In this contribution we are referring to research undertaken within H2020 ENLIVEN project exploring the nature of the barriers to participation in lifelong learning. We draw on key informant experiences of young NEETs in Slovakia participating in national programme Reštart which was set to provide individualised career guidance services to NEETs bellow 29 years. Programme Reštart has been specifically designed responding to experience with inability of young NEETs to identify and follow plausible training and career development options that would lead to improved lifelong employability. While participation in the programme has been mandatory and as such was at first perceived with reservations, all interviewed participants assessed the career guidance provision positively. The policy trail methodological approach combining qualitative interviews and contextual policy mapping proved particularly important source of information for more holistic view and assessment of career guidance programmes. Similar research insights are crucial source of information for a way forward for improved and long term public policy support to individualised lifelong career guidance as an integral part of national policies. Multiple benefits have been reported by the participants in this programme providing strengthened career guidance element via public employment services.
