New Maps for Old: Guidance and the Reform of Vocational Qualifications

Abstract

The reform of occupational qualifications in England and Wales being undertaken by the National Council for Vocational Qualifications will affect the qualifications of those who work in guidance and counselling, and the opportunities open to their clients. While early development work concentrated on lower-level qualifications, attention is now turning to higher levels, including occupations like guidance and counselling where interpersonal skills play a major part. The principles underpinning the reform of qualifications are outlined; the project work carried out up to the end of 1991 is described; and some of the implications and issues arising from this work are identified, both for the professional qualifications available, and for the map of the broad fields of guidance and counselling.