Careers information and advice in the spotlight
16 Aug 2012
With so many different ways available to access information on career options and opportunities, it is increasingly important for individuals to know where help is readily available particularly during and after exam results time. The National Careers Council, chaired by UK Commissioner Dr Deirdre Hughes, OBE, is putting the spotlight on careers information and advice for young people and adults in England.
Many young people (and adults) need access to accurate, high-quality, impartial information about their options and what they need to do to enter a particular career pathway. Evidence indicates: ‘The lack of information about the choices available to them is seen by young people as one of the main barriers to their participation post-16. An even greater number (19%) see this lack of information as having placed constraints on their choices. The UK Commission for Employment & Skills (UKCES) reports that ‘the labour market requires individuals to be adaptable across the lifecourse – to upskill, reskill & experience transformational shifts'.
The National Careers Service (NCS) is gearing up to advise individuals across England about what learning and career options are available, how to apply and make the most of their talents and interests. A level, GCSE or other students receiving surprising results are encouraged to call NCS to discuss the implications and options with professional guidance advisers. For further help and support, people can speak to an impartial adviser at the National Careers Service on 0800 100 900 or web-chat online at nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk, from 8am to 10pm daily. The Facebook and Twitter sites are updated daily with useful careers information and links to the tools that can help you get on in work and life. Like us on Facebook and follow @NationalCareers onTwitter
The National Careers Council will report on key findings to Ministers in May 2013. Dr Hughes states: ‘There is evidence that there is a link between career goals and educational attainment, with young people who have clear career goals more likely to believe they have some control over their future. Likewise, young people with better career exploration skills are more positive about their post-16 and post-18 choices. Having access to good quality careers information and advice, especially around exam results time, is crucial. The National Careers Council is working with the National Careers Service and the wider careers support market to find out what works best and where there are any existing gaps in provision that need to be addressed.’
Professional careers advisers provide individual, independent and impartial guidance to help individuals make well informed realistic decisions. Dr Hughes states: ‘Negotiations with universities or UCAS can be stressful, especially if you have to reconsider your options so it is vitally important that you get the right support and guidance to help young people and adults make the right decisions at a time and place that suits them best.’
About the National Careers Council :
The National Careers Council, created in May 2012, will provide advice to government on a strategic vision for the National Careers Service and allied career support services as key economic drivers for business growth and opportunities in learning and work. In doing so, the Council will champion a future direction for careers services that draws on leading-edge developments to ensure high quality provision.
For more information visit the National Careers Council website
