Challenging Social Inequality Through Career Guidance
Insights from International Data and Practice
This report explores how school-level career guidance systems can more effectively
respond to social inequalities. It draws on new analysis of PISA and PIAAC data and
builds on the OECD Career Readiness Indicators to review the impact of inequalities
related primarily to socio-economic background, gender and migrant status/ethnicity
on the character of education-to-work transitions. The data analysis identifies additional
barriers facing certain demographic groups in converting human capital into successful
employment. It also finds that teenage access to career development is strongly patterned
by the demographic characteristics of students. Consequently, the report highlights
a range of career guidance interventions that can be expected to mitigate the negative
impact of inequalities on student outcomes, enabling fairer access to economic opportunities.
The report concludes by reviewing how the innovative new Career Education Framework
in New Brunswick (Canada) systematically addresses inequalities within K-12 provision.
Published on February 29, 2024