Constructing Futures: An International Policy Perspective‪.‬

Based on a keynote address to the 2006 Annual Conference of the Australian Association of Career Counsellors, this article reviews a number of significant international developments in public policy for career development. It also comments on some recent developments in Australia. Finally, it discusses four strategic issues that are important to the future of policy development in this field, both in Australia and elsewhere: the need for stronger organisational structures for career guidance; the role of the market in delivering career development provision; the role of employer-based provision; and the need for closer links between theory, policy and practice. Public policy is of crucial importance to the growth and improvement of career development services. In most countries, the majority of career development services are funded by state or by public bodies, whether directly or indirectly. Certainly, there is a role for the private sector in providing services to the career development market; but even here there is a potential role for the state in stimulating the market and assuring its quality.