Ostrava’s Career Guidance Project Reaches Finals of Prestigious European Innovation Awards
Organized annually by the Innovation in Politics Institute, the awards recognize projects that bring positive change through bold and creative solutions. More than 1,000 evaluators from across Europe assessed the quality, impact, and inspirational value of each project.
Among hundreds of European entries, Ostrava’s initiative was highlighted as a model of best practice, with the potential to inspire other cities and regions. It is now featured in the Best Practices Hub, an online European library of innovative public initiatives. The winning project in this category came from Ukraine.
Deputy Mayor Andrea Hoffmannová emphasized that the project’s success is the result of teamwork:
“This recognition belongs to many people – career counsellors, teachers, school directors, employers, parents, and students who actively participate in the project. The system of career guidance in Ostrava, built on cooperation between the city, the Moravian-Silesian Employment Pact, participating schools, and local employers, is unique in the Czech Republic.”
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About the Project
The main goal of Career Guidance Ostrava is to establish and support the role of career counsellors in primary schools, providing them with tools and methodologies for direct work with pupils. Through trained counsellors and engaging activities, students gain the skills to plan their future careers, explore different professions, and connect with local employers.
This approach helps young people better understand the world of work – and importantly, see their professional future in their home city. The close partnership between schools, businesses, and the city creates an environment where young people feel supported, heard, and motivated to stay in Ostrava and contribute to its continued growth.
The Moravian-Silesian Employment Pact (MSPAKT) serves as the project’s professional guarantor and methodological partner.
“Where career counsellors actively collaborate with students, schools have reported a lower number of early school leavers and increased continuation to further education,” added Deputy Mayor Hoffmannová.
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Sustainable and Expanding
The project also operates a dedicated online platform – www.infoprokarieru.cz – which provides counsellors with all necessary tools and resources in one place.
Since its launch in 2019, the project has aimed to unify and enhance the quality of career guidance services in Ostrava’s schools. It was recognized in 2021 with the National Career Guidance Award. Today, 40 Ostrava schools are involved, with plans to expand to the lower primary level next year.
Career counsellor positions are financially supported by the city, and counsellors receive training through the University of Ostrava’s Faculty of Education, earning internationally valid micro-certificates upon completion.
Thanks to clearly defined partnerships and roles, the project remains low-cost, sustainable, and continuously evaluated. It continues to grow, expanding the number of participating schools and deepening cooperation with employers through student excursions and workplace visits.
The initiative’s impact is already visible – pupils are more engaged in exploring future career paths, parents are increasingly aware of the counsellors’ role, and schools have successfully integrated career topics into their curricula.
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Ostrava’s recognition at the Innovation in Politics Awards 2025 is more than a European success – it’s a clear sign that investing in young people’s potential is one of the city’s smartest strategies for the future.