Across Europe and beyond, young people are making choices about their future every day—choices about their education, their professions, and the roles they want to play in society. Yet, even in 2025, these choices are too often shaped not by personal aspiration or ability, but by invisible barriers: deep-rooted gender stereotypes that influence how individuals see themselves and how others perceive them.
The GUIDE project, an ambitious initiative co-funded by the European Commission, has taken on the challenge of transforming career guidance into a tool for true gender equality. And today, we are proud to announce the launch of the piloting phase of our Online Training Program on Gender-Sensitive Career Guidance (GSCG). This is an open call for participation to career counselors, teachers, guidance professionals, and all those working to support young people in making empowered, authentic choices about their futures.
A Training Designed for Change
The GUIDE training program was created with one key purpose: to help professionals in education and guidance settings recognize and address gender biases—both overt and unconscious—that can influence how advice is given and received. It draws on the latest research, policy developments, and practical tools to foster a gender-sensitive approach to career guidance.
Structured around five engaging modules, the training explores critical topics such as:
- The roots and manifestations of gender stereotypes in everyday practice;
- Gender inequalities in the labor market and how they impact decision-making;
- Practical methods for detecting and overcoming bias in guidance settings;
- Empowering co-creation strategies that place students’ voices at the center;
- Tools for implementing sustainable, inclusive guidance practices.
What makes this training stand out is its human-centered approach. Rather than delivering theory alone, it invites participants to reflect on their own experiences, attitudes, and practices. Through reflective questions, interactive activities, and real-life role models who have broken gender norms in their careers, the training becomes a journey of self-awareness and transformation.
Why Join the Piloting?
This piloting phase is not just a technical test—it is a collaborative moment to shape a training program that will eventually be available freely and widely across Europe. By participating, you will:
- Access free, high-quality training in your local language;
- Learn in a flexible format—either through live sessions (online or in person) or independently at your own pace;
- Gain cutting-edge tools for supporting students more effectively and equitably;
- Contribute to the final design and quality of the training through your valuable feedback;
- Become part of a European community of educators and professionals committed to challenging stereotypes and promoting inclusion.
The piloting is taking place in nine European countries, each aiming to engage at least 25 professionals in the field. At the end of the training, participants will complete a short evaluation form to share their insights, experiences, and suggestions—directly impacting the final version of the GUIDE training.
Your participation will not only benefit your own practice but will also help ensure that the final training program is meaningful, accessible, and impactful for all future users.
What’s Included?
Each module offers a rich mix of short video lectures, reflective questions, downloadable tools, and activities. Participants will explore topics like the “visualisation game,” which highlights how stereotypes shape our mental images of professions, or the “co-creation dialogue cards,” designed to help students articulate their motivations and challenges in an open, non-judgmental space.
In addition, participants are encouraged to explore tools developed earlier in the project, such as the Self-Assessment Tool and Co-Creation Counseling Tool, to deepen their understanding and practice.
Importantly, this training is fully accessible, free of charge, and designed for real-world application. Whether you support students in schools, advise job-seekers, or work in vocational education, this is a unique opportunity to enhance your skills and make a lasting difference.
Join Us in Shaping the Future
The GUIDE project believes in a world where every individual can pursue their professional dreams—free from gender-based expectations. But change begins with those who guide others. By taking part in this piloting phase, you are not just learning—you are co-creating a future where gender does not limit potential.
We warmly invite all career professionals, educators, and guidance practitioners to join us. Help us make career guidance more inclusive, more equitable, and more empowering.
For more information or to register your interest, please contact your national GUIDE partner or visit our project page.
Let’s challenge stereotypes. Let’s open doors. Let’s GUIDE the way to equality.
