What competencies will guidance counsellors need to thrive in a fast-evolving world of work? A newly published research paper from the Erasmus+ project Lifelong Guidance 5.0 provides key insights into this question — and sets the stage for how guidance professionals across Europe can be better supported through future-focused training.
At the heart of the Lifelong Guidance 5.0 project is a deep dive into the changing landscape of guidance provision. Coordinated by a European partnership and disseminated by EARLALL – the European Association of Regional and Local Authorities for Lifelong Learning – the project is equipping counsellors with the skills needed to navigate digital, green, and social transitions in their daily work.
The newly released research paper is a central outcome of the project, drawing on practitioner insights gathered through stakeholder workshops. These sessions brought together 28 professionals from Austria and Germany, who explored the real-world challenges and opportunities faced by today’s guidance workforce. Rather than focusing purely on theory, the research captured practical perspectives on what is truly needed in the field.
The paper identifies a key set of core competencies for tomorrow’s counsellors, including:
- Digital literacy and confidence in using technology;
- Empathy and adaptability;
- A strong grasp of labour market trends and diverse social realities;
- The ability to guide clients through uncertainty using both digital tools and reflective practices like peer coaching.
These findings directly informed the development of a modular training programme titled “Lifelong Guidance 5.0 – Future-Oriented Guidance Skills for a Networked World in Transition.” This blended learning course introduces innovative didactic approaches such as the flipped classroom and the sandwich principle, promoting active learning and long-term knowledge retention.
Read the full research paper to explore the identified competencies and practical recommendations in detail.
About the project partners
- Volkshochschulverband Baden-Württemberg (VHS Verband)
VHS Verband is the regional association of adult education centres in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It coordinates over 165 Volkshochschulen and plays a leading role in adult education and guidance. VHS Verband also leads the Lifelong Guidance 5.0 project and brings extensive expertise in managing educational networks and EU projects.
- EC-VPL (European Centre for Valuation of Prior Learning)
EC-VPL is a Dutch foundation focused on personalised lifelong learning and validation of prior learning (VPL). It contributes expertise in competence recognition, blended learning, and the development of innovative training tools.
- IUC Z-Group AB
IUC Z-Group is a Swedish organisation supporting industrial SMEs in Jämtland. It specialises in workplace learning, competence development, and recruiting solutions, with growing experience in EU cooperation.
- Heidelberg University
Founded in 1386, Heidelberg University is one of Europe’s top research institutions. Its Department of Scientific Continuing Education contributes research and training design expertise to the project.
- EARLALL
EARLALL (European Association of Regional and Local Authorities for Lifelong Learning) is a Brussels-based network of regions. It focuses on EU policy engagement and regional cooperation in lifelong learning. EARLALL leads the project’s dissemination activities.
- Die Wiener Volkshochschulen (VHS Vienna)
VHS Vienna is one of the largest adult education institutions in German-speaking countries. It offers extensive educational and guidance services, with a strong focus on accessibility and innovation in digital and community outreach.
