AFPA is the state institution in France charged with the vocational training of adults. It is unique in Europe and beyond in that it provides a professional career guidance service to trainees prior to course entry, during training and at exit. AFPA's course completion and qualifications rates are very impressive and taking into account that the people who attend their training often suffer multiple barriers to learning.

This document developed  in the last quarter of 2008 is AFPA's contribution to an ongoing debate in France about the future organisation and management of career guidance services for all of the population. It identifies some of the key issues from an AFPA perspective, describes good practices developed by its dedicated guidance services and support unit (INOIP), and  feedback from its users.