Where is careers advice going? - FE
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MAY
2014
independent and impartial
statutory guidance
vocational and/or academic
where is
culture change
careers
advice
going?
national careers service
Employability
A SUPPLEMENT IN
FE
PRODUCED PARTNERSHIP
BY WITH
WEEK
2 www.abcawards.co.uk WHERE IS CAREERS ADVICE GOING? @ABC_Awards @FEWeek www.feweek.co.uk 3
An impartial look at careers guidance despite experience Statutory guidance gets a legal grip on schools service
T
education that let me down. to be one where the newly-established he duty of schools to secure under the current arrangements.”
I was lucky enough to receive guidance National Careers Service (NCS) would independent and impartial careers And just months after the committee
FE
outside my school, which led me to the provide key support for schools, but it has guidance for pupils first became a aired its concerns, the National Careers
eminently sensible decision to duck the low- faced its own issues surrounding the nature legal requirement with the introduction Council (NCC), chaired by academic Dr
hanging branches of an expensive higher of its delivery and also funding. These issues of the 2011 Education Act. Deirdre Hughes and set up to look at the
education and get immediately out into the are outlined on page 10, along with a view of WEEK But it wasn’t until almost three years problem, called for a careers guidance
real world. the future of the NCS from its director, Joe later that the FE sector got one of the “culture change”.
But others are not so lucky, and with Billington. things it had been demanding for many At the launch of the NCC
the number of 16 and 17-year-olds not in Skills Minister Matthew Hancock has years — specific recognition of its offer in report, An Aspirational
education, employment or training (Neet) previously spoken of the role of the NCS statute. Nation: Creating a culture
having risen from 31,000 between July and and has now ushered in the new statutory The new statutory guidance on careers change in careers provision,
September to 38,000 between October and guidance for schools. He faces tough advice for schools was published in was Skills Minister Matthew
December last year, the need for advice questioning on careers guidance on page 11, April, and it was the first time specific Hancock, who said: “Last
which can get young people back into work before fellow politicians from Labour and the IN PARTNERSHIP WITH references to vocational routes and year [2012] we created the
or training is as strong as ever. Liberal Democrats have their say on page 12. apprenticeships were made. National Careers Service to
As so many of our knowledgeable experts Amid the calls for action, and the issuing It followed a build-up of pressure provide professional advice;
@fcdwhittaker in this supplement point out, we are living of new statutory guidance, came a key report for action on careers guidance with and gave schools and further
freddie.whittaker@feweek.co.uk in a post-Connexions world in which on what a school’s careers guidance service the Education Act having shifted the education colleges a powerful
schools have been ordered to fill the void, should look like — and what it would cost. provision of a careers service to schools new responsibility to secure
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o the generations of us who remember impartially. Professor John Holman was the author and from the duty of local authorities, independent careers guidance for
being asked what we wanted to be when The page opposite paints the picture of this he discusses his report on page 13. delivered through Connexions — itself their students.
we grew up and being told, no matter world, how we got here, and what next. With this focus on schools and their described by the DfE as “often costly, “This report sets out an
what it was, that we had to go to university, New statutory guidance for schools is provision, Ofsted gives its view on the patchy and of poor quality”. ambitious new path for how careers
the idea of good careers guidance is a bit of key to government hopes for the future of situation bearing in mind its inspectors The number of those sounding notices guidance needs to progress — to
an oxymoron. careers guidance, and it is covered across the now look at the service, before the views of caution about the way schools were inspire, motivate and inform — and
I am sure I am not alone when I say following four pages. of lecturers, learners and practitioners are handling their new responsibility grew, I look forward to working with the
careers advice was the only bit of my The post-Connexions world was intended represented, across pages 14 and 15. and included Ofsted, the Association of NCC to consider the detail of its
Colleges and the Confederation of British recommendations.”
Industry. And so we now have new statutory
advertorial The Education Select Committee had guidance. The legal nature of the
worries, too. Its chair, Graham Stuart documents means schools will have
Paul Eeles
those delivering training at the coalface. MP (pictured), questioned the advice to prove they are telling pupils about
Nationally-recognised qualifications, of schools who, he said, “put their own vocational routes, or at least have a very
coupled with membership of IEP, give interests ahead of that of their pupils, good excuse to explain why they are not.
FE Week is a newspaper dedicated
practitioners status and recognition as well restrict access to other education But does this new rulebook for schools
reporting on news, analysis, jobs and
fun in the further education sector.
chief executive, as better job prospects. providers and make the filling of their across England go far enough? Over the
EMFEC Group incorporating ABC Awards Our qualifications are designed for sixth form places more of a priority next four pages, sector experts have their
staff who are involved in advising and than their statutory duty to provide say on the key requirements set out in the
Editor: Chris Henwood
Employability
supporting young people and adults into independent and impartial advice and guidance, along with commentary from
Head designer: Nicky Phillips
work. They aim to raise the performance of guidance for pupils.” NCC chair Dr Hughes.
