Few studies have researched career guidance and information policies, particularly at the regional and local level. This article analyses Sweden's national governance of career guidance in schools from 1950 to 2007, and governance at the local level in today's highly decentralised Swedish educational system. The analysis is based on national policy documents and on survey data from Swedish municipalities. It is concluded that the current situation is characterised by traditional ambitions to offer a universal service to all young people, combined with increasing local fragmentation in the provision of educational and vocational guidance. (Contains 3 tables.)