Developing Strength-Based Future Oriented Guidance

The aim of the VAHTO project is to develop strength-based future oriented guidance practices and methods especially suited for guidance of students in higher education, and to construct a VAHTO guidance model as a result.

An increasing number of students in higher education need support and guidance during their studies in recognising their strengths and in planning their studies and developing expertise to meet the needs of future working life. Strength-based future oriented guidance refers to a comprehensive idea of guidance that recognises what is needed to support one’s strengths and career management skills. Recognizing strengths will help students with successful planning of studies and future careers, thus supporting individual and fluid transitions from studies to labour market.

VAHTO will seek the expertise and input of teachers, guidance staff, and students from both University of Lapland and Lapland University of Applied Sciences. Staff and students are welcomed to share their thoughts on student guidance in higher education in workshops, where the teachers and guidance personnel will also have a chance to expand their own methods for guidance with the help of visiting speakers. Best practices found in workshops are used to create a VAHTO guidance model for the needs of Lapland University Consortium (LUC) and other institutions offering higher educations.

VAHTO project is funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) and carried out in cooperation between the University of Lapland and Lapland University of Applied Sciences.