Sub editor: Paul Offord
practitioners to offer the required support The committee’s report on careers As well as the five “must” areas for
Reporters: Freddie Whittaker
and guidance to individuals to enable guidance came out in January last year schools and their partners, the guidance
Rebecca Cooney
The employability agenda is one of crucial professionals. them to move into sustained employment. and went on to refer to the transfer of includes a number of “shoulds”, which
Photographer: Ellis O’Brien
importance, not only in terms of supporting Therefore, employability professionals These qualifications contribute to IEP responsibility for careers guidance to ministers hope will also be observed.
Financials: Helen Neilly
those who are currently unemployed, but need to have a clear understanding of the membership criteria. schools as “regrettable,” adding: “We The report says: “This statutory
Sales executive: Hannah Smith
also in ensuring that young people are individual’s personality, skills and interests, The IEP is the professional membership heard evidence that there is already a guidance has been revised to ensure
Administration: Victoria Boyle
equipped with the skills to gain suitable and to ensure that the IAG is wholly relevant. institute for individuals working within worrying deterioration in the overall that all schools are clear about what is
Paris Ayotunde
sustainable employment from the offset. We must also remember the importance of the employability sector. As a member of level of provision for young people. expected of them in meeting their
There are many pathways available to remaining impartial. IAG should be aimed IEP, individuals are joining a network of “Urgent steps need duty.
Contributors: Joe Billington
young people and adults; coupled with a at the individual and should not be biased passionate professionals with opportunities to be taken by the “Schools have a critical role to play
Rushanara Ali MP
fiercely competitive employment market, towards a certain pathway or organisation to share ideas, experiences and best government to ensure in preparing young people for the next
Gordon Birtwhistle MP
this makes well-informed information, in order to meet recruitment targets. practice. IEP membership reflects your that young people’s stage of their education or training and
Mary Bousted
advice and guidance (IAG) essential to the Individuals will only remain engaged in a commitment to the employability sector needs are met. beyond. Expectations should be set
Joe Vinson
future for individuals. programme or qualification if it is the right and is increasingly valued by employers. “Too many high, including for the most vulnerable
Karen O’Donoghue
We need to ensure that we are continually pathway for them. The partnership between ABC Awards schools lack the and those with special educational
FE Week intern: Christy Cooney delivering an effective and impartial IAG The Institute of Employability and IEP means that employers and their skills, incentives or needs and disabilities, so that every
service, which offers real outcomes that will Professionals (IEP) and ABC Awards staff can now acquire both professional capacity to fulfil the pupil is stretched and acquires the
Managing director: Shane Mann benefit individuals. have developed a working partnership to recognition and a relevant qualification duty put upon them attributes that employers value.
As our young people compete for fewer offer a suite of level three and level four which will enhance their career prospects without a number of “This will help every young person
If you are interested in placing a product jobs, employability skills will continue to be qualifications in the employability sector in this dynamic and growing sector. changes being made. to realise their potential and so
or job advert contact important. which will enable practitioners to provide “Young people increase economic
Certainly Ofsted identified the effective employability support to their deserve better than competitiveness
E: hannah.smith@feweek.co.uk development of these skills as a key customers. Visit www.abcawards.co.uk to the service they and support
T: 020 8123 4778 responsibility of individual providers. As a national awarding organisation, find out more about the suite of are likely to social
The key to an individual’s success often ABC Awards firmly believes that the Employment Related Services receive mobility.”
lies in the information, advice and guidance professionalism of the workforce of the qualifications
that they have been given by employability future relies on the quality and expertise of
4 www.abcawards.co.uk WHERE IS CAREERS ADVICE GOING? @ABC_Awards @FEWeek www.feweek.co.uk 5
Sector leaders call for funding improvement and greater provider recognition
New statutory guidance for schools on careers advice has left question marks Colleges, said although it took “a few tentative steps in the right direction”, it
over the future of the service. didn’t “go far enough”.
The 18-page document was hailed by the government as the answer to the Over the next four pages, we examine the main legal requirements set out in
nation’s prayers, but seen by many sector leaders as something that didn’t go far the new guidance, and hear what relevant sector experts have to say.
enough. And National Careers Council chair Dr Deirdre Hughes gives a running
At the time of its release, Joy Mercer, policy director at the Association of commentary across each requirement.
