Perceptions Of The General Public On Guidance Services 2006-national Guidance Forum Ireland Study
This study was commissioned by the National Guidance Forum of Ireland in 2006 to ascertain the views and experiences of citizens on their experiences of the guidance services that were available to them. Such information as gathered from users and potential users informed the recommendations of the National Guidance Forum as to a future lifelong guidance service provision.
The methodology of the study consisted of:
- an extensive review of Irish and international literature to give context to the study and to give a platform for the interpretation of the findings;
- a questionnaire used with individual citizens and organisations; and
- focus groups which targeted the views of older adults, persons of different nationalities, persons with disabilities, unemployed, and persons with low incomes.
The findings showed a keen awareness of respondents of the value of career guidance services, a wide range of opinions on the existing services, and support for increased public investment in the services. Many had difficulty in accessing the services, especially young people and employed people, and needed “guidance” on how to obtain guidance!