National Initiatives Concerning the Career Guidance/Information/Vocational Counselling - Australia

Source: myfuture

myfuture

The Commonwealth government has launched an Internet-based service integrating educational and career guidance service (a ‘one stop shop’) for all Australians, known as myfuture (www.myfuture.edu.au). It will enable users to match their interests, values and abilities to an occupation and will also provide information on industries, occupations, education and training, and financial support to assist study.

This new, world standard online career exploration and information system is available free on the Internet. myfuture is designed for all Australians wishing to explore their skills and interests, identify possible career paths, develop their career plan and research options for further study and training.

The great thing about the site is that it is a "one-stop-shop" and for the first time, brings together comprehensive yet easy to follow information about the labour market, education, training and jobs in Australia.

One of myfuture's unique features is that users are able to create an individualised profile. Users can match their interests, values, skills, aspirations and abilities to possible occupations and can re-enter the site at any time to access and update their profiles as their skills develop or interests change.

While particularly useful for young people making decisions about subject choice, vocational pathways and employment, myfuture will also assist adults returning to the workforce or changing career direction.

Career counsellors, teachers and parents will also find the service invaluable. Notably, in a recent OECD Review of Career Guidance Policies, the review team considered myfuture to be a major initiative and a "high quality system, covering education, training and employment for all Australians".

The Commonwealth has spent about $4.5 million building the system and, together with State and Territory governments, will continue to provide recurrent costs of over $1.5 million for its maintenance.

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