The Federal Employment Agency (BA) and the German Rectors' Conference (HRK) agreed today in Berlin to strengthen study and career counselling in the long term through even closer cooperation. Both partners have signed a cooperation agreement to expand their collaboration in counselling prospective students, current students and graduates.
The aim of the cooperation is to make it easier for young people to access high-quality, needs-based counselling services on educational and career paths. This is intended to provide guidance and support, particularly in the transition between school, university and work, which is often perceived as challenging. Coordinated information and personalised support can make decisions about educational and career paths easier.
The cooperation is a response to current social and economic changes: Digitalisation, artificial intelligence, sustainability and demographic change are profoundly altering job profiles and qualification requirements. At the same time, the demand for qualified specialists and flexible educational pathways is growing. The services offered, which complement and support each other, are intended to contribute to the highest possible level of education, adequate employment and personal development. The BA and HRK are therefore advocating even closer cooperation between employment agencies and universities and, on this basis, want to encourage further regional and local cooperation with other stakeholders in educational counselling. The specific details will be arranged on site.
"Many students already know our career counselling services from their school days. Our counsellors are also there for them during their studies if required," said Andrea Nahles, Chairwoman of the Executive Board of the Federal Employment Agency. “The integration of career counselling into university structures demonstrates the increasing transferability and the equal value of vocational and academic education.”
Prof Dr Walter Rosenthal, President of the German Rectors' Conference, explained: "Universities have a central responsibility to accompany students and prospective students on their educational path and to open up a wide range of prospects for their professional future. The cooperation with the Federal Employment Agency enhances this function by augmenting the university's own academic counselling services. Thanks to the cooperation, prospective and current students can receive even better and more targeted support."