The Euroguidance Expert Conference 2025 on 11 November 2025 in Vienna explored how digitalisation and artificial intelligence are transforming the field of career guidance. The conference showcased inspiring sessions on guidance, featuring Matthias Trauner, Head of VHS Education and Career Guidance in Vienna, who coordinated a session on Lifelong Guidance 5.0.
As guidance professionals face rapidly evolving labour markets and increasingly complex client needs, the conference provided a platform to exchange innovative tools and strategies for maintaining high-quality, personalised support. Addressing how guidance practitioners can respond to digitalisation and other megatrends by integrating new digital formats, supporting clients in developing future-oriented skills, and preparing for emerging labour market demands. Ultimately fostering collaboration and shared learning among participants.
Digital tools and AI are opening new possibilities for education and career guidance, but they also require professionals to develop new competences. The conference focused on how these tools can be integrated effectively into daily practice while preserving the core value of human-centred guidance. Interactive workshops highlighted practical tools and strategies for modern guidance practice, inviting participants to explore topics such as:
- The AMS Berufsinfomat and AI-supported guidance tools to improve accessibility and responsiveness.
- Estonia’s inclusive digital outreach strategies, bridging geographical and skills gaps.
- The CGC-Roundabout methodology for building professional networks and resilience in digital transformation.
- The SEED model (Strengths, Empowerment, Environment, Decision-Making) for enhancing self-awareness and decision-making in clients.
A standout session was the Lifelong Guidance 5.0 workshop: Education and Career Guidance in a Networked World in Transition. Led by Matthias Trauner, Head of VHS Education and Career Guidance in Vienna and Lifelong Guidance 5.0, the workshop addressed the challenges and opportunities of guiding learners and clients in a society shaped by digitalisation and other megatrends. Participants explored how to apply new digital formats in counselling, support clients in developing future skills, and prepare for emerging labour market demands. The session encouraged collaboration, shared learning, and reflection on practical approaches to lifelong guidance.
By blending digital innovation with person-centred approaches, the conference showed how guidance professionals can strengthen their competencies and deliver more inclusive, flexible, and effective services. The discussions and workshops inspired participants to experiment with new tools and methods while keeping the focus on clients’ needs and personal development.
The Euroguidance Expert Conference highlighted the critical role of guidance professionals in helping individuals navigate a rapidly changing world of work. With initiatives like Lifelong Guidance 5.0, Europe’s guidance community is embracing digital innovation, fostering future skills, and building more inclusive and resilient learning and career pathways.
