Guidance and Counselling

Career Guidance

One of the most important decisions that a student will make is that of career choice.  The purpose of guidance counselling in Davitt College is to empower each student to get to know themselves, i.e. abilities, skills, talents, interests, values, so that when he/she reaches Final Year he/she will be able to choose a Third Level course and plan a career that suits his/her needs and abilities.

Objectives of the Guidance Department.

To assist each student in their personal development and to help them to know and accept themselves, including their strengths and weaknesses.

To support each student in following an educational path which is appropriate for them.

To support students who may be experiencing difficulties in their lives, at home or at school.

To facilitate students in choosing and embarking on a career path which will be personally rewarding and will reflect their individual talents and values.

To support students at times of transition.

To identify and explore opportunities for students.

To help students grow in independence and take responsibility for themselves

Counselling

The personal well-being of each student is central to the Guidance Department.

Individual counselling plays an important role in the mental, psychological, spiritual, social and intellectual development of each boy and girl. If and when a teacher is concerned about a student he/she will refer them to one of the School Counsellors through the Care Team. Parents may also request an appointment for their son or daughter

Confidentiality Policy

The Guidance & Counselling Service is a professional counselling service, which abides by a strict code of ethics and confidentiality policy as outlined by the Institute of Guidance Counsellors.

Confidentiality is a central and integral part of the counselling process and is assured to each student who avails of the Counselling Service.  It offers safety and privacy to those who choose to discuss personal and private concerns. Information given during the counselling session is held in strict confidence. No information written or verbal will be disclosed to a third party without the student’s permission. The issue of confidentiality is always discussed with students during the first session. This provides the opportunity to clarify any concerns that may arise. Counselling Service files are not attached to any academic records held within the school.

Limits to Confidentiality

In exceptional circumstances Guidance Counsellors may need to break confidentiality if they believe there is a real intent of serious harm or danger to either their student or another individual. Such circumstances may pertain to issues relating to sexual abuse, rape, self-harm or suicidal ideation. In as far as is possible, in such cases, a full explanation will be given regarding the necessary procedures that may need to be taken.

Career Guidance Links:

Irish Organisations:

An Bord Altanrais: The Irish Nursing Board http://www.nursingboard.ie
Central Applications Office (CAO) http://www.cao.ie
IBEC http://www.ibec.ie
Qualifax www.qualifax.ie
Careers Portal www.careersportal.ie
National Adult Literacy Agency http://www.nala.ie
National Centre for Technology in Education http://www.ncte.ie
National Council for Vocational Awards http://www.ncva.ie
Teagasc http://www.teagasc.ie

Irish resources:

CAO On-line Application System http://www.cao.ie
CareerNet http://www.iol.ie/careernet
Careers World http://www.careersworld.com
GAIRM http://www.fas.ie
Irish Jobs Page http://www.exp.ie
Jobfinder/Stepstone http://www.jobfinder.ie
Orange Jobs http://www.orangejobs.com
ScoilNet http://www.scoilnet.ie

International Organisations:

Careers Research and Advisory Centre http://www.crac.org.uk
European Employment Services (EURES) http://europa.eu.int/jobs/eures
National Association of Careers and Guidance Teachers (UK) http://www.nacgt.org.uk
UCAS – UK College Applications http://www.ucas.ac.uk

International Resources:

British University Information http://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/
Career Perfect http://www.careerperfect.com
Career Resource Centre http://www.careers.org
CareerMosaic http://www.careermosaic.com
Careersoft http://www.careersoft.co.uk
Ecctis – UK Course Discover http://www.ecctis.co.uk
Embark.com http://www.embark.com
Guideline Career Services http://www.guideline-careers.co.uk
My Future – US Online Career Advice site http://www.myfuture.com
Online Profiles.com http://www.onlineprofiles.com
Progressions http://www.progressions.co.uk
US Careers Resource Centre http://www.uscareers.com