Axing Guidance Counsellors Would Have Serious Consequences for Young People’s Job Prospects, Lives . Responding to a report that the Government may cut the number of Career Guidance Counsellors in second-level schools, ASTI General Secretary Pat King today said:
“It is unthinkable that at a time of high unemployment and when the Government is publicly stating that its number one priority is jobs, an education service which is designed to help young people secure sustainable jobs and careers would be targeted.”

Pat King described the current provision of Career Guidance Counsellors to schools as “paltry”.
“As recently as January, the ERSI published a study which found a high level of concern amongst parents at the lack of access to Career Guidance services in second-level schools. In addition the state agency Forfás, has repeatedly emphasised the need for adequate levels of career guidance services in order to ensure students’ can make informed vocational / career choices at both Junior and Senior Cycle level.”
Decimating school-based support system for students

The axing of Guidance Counsellors would further decimate school-based support systems for students, warned Pat King.
“Guidance Counsellors provide vital supports for students from 12 to 18 years of age. Often the school’s Guidance Counsellor is the only access a young person has to a support and referral service for problems ranging from emotional issues, to sexual health concerns, to learning difficulties. Pastoral care supports in the form of Year Heads have already been virtually wiped out in second-level schools due to a moratorium. The axing of Guidance Counselling services would be the final nail in the coffin for student support services in many schools. Thousands of vulnerable students would be in serious danger of slipping through the cracks.”

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