Development of options for a national career development scheme

Nous was engaged by DEEWR as part of the National Career Development Strategy (NCDS) for young people research project. It was a four element project, with Nous being engaged for Element 3, which was to develop a rationale and options for the NCDS.

Element 1 provided Nous with a research base of Australian practice and global best practice, while Element 2 provided Nous with the results of surveys and focus groups from over 5,000 young people, parents, teachers, career advisers and employers. Nous analysed the provided evidence base, along with some supplementary primary documents, to determine current gaps in the delivery of career development services to young people, satisfaction with the current services, and the benefits of improved career development services. We then developed four ‘straw man’ models with varying service delivery structures, and roles and responsibilities for key stakeholders (such as the Australian, state and territory governments, and the career development industry).  We used these ‘straw man’ models to guide consultation with state and territory education and training departments, the catholic and independent school sectors, career development industry representatives, and recognised career development experts.

Nous then presented DEEWR with finalised options for the NCDS. The final report included a detailed rationale for the development of a national strategy, the potential benefits of the strategy, and the issues with the current system, and options for reform. Each option included the a description of the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders, ensuring that the strategy was delivered by DEEWR in ‘partnerships’ with key stakeholders.

Economic cost benefit analysis will be conducted by Element 4 of the research project, before the finalised option is presented to the Minister.