Nikki Lawrence, chief executive of Careers Wales, explains how careers guidance in Wales is adapting as the job market continues to change.
As we mark National Careers Week 2026, with its powerful theme of ‘Own Your Future’, it’s the perfect time to reflect not only on why careers guidance matters, but how it must continue to evolve to meet the realities of today’s world of work.
In Wales, a wide range of factors — including technological innovation, the transition to a greener economy, shifting skill demands and new ways of working — are reshaping what careers look like and how people prepare for them.
At Careers Wales, we are proud to be at the forefront of this, delivering a free and impartial careers service that empowers people across the country to take ownership of their futures with confidence and clarity.
Effective careers guidance in a changing world
Careers guidance has always been about more than information. While careers advice can help people understand options, effective guidance goes deeper – supporting individuals to explore their strengths, values and ambitions, and to develop the skills they need to navigate lifelong career journeys.
Traditional, linear career pathways are no longer the standard experience for everyone. We recognise that every individual’s journey is different. Whether someone is choosing GCSEs, exploring apprenticeships, changing career later in life or returning to work, our role is to help them take confident next steps that are right for them.
Innovation in action: shaping future ready careers guidance
For us, innovation is about finding better ways to support people in Wales. Our digital tools, such as CareersCraft and the Career Match Quiz, help individuals to explore careers in engaging and interactive ways, while developing career management skills they can use throughout their lives.
Through initiatives like the Work in Focus challenges, we partner with real employers to bring the world of work into classrooms and help young people understand the opportunities available to them and how their skills connect to real jobs.
Future Jobs Wales provides up-to-date labour market information at both a national and regional level. This easy-to-use and accessible tool offers realistic, timely insight into growth industries, emerging roles and the skills employers value most, helping people to make informed choices about their next steps.
Putting the individual at the centre
The true power of careers guidance lies in its ability to be tailored. In schools, our careers advisers work closely with learners to help them understand their options and make informed decisions at key transition points. They encourage young people to think broadly about what success means to them and how different pathways – academic, vocational or work-based – can support their ambitions. We guarantee every young person the opportunity to have a one-to-one guidance session with our qualified careers advisers before they leave compulsory education.
For adults, careers guidance provides space to reflect, reset and re‑skill. Whether someone is facing redundancy, seeking progression or exploring a complete career change, personalised guidance helps them recognise transferable skills, overcome barriers and move forward with confidence. Through close partnership working across Wales, careers guidance for adults is strengthened further with better‑connected services, clearer pathways and faster access to opportunities.
By combining personalised support with digital tools and labour market insight, we help individuals to not just respond to change, but feel equipped to manage it.
Supporting Wales’ future workforce
Effective careers guidance is not only good for individuals – it’s vital for Wales’ economy. By aligning people’s skills and aspirations with current and future workforce needs, careers guidance helps address skills shortages, support productivity and enable sustainable growth.
As Wales continues to respond to economic and environmental challenges, careers guidance has a crucial role to play in ensuring people are ready for the jobs of today and tomorrow.
Pride in our mission
At Careers Wales, our people are our greatest strength. We are committed to continuous professional development, so our teams stay informed about industry trends, innovation and best practice.
National Careers Week is an opportunity to celebrate the impact of careers guidance and to look ahead. By supporting people to navigate change with confidence, Careers Wales is empowering people across Wales to truly own their future.
