Career Education in a Changing World of Work

This article identifies the impact of a rapidly changing world of work upon the provision of career education, and considers the need to implement a radical response. Moving away from narrow definitions of career as “linear progression and work preparation”, a “new” career education paradigm is discussed that is proactive, dynamic, forward looking and critical, locating career education at the centre of the school curriculum. It is imperative for career education to develop an “organic” model that demonstrates relevancy and meaning by embracing and involving all sections of the wider community. Questions are raised about the current philosophy of career education and the extent to which it reflects and transmits the inequities of the current labour market. A critical framework is proposed that seeks to actively empower students by enabling them to review and evaluate the changes taking place, from both a social and individual perspective. Implications for practice and delivery of career education are identified and located within a lifelong learning context.