EUROPASS COURSE FOR GUIDANCE PRACTITIONERS

In addition to their home environment, educational institutions play a key role in supporting their pupils/students in developing their career management skills and strengthening their informed career planning. Institutions can contribute to the career readiness of pupils/students and empower them to make a successful career choice, but it can also discourage them from planning their future career. Experiences in primary and secondary education strongly influence pupils'/students' self-efficacy and work motivation. One of the efficient methods school staff can use to help their students develop a strong sense of efficacy includes continuous analysis of their individual characteristics, skills and abilities.

Regardless of the student’s attitude towards work and school commitments, their characteristics, skills, and abilities can be compared to identify each student’s strengths. Pupils’/ students’ further development should be supported, individual progress should be recognized, and students should be encouraged to think about how to apply their skills and abilities in different areas of work.

Europass is a valuable tool for guiding pupils in exploring their skills, interests, and future learning paths from an early age. While often associated with job seekers and professionals, Europass can also be effectively used with younger learners to help them reflect on their achievements, document their progress, and prepare for future educational or career opportunities. Depending on their age and education level, pupils can benefit from Europass in different ways.

USING EUROPASS IN CAREER GUIDANCE FOR PUPILS AND STUDENTS

Students in primary and secondary education have diverse career guidance needs depending on their stage of development. Primary school pupils are at the beginning of self-discovery, while secondary and vocational students start making concrete decisions about their education and career paths. Guidance counsellors can support these students by using Europass tools to help them reflect on their skills, document their achievements, and plan their future learning and career opportunities.

Primary School Pupils (Ages 11–14)

At this stage, pupils are still discovering their interests and abilities. Europass can be introduced as a self-reflection tool to help them recognize their skills, whether gained through school projects, hobbies, or extracurricular activities.

• • Self-Assessment Tool for Digital Competences: A fun and interactive way for pupils to evaluate their digital skills and track their progress.
  • Europass Library: A space to store certificates, awards, and achievements that may later support their educational journey.

Secondary School Students (Ages 15–18)

As students begin exploring academic and career options, Europass provides them with structured tools to document their experiences and plan their future.

• • CV Editor: Helps students create their first Europass CV to document school projects, part-time jobs, and volunteering experiences.
  • Cover Letter Editor: Guides students in structuring and writing their first job or study application letters.
  • Europass Profile: Enables students to track their achievements and skills over time, making future career planning easier.
  • Europass Certificate Supplement: Provides information on vocational qualifications, helping students understand potential career paths.

Vocational Education Students (Ages 15–18)

Students in vocational education and training (VET) need to showcase their practical skills and work-based learning experiences when preparing for internships, apprenticeships, or jobs. By using Europass, VET students can systematically document their learning progress, increase their employability, and confidently take their first steps into the workforce.

• • Europass CV and Cover Letter Editor: Helps students create professional application documents for apprenticeships or job opportunities.
  • Europass Mobility: Documents international learning experiences, such as Erasmus+ exchanges or training placements, ensuring acquired skills are recognized by employers and institutions across Europe.
  • Europass Certificate Supplement: Supports students in understanding how their vocational qualifications align with different career opportunities across Europe.