In Slovenia, we still do not have a national plan for lifelong guidance development and it is still not recognized as an important element in ensuring efficiency in the labour market, education, training and social justice. As far as the first two goals are concerned, they are included in legislative and regulatory acts (especially in the Employment and Insurance Against Unemployment Act –1998, Adult Education Act –1996, Organisation and Financing of Education Act – 1996 and National Programme of Adult Education in Slovenia–2004), although mostly on paper and not as much in reality. The latter, however, social justice, cannot be found anywhere.

Another reason for systemic disorder is also the fact that career guidance as professional field is only considered by the Employment Service of Slovenia. This means, that the professional field is declining. It would be much better if there would be an independent institution in Slovenia, based on the existing career guidance department at the Employment Service of Slovenia. Such an institution would develop career guidance as a field, in particular necessary methods, tools and standards, and also provide coordination among different providers.

Reasons:

• Lack of awareness of the importance of guidance;
• Absence of national strategy on development of guidance for life-long learning;
• Absence of an independent professional institution;
• Rivalry among the existing institutions.

Consequences:

• Regression in the field of guidance;
• Lack of financial resources;
• Inefficient use of human resources, especially among the socially vulnerable categories;

Possible solutions:

• Establishment of an independent institution for career guidance and counselling, that would lead the development and coordination.