Careers Guidance: What we need to ensure world class careers guidance in school and afterwards. Linda Taylor OBE Member National Careers Council

Economic case for the quality Careers Guidance Flexible workforce – encourages people to think about what skills may be needed in the future and preparing for future skills demands Employability by closing skills gaps - the National Careers Service can ensure that learners are demanding the skills employers need Realising potential – careers advice helps individuals to make realistic plans to realise potential skills and contribute to the economy Supporting local growth – local careers advisers using knowledge to match people to employers and support growth

Role and Remit of the National Careers Council To 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. ‘On track’ to produce a formal report to the Minister for Skills in May

Careers services for young people: making a difference?Evidence and Impact £7 return for every £1 spent on independent careers & education services for disadvantaged young people going to university (Sutton Mobility Trust 2010) 26.1% of YP who could recall no contact with employers whilst at school went on to become NEET - 4.3% for those who had multiple experiences involving employers Of vulnerable young people in schools, following career service interventions 68% have shown an improvement in attendance; 48% have shown an improvement in behaviour A 1% increase in attendance leading to a 5% increase in attainment; evidence from work with vulnerable young people where careers interventions has led to an improvement in attendance (reachfor Right Track Project 2012)

Continued…… Careers guidance assists young people with the potential to disengage from education, employment or training to ‘stay on track’…particularly at key transition points in young people’s lives (NFER 2012) Careers guidance supports learning goals by enhancing student motivation, attainment and progression. It has been found to increase students’ aspirations, their levels of planning & readiness to transition and their levels of successful completion (Smith et al 2005) A major reason why students drop out of high school is that they cannot see a ‘clear, transparent connection between their program of study and tangible opportunities in the labour market’ (Harvard Graduate School of Education, 2011).

What the NCC would like to see for under 18’s in schools and colleges All students understanding the range of career route open to them and how to access the information needed to underpin informed choices Face to face guidance for all students from Year 8 upwards Very strong links with employers who can contribute to pupils education by raising awareness of the careers likely to be open to them Access for all pupils to high quality and current LMI and information about ALL education and training routes pre and post 16 Strongly focussed work with parents to challenge stereotypes and raise awareness about career routes Integrate career management and EMPLOYABILITY skills into the curriculum Have access to matrix-accredited careers providers and professionally qualified careers advisers to provide face to face guidance