practical tools: teacher manuals, student activities, and a digital platform that meets users where they are—whether in a classroom, at the dinner table, or on a smartphone.
This is a collective task. Because career guidance isn’t just about job titles—it’s about empowering young people to build lives that align with their values, skills, and potential.
Career guidance isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity. And it starts now.
