Abstract:

Vocational training approaches and counselling practices are traditionally embedded in the educational system of a particular country or educational jurisdiction. These practices are a reflection of what that society considers to be the preferred or best way of training people for a vocation and assisting people in making informed career choices.

In this presentation, I will compare and contrast contending approaches to vocational training and counselling practices. I will juxtapose the structured prescriptive approach to vocational training, which is the predominant approach in Germany with modularised forms of vocational training, traditionally found in North-America.

Against the backdrop of these two models of vocational training, I will examine the effectiveness of two career counselling approaches, the logical rational model and creative approaches to career counselling, such as storytelling and life/work planning.

In our fast-changing global world, individuals require transferrable skills and competencies. They need to be able to apply these skills in new circumstances and professional contexts. In order to provide people with the learning tools to function effectively and efficiently in the global economy, I will make the case for modularised vocational training pathways and the usage of creative approaches to career counselling tailored to the needs of the individual.

Keywords:

Career guidance and vocational training.