This topics were addressed during the Regional Dialogue Platform of partner organisations that jointly develop the career guidance system for children and adolescents “The Future We Choose”, which was held on 3 September in Poltava.

The event was attended by:

• Yevhen Konchakovskyi, Deputy Head of the Poltava Regional Military Administration;
• Valentyna Poltorak, DECIDE Project Manager;
• Oleksandr Lemeshko, First Deputy Head of the Poltava Regional Council;
• Myroslav Kostenko, Director of the Department of Education and Science of the Poltava Regional Military Administration;
• Nadiia Balabust, National Expert, DECIDE Coordinator of Development of Career Guidance System;
• representatives of communities, the business sector, and other career guidance stakeholders.

Valentyna Poltorak, DECIDE Project Manager, described the results of the Project’s cooperation with Poltava region in career guidance and the plans for the new academic year:

• during the preceding academic year, career guidance activities in the region reached more than 3,000 students in Grades 8-9;
• schoolchildren took part in more than 340 excursions to more than 180 local businesses and educational institutions;
• there are two DECIDE career guidance hubs in Poltava region – in Kremenchuk and Reshetylivka;
• in the 2026/2027 academic year, work will continue on the national pilot project for the career guidance system. It will involve 28 communities in Poltava region;
• more than 2,500 students in Grades 8–9 will study the JOBS career guidance course.

Moreover, training will soon be held for future career guidance counsellors from all general secondary schools in Poltava region who will be working with students in Grades 8–9.

Nadiia Balabust, DECIDE National Expert, presented the next steps in the national pilot project for the career guidance system for children and adolescents:

• For communities that continue with the pilot project, the plan is to implement the system, evaluate its impact, and share experiences.
• New communities in Poltava region that have joined the pilot project will need to undergo training, identify local needs, and find partners.

During the event, the following topics were discussed, which are important for the further development of the career guidance system in the region and in communities:

• the implementation of the Regional Plan for the introduction of a career guidance system for children and adolescents in Poltava region;
• the next steps in the national pilot project for the career guidance system;
• the experience of 22 pilot communities in Poltava region in establishing a career guidance system for children and adolescents;
• the findings of a study on career guidance work in communities, its challenges, and prospects;
• the potential of the JOBS optional course for the development of practice-oriented career guidance;
• the development of partnerships between the education sector, local authorities, and business community.

During the event, special attention was paid to the experiences of pilot communities in Poltava region. The participants discussed the results of career guidance work, the sessions and excursions that had been held, as well as further opportunities for the development of partnerships between the education sector, the authorities, and employers.