Digital Innovation in Career Guidance: Insights from the Euroguidance Study Visit to Tallinn, Estonia

From February 26–27, 2025, Euroguidance Estonia and Euroguidance Germany co-organized a study visit to Tallinn, hosted by the Education and Youth Board (Harno). The visit explored how digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) shape career guidance and employment services.

The study visit brought together career guidance professionals from the German Federal Employment Agency (BA), including BIZ coordinators from regional offices and representatives from central units. As Germany is currently working on reconceptualizing Career Information Centers (BIZ), this visit provided valuable insights into integrating interactive, digital, AI-driven career guidance tools into advisory services.

Kick-off Session: Understanding Participants’ Expectations and Career Guidance Needs

The study visit began with a kick-off session where participants explored:

• Their expectations and specific learning goals for the visit.
• Key challenges and developments in career guidance in both countries.
• A comparative discussion on career guidance provision in Estonia and Germany, focusing on client needs, service delivery, and digital innovation.

Exploring Estonia’s Digital Leadership in Career Guidance

Estonia is known for its advanced digital ecosystem, where 99% of public services are available online. This commitment to digitalization extends to career guidance, with interactive tools, AI applications, and virtual reality playing a crucial role in supporting individuals at different career stages.

Key Highlights of the Study Visit

• Visit to the Tallinn Career Center
  The Tallinn Career Center is a best-practice example of modern, interactive career guidance. Participants explored:
  ✅ Digital guidance tools, such as virtual career coaching and skill assessment simulations.
  ✅ Interactive career exploration stations, allowing visitors to experience different professions through VR and AR technologies.
  ✅ A blended approach combining self-guided digital exploration with professional career counselling.
• E-Estonia Briefing Center – A Model for Digital Transformation
  Participants gained insights into Estonia’s digital government solutions and their impact on career services, including:
  ✅ The X-Road platform, which enables secure data exchange between institutions, streamlining administrative processes.
  ✅ The integration of AI into employment services, optimizing career matching and transitions.
  ✅ Strategies for digital empowerment, ensuring that citizens of all ages can access digital tools and training.
• Visit Proto Invention Factory – Immersive Learning for Career Exploration
  An additional source of inspiration came from the Proto Invention Factory, an interactive science and technology centre. This visit highlighted:
  ✅ The potential of immersive learning experiences for career exploration.
  ✅ Hands-on digital tools that enable users to engage with various professional environments.
  ✅ How career centres can use gamification and interactive exhibits to make career guidance more engaging and effective.

These visits provided participants with valuable ideas on how to integrate digital, immersive, and interactive elements into career guidance.

Euroguidance Network: Strengthening International Learning Mobility

This study visit demonstrated the strength of the Euroguidance Network in fostering international learning mobility, knowledge exchange, and innovation in career guidance. Through cross-border collaboration, Euroguidance centres across Europe can:
✅ Share best practices and support the digital transformation of career services.
✅ Enhance guidance professionals' competencies through exposure to innovative methodologies.
✅ Promote a European dimension in career guidance, ensuring that guidance systems remain adaptable and future-oriented.

This initiative showcases the power of European cooperation in advancing career guidance and serves as a model for further Euroguidance-led exchanges and innovation projects across Europe.

A special thank you to the Education and Youth Board (Harno) and Euroguidance Estonia