Basics Principles

To set out the basic principles of guidance, it is advisable to start with the definition of guidance.
Guidance is the act of guiding, that is, showing the way for somebody to follow. In our context, guidance consists in guiding an individual based on their abilities and preferences while taking into account the employment opportunities on the job market.
To orient is to guide Aptitudes : skills
Preferences : interests
Production environment: professional environment, labour market
Guidance and vocational counselling is thus a continuous method or educational practice aimed at helping each individual make deliberate and positive educational, academic and professional choices enabling them to fully develop in life.
In this educational guidance process, the individual is monitored and mentored. Therefore, the basic principles of guidance are: monitoring and mentoringof the individual while providing them advice where relevant.
The objective of this process is to enable the individual to build their projects on all dimensions and to promote in the learner, the development of an optimum level of functional autonomy at the personal, social and professional levels so that they can achieve a harmonious social and occupational integration in full knowledge of what they are doing and targeting in life.
According to UNESCO the objective of guidance is to “place the individual in a position to know their personal characteristics and develop them for the selection of their studies and professional activities in all the circumstances of their life with the joint desire to be an asset in the development of the society and self fulfilment.”
It is a long process that spans throughout life (from childhood to old age). It entails providing guidance throughout life.