With the aim of improving the promotion of VET occupations and the introduction of career counselling in technical occupations as a very important component of the education system, project has focused on the exchange and application of good practices in three main areas: promotion of VET in electrical engineering, computer science and mechanical engineering; estimation of primary school pupils' capacities and abilities and orientation through individualized digital tools; and assistance in introducing the individualized career counselling concept for VET students and NEETs. The project has introduced a modernized approach to student career couselling taking into account the interests and the way young people communicate in present days - through digital channels and using multimedia platforms for gathering information and receiving feedback on their prospective career paths.
Based on European skills and job surveys, skills shortage and skills mismatch were identified as significant areas of concern. Analyses on a European level show a skills shortage in computer, electrical/ electronic and mechanical engineering (CEME) as top occupational areas. Additionally, even though student and NEET career counselling is an integral element in the Austrian, and significantly less in Croatian (education) system, initiatives for student counselling and individual orientation tools addressing the promotion of VET and jobs in CEME are lacking. As majority of senior students of primary education and the secondary level and especially NEETs do not have the necessary experience and knowledge to gain more direct insight into VET and job options related to CEME, counselling and orientation support is required. As a consequence of inadequate career counselling an alarming number of young people are registered as NEETs. Along with that, many career counsellors lack in appropriate tools and skills to provide information and motivation for a career path in CEME. This project has directly addressed those needs, providing new digital solutions and tools to foster student and NEET career orientation.