ABSTRACT

It can be argued that the career field has now come of age, at least in many Western societies. Careers services have gained broad recognition and acceptance with the general public. Politicians also increasingly acknowledge their potential value in supporting the labour market transitions of vulnerable populations (for example, migrant populations and young people). This is not to deny, nor to underplay, its critics, with questions frequently raised about its efficacy, positive impact and value for money (where services are funded from the public purse). In the face of such criticisms, and in response to the growing demands for proof of its usefulness and effectiveness, a substantial and robust evidence base has been developed which continues to expand.