Promoting Innovative Career Guidance in Serbia: Swiss E2E Project Integrates New Technologies
Serbia, on its path to embracing democratic values and achieving economic growth, has received consistent support from the Swiss Government. Among its impactful initiatives is the “Education to Employment” (E2E) project, which enhances employment by integrating Swiss expertise into local innovations and communities.
In an era where technological advancements are rapidly reshaping the job market, effective career guidance has become paramount. E2E exemplifies a forward-thinking approach, notably by introducing, for example, online-based competence assessments and VR technology in its Job Info Centers. As a twelve-year partnership between the Swiss and Serbian governments, the project aligns education with market demands through 11 Job Info Centers across 15 regions. These Career Guidance hubs, similar to the BIZ in Switzerland, provide tailored career counselling services to Serbian youth.
Drawing from Switzerland’s rich legacy in vocational guidance and leveraging innovative digital career tools and interest and competence assessments, a specialised career guidance service methodology has been developed as a training program for career practitioners. Career professionals offer individual and group counselling, as well as information and support in career planning, and adapt methods to engage Serbian youth. A key innovation is the use of VR technology to provide immersive, hands-on experiences in various professions. Young individuals can virtually experience different professions before making career decisions, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
The VR experience helped me understand the job and make an informed career choice
The impact is impressive: over 38,000 young people have benefited from career guidance services, with many securing employment after on-the-job training in companies. One participant shared, “The VR experience helped me understand the job and make an informed career choice.”
Merging Swiss vocational guidance principles with cutting-edge technologies and motivated and competent career practitioners demonstrates a holistic approach to career counselling. By speaking the language of today’s youth and providing them with tangible tools to explore their futures, Serbia, through E2E, is setting a precedent in preparing its younger generations for the evolving demands of the global job market.
