PATHS Study Tour in Slovenia - Day 1

As part of the PATHS Partner Meeting in Maribor, project partners took part in a two-day study tour in Slovenia on 2–3 December 2025, gaining first-hand insight into innovative and well-established practices in career guidance, adult education, and labour market support. The study tour, organised by Academia d.o.o. in cooperation with the Development Centre Novo mesto, offered a rich learning experience closely aligned with the objectives of PATHS

Day 1: Integrated Career Support in Maribor

The first day of the study tour focused on Maribor, where participants explored how career guidance services can be effectively embedded across different life stages—from early education to adulthood.

A key highlight was the visit to the Prizma Foundation, a leading regional organisation dedicated to improving employment opportunities and strengthening the social economy ecosystem. Prizma demonstrated how long-term cooperation with employers, public institutions, and international partners can translate into concrete support for young people and jobseekers. Of particular interest was their Career Orientation in Primary School initiative, which introduces children to self-discovery and career thinking at an early age through structured and engaging methods.

Participants were introduced to several practical tools and programmes, including:

• Talentatij stations, which help young people explore interests, talents, and potential career paths;

• Kam in kako (“Where and how”), supporting informed decision-making about education and career routes;

• Cognitive abilities testing (eMFBT) and skills assessment, providing objective insights into individual strengths.

These approaches illustrated how early and age-appropriate guidance can build self-awareness and confidence, laying strong foundations for later educational and career choices.

The study tour also showcased adult education guidance as a public service, marking the 30th anniversary of Slovenia’s national guidance system. Implemented in 35 public adult education centres, this service supports individuals in:

• Enrolment and continuation of education;

• Identification and documentation of knowledge and skills;

• Development of self-directed learning pathways.

This long-standing, institutionalised model stood out as a strong example of how guidance can remain accessible and relevant throughout a person’s life.

Another important stop was the Employment Service of Slovenia, where participants learned about EURES, the European network of public employment services operating across 31 countries. EURES supports fair and safe labour mobility and ensures equal employment opportunities within the EU, EEA, and Switzerland. The Employment Service of Slovenia presented its proactive role in increasing employability, supporting employers’ staffing needs, promoting social inclusion, and contributing to sustainable economic growth and social welfare.

Closely linked to this, Career Centres across Slovenia were presented as accessible, free-of-charge hubs offering tailored services for unemployed individuals, students, parents, teachers, and employers. Through personalised and group-based counselling, these centres help users navigate labour market trends and connect education pathways with real employment opportunities.