The impact of career websites: what's the evidence?

an article by Cathy Howieson and Sheila Semple (University of Edinburgh, UK) published in British Journal of Guidance & Counselling Volume 41 Issue 3 (June 2013)

Abstract

Careers provision for young people in the UK is being re-formulated on the basis of a central role for career websites but this policy is based on unproven assumptions about their value.

In this article we consider the use and impact of the two main career websites in Scotland on pupils’ career management skills.

We found that pupils at risk of not achieving positive post-school destinations were less likely to use the websites, as were minority ethnic pupils. Although similar in functions, the two websites differed in their effect: one had no impact while the other impacted on only one aspect of pupils’ career management skills.

Careers policy needs to be informed by more extensive research on career websites.

---

The `Blueprint' framework for career management skills: a critical exploration

an article by Tristram Hooley, A.G. Watts, and Siobhan Neary (International Centre for Guidance Studies, University of Derby, UK) and Ronald G. Sultana (Euro-Mediterranean Centre for Educational Research, University of Malta) published in British Journal of Guidance and Counselling Volume 41 Number 2 (April 2013)

Abstract

This article examines the Blueprint framework for career management skills as it has been revealed across sequential implementations in the USA, Canada and Australia.

It is argued that despite its lack of an empirical basis, the framework forms a useful and innovative means through which career theory, practice and policy can be connected. The framework comprises both core elements (learning areas, learning model and levels) and contextual elements (resources, community of practice, service delivery approach and policy connection).

Each of these elements is explored.

---