1. SKILLS FOR EMPLOYABILITY UAE ADVISORY FORUM
Marlena Topple

2. Introduction Overview of my presentation: About Prospects
What is careers advice and guidance and careers education?
Benefits of having a careers guidance
UK system for careers advice and guidance
Challenges
Questions 2

3. Prospects
Largest private provider of careers services in England under contract to British Government
Employee owned with 1400 staff in 70 locations
Diverse range of services including careers and workforce development with young people and adults, school improvement, school inspection, events management
Work throughout the UK with growing profile internationally 3

4. Career choice
Our choices about our career and working life are amongst the most important decisions we will make in our lives
Bad choices lead to a waste of human talent, human capital and resources – but this is avoidable
Choosing a career that matches the interest, skills and values of a person, significantly increases the chances for success and personal happiness
Individual needs high quality unbiased information, and possibly advice and guidance to make informed choices and good decisions 4

5. 5 5 5

6. What is careers guidance?
There are many terms meaning the same things e.g. vocational guidance, professional orientation, careers counselling
Careers guidance comprises a range of services
It assists individuals to identify their aptitudes, competencies and interests, to make educational, training and occupational choices throughout their working life
Careers guidance can be delivered in schools, VET, universities, for unemployed and employed adults 6

7. What is careers guidance?
Tends to focus on specific questions, issues or decisions
Can be provided at any time but it is particularly relevant at key transition points
Is usually provided by trained and qualified Careers Advisers
Can be provided by teachers, family, community leaders, employers and friends
Is free from bias and promotes self determination and equality of access 7 7

8. How is careers guidance delivered?
Individual or group basis; may be face-to-face or at a distance (e.g. phone and web-based services).
Include the provision of career information, assessment and self-assessment tools, individual career guidance interviews, seminars and group sessions, career education programs and work experience programs. 8

9. What is careers education?
Part of the curriculum at school, VET or university
A programme that teaches young people the skills, knowledge and understanding to manage their career and make good career decisions
Decision making; Opportunity awareness; Transition management; Self awareness (DOTS)
Usually taught by teachers, but often with input from others – employers, careers advisers etc
Dynamic programme that includes special events – industry days, careers conventions, & suspended time table days 9

10. Why is careers education important?
Complex range of learning opportunities
To develop transition skills to cope with the changing world of work
Increases self esteem and confidence
Challenges stereotypes
Adds relevance to learning and motivates
Raises achievement and maximises student potential
Prevents ‘dropping out’ 10

11. Benefits of careers education and guidance
Enables individuals to manage and plan their learning and work pathways to fit with their life goals, strengths and interests
Assists education and training institutions to have well motivated pupils, students and trainees
Assists companies and employers to have well motivated, employable and adaptable staff, contributing to the success of their business 11

12. Benefits of careers education and guidance
Provides policymakers with an important means to achieve a wide range of public policy goals
Supports local, regional, national and global economies through workforce development and adaptation to changing economic demands and social circumstances
Assist in the development of societies in which citizens actively contribute to their social, democratic and sustainable development. 12

13. How does careers education and guidance contribute to government policy goals?
Economic development
Labour market efficiency
Efficient investment in education and training
Lifelong learning
Social inclusion
Social equity 13

14. THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND

15. The UK Careers Guidance System
This differs in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
National policy changed following the election of a new government in May 2010
Responsibility split across different ministries: Department of Education, Department for Work and Pensions, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills 15 15

16. National Careers Service
New services launched in April 2012 for people aged 13 and over
National coverage, free, independent and high quality careers and skills advice services
Emphasis on phone and on-line rather than face to face
Access via nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk or by calling There is also access to face-to-face careers advice in the community for people aged over 19
Provided at any stage (not just unemployed) 16

17. Careers advice and guidance for young people
Aged 13 plus can access the NCS
From September 2012 schools and colleges are required to provide careers guidance
Universities fund and deliver services to graduates
Local councils will fund work for unemployed young people
New service quality standard, workforce professional standards and code of ethics

18. Ethics, professionalism and quality
Code of professional ethics
Professionalism based on:
Accredited qualifications
Standards
Quality Assurance 18 18

19. Ethical practice Impartiality Confidentiality Individual Ownership
Equality of Opportunity
Transparency
Accessibility 19 19

20. Nationally recognised qualifications
Qualification in Careers Guidance (QCG) Level 6 Diploma in Careers Guidance and Development Masters Diploma in Careers Guidance (Scotland) 20 20

21. NATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL STANDARDS
National Occupational Standards set out measurable performance outcomes to which an individual is expected to work in a given occupation.
Developed by employers represented by Sector Skills Councils across the UK, NOS set out the skills, knowledge and understanding required to perform competently in the workplace
Majority of Vocational Qualifications are based on or related to National Occupational Standards.

22. NOS FOR CAREERS PROFESSIONALS
Developed by Lifelong Learning UK
The new NOS will cover anyone in the UK lifelong learning sector providing information, advice and guidance, including:
Advisors in dedicated career guidance organisations
Advisors in guidance services within sector organisations, such as university or college careers services
Tutors, coaches, mentors and others who offer educational information, career, or employability related advice and guidance as part of their role.

23. Build and apply understanding of theory and effective practice in career development
Reflect on, develop and maintain own skills and practice in career development
Develop and apply ethical practice in your career development role
Build and maintain relationships with individuals to ensure a client centred approach

24. Work with individuals to explore and identify their needs and aspirations
Enable individuals to set realistic goals and career development objectives
Deliver individual and group development through career-related learning
Enable individuals to use and apply information for career development
Provide ongoing support to help individuals achieve their goals and development objectives

25. Help individuals evaluate their progress and achievement and plan for the future
Improve services to individuals by collaborating with others
Enable individuals to access referral opportunities
Represent individuals’ needs to others
Promote the availability, value and effectiveness of the service on offer

26. Monitor, evaluate and improve the effectiveness of the service on offer
Plan and undertake research on behalf of the service.

27. Quality Assurance Matrix Standard Ofsted Inspection
Observation of practice
Customer feedback
By benchmarking to other similar providers
Performance Indicators and Impact measures 27 27

28. Challenges Top down and bottom up
Shared understanding of what careers guidance is and the benefits
Evidence based practice and of impact
Generation gap
Involvement of employers
Involvement of parents and other stakeholders
Start early and embed in learning and development throughout education and work 28 28