For some young people, finding their professional path after compulsory schooling now takes an entire year, rather than a single guidance session. This is the finding of the ForPro foundation in Geneva, which supports 135 young people aged 15 to 20 on a dedicated campus so that they can finally identify concrete options.
This programme reflects a reality that recruiters and HR professionals know well: choosing a first occupation has become more uncertain in a labour market where the skills required are changing rapidly and traditional pathways no longer provide sufficient reassurance. For professionals working in guidance, continuing education or the recruitment of young talent, this means that occasional support is no longer enough: structured pathways are needed, with time to try, make mistakes and adjust one’s plans before committing to a particular track.
For companies recruiting apprentices or young interns, this finding also raises questions about their own onboarding practices: clear onboarding and genuine mentoring now carry as much weight as the position itself in making these first professional experiences more secure.
Concrete action this week
If you supervise young people exploring their career options or recruit junior profiles, take time this week to formalise a one-month onboarding pathway with regular check-ins, rather than relying on a simple job interview followed by an unsupported start.
LinkedIn post idea
"What if career guidance were no longer a choice, but a journey?" Share the Geneva example of year-long support, then ask your network: how does your company welcome its first young talents during their first few weeks?