It has been so exciting to be part of this process of synthesis and dissemination of the DigiTrans Erasmus+ Project. Two interesting and informative podcasts have been recorded. They are available on our youtube channel!
One podcast is an interview to Dr. Rita Zarbo, now researcher at the University enna-Kore, Italy, conducted by Lindasy M. Williams, member of the Italian team.
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNgomnlysaE
She enthusiastically describes her experience in applying the Roundabout methodology in Sicily, Italy. Dr. Zarbo describes working with two different clients: a university student struggling with digital tools for her thesis, and a young mother seeking retraining as a teaching assistant through the development of digital skills.
From her point of view, one of the main strengths of the method is its clear and well-defined structure that guides both the counselor and the client, allowing for reflection, adjustment of the path, and maintaining focus on individual goals. Furthermore, Dr. Zarbo highlights the importance of support from a network of actors—professionals, peers, and training services—which makes the process not only more effective but also more human and motivating, helping clients feel supported and valued.
Finally, Dr. Zarbo emphasizes how the method helps to see digital skills not just as technical abilities, but as part of a broader process of personal and professional transition. From a research perspective, she finds it interesting to explore how counselors develop through this approach and the overall impact from the different perspectives involved. The other podcast is a conversation between Jenny Schultz, member of the Greman team and Dr. Matthias Zick-Varul, now professor of sociology and social work at the IU International University in Stuttgart
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsYRDh1W3tc
A concrete case is presented in the podcast: Mrs. Kazem, a single mother of Iraqi origin who wishes to work as a classroom assistant. Thanks to the new approach, her training path was tailor-made by directly involving an employer and a training provider. The project made it possible to accelerate the process, increase the effectiveness of the intervention, and improve the overall quality of career guidance.
Jenny Schulz, member of the German team, emphasizes the added value of the “Roundabout” model compared to the traditional approach. In her view, involving multiple stakeholders from the very beginning makes the guidance process more efficient, targeted, and adaptable to individual needs. She admits that the method initially requires more time and resources, but considers it a valuable investment: it allows for immediate answers, easier access to specific information, and the creation of training paths that are more aligned with actual market demands. Jenny acknowledges that the initial phase encountered some resistance, but believes that once integrated, the method can significantly enhance the quality of counsellors’ work.
Dr. Matthias Zick-Varul, one of the project’s originators who did not take part in its implementation, is curious to know how things turned out and expresses satisfaction with the results achieved. Drawing on his experience as a career counsellor, he highlights how the method makes the entire process more sustainable and personalized. He appreciates the flexibility of the model, which can adapt to different contexts and respond effectively to the complexities of the digital labor market. Dr. Zick-Varul recognizes the challenges related to implementation but is confident that with proper training, it can become a useful and lasting tool for the future of career guidance across Europe.
