It has been clearly raised as a concern within the guidance community that improvements are needed to our information base for public policy making (Watts & Sultana, 2003), coupled with the “a strong awareness of the need for effective research” (Gibb, 2003). Furthermore, it is asserted that an international perspective is becoming more crucial, as “counselling no longer stops at local, regional or national frontiers” (Herrmann, 2000). The World Bank, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the European Union (EU) have all expressed growing interest in careers work over the past decade and numerous projects, reviews and initiatives are evident.

This section examines a selection of current international information resources relevant to careers work. It gives an indication of the methodology used in the work, followed by a description from a sample of the various sources examined and an indication of some of their benefits for the end-user.  Lessons learned or matters for consideration are highlighted.

Methodology

This discussion draws upon secondary data from a number of internet sites and from a variety of paper-based resources.

Findings and Discussion

Information on a sample from those sources examined follows, starting with the European, CEDEFOP website.

Common Themes

A number of common themes were identified from a review of various national and international information sources.

Examples of Good Practice in Careers Work

The majority of the examples of good practice identified, referred mainly to Europe, North America and Australia, with occasional refernces to Asia and elsewhere.

Conclusions

Bibliography

Electronic Sources