News & Events

James Brockett

Publication date: 5 November 2010  (Source: PM Online)

Careers guidance at heart of social mobility, says John Hayes

The government is to launch an all-age careers service for England, in what it says is the first of its kind.

The Connexions service for young people and Next Step service for adults will be replaced by a “fully joined-up service” for all age groups from September 2011, skills minister John Hayes confirmed in a speech to the Institute for Careers Guidance (ICG) annual conference in Belfast on 5 November 2010.

“Informed learners are empowered learners,” said Hayes. “The right guidance at the right time not only helps young people and adults to progress in learning, but also increases their confidence and motivation to succeed. Careers guidance is at the heart of increasing social mobility, and a vital part of the machinery of social justice.”

“I have long argued for the creation of an all-age careers service. A unified, consistent service that offers seamless support to young people as they make the transition to adulthood and have a true focus on lifelong learning.”

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the Department for Education are co-operating on the plan and are investigating ways of raising the professional status of careers guidance. Options under consideration include introducing a new kitemark to recognise the best career guidance services or establishing a register of providers who meet the highest standards.

Hayes added: “Everyone knows that impartial advice is always the best advice. But that independent advice must also be underpinned by professional expertise.

“I want to re-professionalise the careers service and create an environment in which careers guidance is recognised for the important public good it is, in which young people, adults, schools, colleges, universities and whole communities see its value, use it and invest in it.”
Wales and Scotland already have all-age careers services.

Link to online story - http://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/pm/articles/2010/11/government-to-launch-all-age-careers-service.htm