The career guidance tools developed in this project support students, including those with learning and hearing impairments, in identifying vocational education (VET) study fields and career paths that align with their strengths, interests, values and abilities. By implementing the project, we want to achieve that all students, including those with learning difficulties, hearing impairments, and adults in need of reskilling, can access and use the digital career test and career board games without economic, social, or geographic barriers. Also, we aim to help students explore career options, reflect on their values, and discover their strengths in an interesting, inclusive way. A dedicated manual has also been developed to support special education teachers and career counselors in guiding these students more effectively. By developing these tools, we aim to reduce early school leaving among VET students, boost self-confidence in students with difficulties and hearing impairments, and enhance their sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in their chosen educational and career paths. This leads to better use of their talents, skills, abilities, and a more positive impact on both their professional and personal lives.
Many students in rural areas lack access to career counseling services due to the significant distances between their homes and available counselors. Additionally, many existing career guidance tools are not free of charge, creating further barriers. For vocational education and training students with learning difficulties, there are no appropriate and cost-free guidance tools available. Economic, social, and geographical challenges prevent many students from using digital career tests and career board games to explore their strengths, interests, values, and abilities. However, making informed career choices is important, as it significantly impacts a student’s professional and personal life. To address common challenges, project partners developed free-of-charge career guidance tools for VET students with learning and hearing impairments, including a digital career test, career board games, and a support manual for educators and counselors. By increasing engagement with vocational subjects and helping students envision fulfilling career paths, it aims to reduce early school leaving among VET students with learning and hearing impairments and enhance their overall satisfaction and success in vocational education and future careers.