The role of vocational advisory services in the creation of cluster initiatives in the educational systems in Zabrze, Gliwice and Rybnik

Abstract

Decision making processes of graduates of all educational levels are essential to the creation of their educational and career paths. In the conditions of dynamic economical changes, the systems of vocational advisory services play a very important role. Their main task is to provide professional consulting on career planning for pupils and graduates in accordance with their needs, attitudes and requirements of the labour market. This article presents research on the vocational advisory system, carried out in the Silesia region. The first part highlights the well-organised structure of the vocational advice system in Zabrze. The second part presents research on vocational advisory systems, carried out in Gliwice and Rybnik, in the following aspects: ways of researching information about career paths among respondents, effectiveness of the work of vocational advisors, effectiveness of lessons on ‘basics of entrepreneurship’, the need for information on labour market perspectives.