On the trail of a career: opportunities for institutionalized youngsters in Portuguese educational centers

Abstract The modern life setting brings forth challenges that instigate the interest of (re)considering the importance of a career and ways to achieve such goal. This paper aim is to deepen the understanding of opportunities of career exploration for institutionalized youngsters in Portuguese educational centers. Pursuant to the court's decision, the youngsters participants (N=15), with an average age of 16 years old, attended Adult Education and Training courses for the acquisition of academic and professional skills. The available opportunities in the Portuguese educational centers promote the youngsters path through education and responsibility by participating in educational and training activities. It is necessary to stimulate intervention programs for institutionalized youngsters, in order to develop a journey for the active life built upon the achievement and positive balance between personal life and a career.