On 29 November 2024, we had the opportunity to conduct a workshop on our counselling method, CGC-Roundabout for Digital Transformation, as part of the dvb Annual Conference in Mannheim. The event brought together twelve participants from Germany and Switzerland, including counselling practitioners from public employment services, municipal administrations, and representatives of other counselling providers and decision-makers responsible for the strategic implementation of counselling. The aim was to gather feedback on the method and the underlying competence framework for digital skills while disseminating the current project status. At the time of the workshop, we were in the final phase of piloting the method.
Input: Presentation of the Method and Competence Framework
In the first part of the event, we introduced the CGC-Roundabout method. Additionally, we presented the underlying CGC-DigiTrans Competence Framework, which consists of four core competence areas and important transversal competences. The participants then discussed three questions regarding the classification and relevance of digital skills in counselling practice. To answer these questions, they were divided into three groups of four, with each group assigned a question and time to formulate their response.
Discussion and Workshop Results: Exchange on Digital Competences
The participants first explored how the CGC-DigiTrans Competence Framework fits into the current discourse on digital competences. The group emphasised that there is still too little in-depth engagement with digital competences in practice. More time is needed to further this discourse, although the framework was considered useful.
Another discussion point was whether the competence framework should be adapted to include fundamental competences for working with artificial intelligence (AI). It was noted that all five competence areas of the framework relate to AI. In particular, critical thinking, ethical reflection, as well as digital communication and cooperation skills, are gaining importance when interacting with AI systems.
For career counsellors, competences in handling information were deemed especially important, particularly knowledge management and the critical evaluation of sources. This is essential for correctly assessing the information brought in by clients. Technical skills were also seen as crucial—not only for personal use of new tools but also for explaining digital processes to clients. Transversal competences such as error tolerance and willingness to learn were likewise highlighted as particularly relevant.
Reflection on the Fictional Case Study
Following the theoretical discussion on digital competences, the second part of the workshop involved analysing a fictional case study. Participants discussed the counselling process in which Julia, the client, received comprehensive multi-actor counselling. The feedback on this was varied:
- The Julia counselling example was perceived as idealistic, though adjustments would often be necessary in practice due to resource constraints, particularly time limitations.
- Challenges in online counselling were discussed. Low-threshold services are necessary to remove barriers. Additionally, digital tools should be designed to facilitate rather than hinder client access.
- Counsellors must also be familiar with the e-services that clients are expected to use in counselling.
- At the same time, it was emphasised that good experiences with digital tools have already been made in practice when they are tested and introduced in a targeted manner.
Success Factors for Effective Counselling
Finally, participants discussed which success factors are crucial for effective counselling. The following aspects were identified as particularly relevant in the Julia case study:
- Media competence of counsellors: The ability to use digital tools confidently and to enhance clients’ media literacy.
- Transparency: A clearly structured counselling process in which clients are actively involved.
- Targeted process support: Assisting clients beyond the counselling session, for example, until they successfully secure a new job and throughout the evaluation phase of the CGC-Roundabout method.
- Collaboration between counsellor, client, and other stakeholders: A holistic approach that incorporates various perspectives.
Conclusion and Outlook
Our workshop provided valuable insights into the practical applicability of the CGC-Roundabout method and the competence framework for digital skills. The discussions revealed that the method is generally perceived as beneficial but must be adapted to real-world counselling conditions. Furthermore, it became clear that digital competences are playing an increasingly significant role in counselling practice, necessitating a targeted engagement with these topics. We are comprehensively considering applicability and practical transfer within the project—for example, as a dedicated lesson in the preparatory course for learning the method or as a unit in the current curriculum.
The feedback received will be incorporated into the further development of our method. We look forward to continuing the exchange on the CGC-Roundabout method and working with the professional community on practical solutions.
