I have just returned from a short visit to Norway where I have been teaching at the Inland Norway University (INN). There was a comical element about being in Norway the week after the ‘big freeze’ in the UK, where a smattering of snow brought the country to a halt. Meanwhile in Lillehammer two foot of snow barely registers, with the campus buzzing, trains running on time and flights continuing without any problems. To be fair they have had a lot more practice, but the contrast is still notable.
The Norwegian career guidance system is still in good shape, with practice steadily improving in schools and substantial provision in both the public employment service and local careers centres which serve working adults. There is also an important set of provision for migrant works, which helps new arrivals to Norway to reorientate and integrate into the Norwegian training system and labour market. The lack of this kind of service in the UK is part of the bizarre way that we have allowed anti-migrant politics to displace lots of things that would be in the national interest.
Anyway, I was in INN to do some teaching this week. So, I covered an introduction to career theory (notice me experimenting with a little Norwegian in the slides).
Ran a day where we introduced our Exploring green guidance project and the handbook that we have produced.
And a session on career guidance and social policy.
All in all a busy few days, but very enjoyable and interesting. Hopefully, the next time I go back to Lillehammer the snow will have melted!
