Our goal was to empower career counsellors and guidance practitioners to deliver high-quality, accessible services in digital and blended formats. We aimed to strengthen their digital competences, pedagogical tools, and confidence to support clients—especially those furthest from the labour market or education. Specifically, the project sought to: (1) develop innovative learning resources and methods tailored to blended and online counselling contexts; (2) promote cultural and operational shifts within VET and adult education systems, enabling organisations to adapt to digital transformation; and (3) foster inclusive, learner-centered guidance practices aligned with current labour market needs. These objectives directly respond to our previously selected EU priorities on digital readiness and inclusive education, aiming to reduce inequalities by ensuring that both staff and service users are equipped to navigate modern career pathways with resilience and informed choice.
The DISCO project emerged from an urgent, Europe-wide need revealed during the COVID-19 pandemic: most career guidance practitioners were unprepared for the sudden shift to online and blended counselling. Many lacked digital tools, pedagogical methods, and confidence to engage effectively with clients, especially vulnerable groups. This created critical barriers to access and quality in career support and VET. At the same time, digitalisation in the labour market was accelerating, making lifelong learning and digital competence more important than ever. DISCO aimed to bridge this gap by supporting the digital transformation of IAG (Information, Advice, and Guidance) services. Our motivation was to ensure that counsellors, especially in VET and adult education, are equipped to guide learners in a changing world—offering inclusive, accessible, and future-proof support through innovative, digitally competent counselling methods.