Abstract
The study considers major elements in the variety of organisations and occupations which link the occupation and education structures by providing advice, counselling and information for the individual. The development of theories of occupational choice and counselling theory is shown to be reflected in radio broadcasting and in the services offered by independent agencies as well as in the work of careers officers and careers teachers. The results of surveys of careers officers and careers teachers in Surrey are discussed. These people were found to have widely differing views of their functions but, in general, both groups emphasised the importance of careers work in schools and of serving the interests of individual clients. From literature studies it is suggested that the effectiveness of guidance and counselling styles is Independent upon the motive or orientation of the client seeking help. As counselling and careers education become more complex they seek to reduce the dependence of the individual on informal community influences. The degree of ease with which influences on job choice can be controlled is likely to be inversely related to the extent of that influence. There is little evidence on which to gauge the careers industry as an integrative force in society. However, as it develops, elements in it are seen to be subject to the same structural processes which facilitated its emergence.