22 October 2026
Summary
To empower school students in remote regions to make informed decisions about their future careers and educational pathways by strengthening their knowledge, skills, and motivation in career planning.
Organisation
The State Employment Agency under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Context/ Social issues addressed
Students in remote regions often have limited access to career guidance services, information about educational opportunities, and knowledge of changing labour market demands. As a result, many students struggle to identify their interests, strengths, and suitable career pathways, which may lead to uninformed decisions about their future education and careers. The practice aims to address these inequalities by bringing career guidance activities directly to rural schools, providing students with the knowledge, tools, and motivation they need to explore their options and make informed decisions about their future.
Objectives
- Increasing school students’ awareness of different career opportunities, professions, and educational pathways.
- Equipping students with career planning knowledge and self-assessment skills to help them identify their interests, strengths and potential career paths.
- Reducing inequalities in access to career guidance services by bringing career development activities to students in remote regions.
Activities
Within the framework of the practice, the project delivered career guidance activities to school students in remote regions through interactive training sessions and awareness-raising workshops.
The project team visited rural schools and conducted structured career guidance sessions to help students explore their interests, strengths, skills, and potential career pathways. The sessions covered topics such as career planning, understanding different professions, educational opportunities, and the importance of making informed decisions about future careers.
The sessions used interactive methods, including discussions, practical exercises, group activities, and reflection tasks, to actively engage students and encourage them to think about their future goals. Students received information and guidance on available career options and the skills required in the changing labour market.
Through direct engagement with students in their local communities, the practice aimed to improve access to career guidance services and support young people in remote areas in developing a clearer vision for their educational and professional future.
Outcomes
The practice is ongoing and has been implemented in 11 regions so far, engaging 215 school students through career guidance activities. The initiative aims to reach 13 regions by the end of 2026.
The outcomes are evaluated based on students’ participation and engagement during the sessions, feedback received from students and schools, and trainers’ observations. Students’ involvement in discussions, completion of practical exercises, and reflections on their future goals indicate the effectiveness of the activities. The initiative's effectiveness is assessed through students’ participation in career guidance activities, trainers’ observations, and students’ feedback.
Principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights
| 1. Education, training, life-long learning | 2. Gender equality |
| 3. Equal opportunities | 4. Active support to employment |
| 5. Secure and adaptable employment | 6. Fair Wages |
| 7. Transparent employment conditions | 8. Social dialogue |
| 9. Work-life balance | 10. Healthy, safe work environment |
| 11. Childcare and child support | 12. Social protection |
| 13. Unemployment benefits | 14. Minimum income |
| 15. Old age income and pensions | 16. Health care |
| 17. Inclusion of people with disabilities | 18. Long-term care |
| 19. Housing and assistance to the homeless | 20. Access to essential services |
Funding Source
National Government Funds
Links to supporting documents
Comments and tips
Empower school students in remote regions to make informed decisions about their future careers and educational pathways by strengthening their career-planning knowledge, skills, and motivation.