Legal requirement 1 — Schools must secure independent guidance that Legal requirement 2 — Schools must ensure young people are clear about
includes information on the full range of education and training options, what the raising of the participation age means for them.
including apprenticeships and vocational pathways. Guidance should Training
encompass good, appropriate local FE, apprenticeships, and vocational
education opportunities. providers
have
always
tried to
work
closely
with
schools
stewart segal
We
wanted
Joy Mercer done, especially regarding the steps that will be
taken to ensure that schools comply.
sure they understand which option to choose to
get the career, and the future, that they want.
to see the Stewart Segal
needs.
We have been lobbying on the need for
imperative that we did not allow schools to
become detached, unwittingly or otherwise,
director of policy,
Association of Colleges
The inclusion of specific vocational routes is
a positive move, but what is more appropriate
But as well as knowledge of what education
options are available, young people must also
legal duties chief executive, Association of
Employment and Learning Providers
impartial advice in schools for many years
and our successful representations for a
from the world of work.
The new guidance encourages greater
more
is that advice and guidance about the correct know what is available to them in terms of statutory requirement to be included in the engagement between schools and the National
G T
ood independent careers advice and options for the individual student is available. jobs, so they can make sure they are gaining he guidance rightfully stresses that Education Act 2011 were vital in our mission Careers Service, and school visits by local
guidance is crucial if students are to make We are pleased to see that the Department the right skills to join the local employment young people and just as importantly to raise awareness among young people about employers and providers. Training providers
the right choices about their future. This
update to the statutory duty on schools is a step
for Education has set down what ‘good’ advice
and guidance looks like — making sure young
market.
Another ‘ask’ from our campaign is that all
clearly parents should understand that they are
not required to stay on school but that there
apprenticeships. But we knew that while
this was a major step forward, it would only
have always tried to work closely with schools
as they can provide a vital link between
in the right direction, but it by no means goes
far enough.
people have information about all the options
available to them post-14, post-16 and post-18.
parties work better together locally to focus on
the career information needs of our students. defined are a number of options open to them. The
combination of the raising of the participation
really count if the measure was being enforced
especially at a time when the Connexions
employers and schools. This activity is often
hidden from government as providers see it as
Providing high-quality, impartial advice The National Careers Service (NCS) should Government figures suggest that awareness of age, which was not fully explained to parents, service was being dismantled across the part of their role in engaging young people. If
and guidance is no easy task and, while we play a role in this and, through our Careers the NCS is increasing but there is more to do joy mercer and the pupil funding formula for school sixth country. The requirement to inform young more schools recognise the support that they
appreciate schools are receiving no extra Guidance: Guaranteed campaign, we’re urging and it is right that the expanded role of the NCS forms was in danger of keeping disaffected people of all of their options is even more can get from the sector, there is every reason to
funding to support this statutory obligation, government to improve its funding of NCS. The as a broker between schools, colleges, local students in a classroom when a work based important as schools are longer required to be more optimistic about the quality of careers
we wanted to see the legal duties more clearly array of options can be bewildering for young authorities and employers is enshrined in this learning option was more appropriate to their set aside time for work experience, so it was guidance which pupils will receive in future.
defined. We believe more work needs to be people and their parents and we need to make statutory duty.
There is growing evidence of the high costs associated [with the] skills gaps support schools in embedding labour market signals from an early stage in DEIDRE HUGHES National Careers Council,
chair
Basically, what this is saying is we all need to take steps to ensure young cohort of students.
and mismatch. We know the British youth labour market is not working the curriculum. people (and parents) are clear about the education and career routes and Many are becoming more aware of the scarring effects of wasted time and
UK Commission for Employment and
effectively. There is a growing need for more engaging activities for young The more informed, realistic and certain initial teenager career pathways available. money spent by young people on the wrong course. The decision to place a
Skills, commissioner
people (and parents) that connect them to the realities of available pathways aspirations are, the better young people do when they leave education - they This lies at the heart of the government’s ‘inspirational agenda’. The statutory duty on schools is a step in the right direction and moving forward
International Centre for Guidance
and opportunities. more likely to be employed and to earn better (NCC, 2013 p.8) This means guidance and non-statutory guidelines reinforce the point that we must be schools, colleges and local authorities will need to build skills and capacity in
Studies, founding director
Labour market intelligence and ICT is currently under-utilised. The UKCES they need access to good quality information, intelligence and careers honest and open with all young people (and parents) about the full their workforce to help develop young people’s character, career adaptability
Warwick Institute for Employment
‘LMI for All’ in association with Warwick University IER, has the potential to support. range of options available at key transitions points. This can be a big and resilience.
Research, associate fellow
challenge for schools, particularly those with sixth forms keen to build their
European Lifelong Guidance Policy
Network, consultant
6 www.abcawards.co.uk WHERE IS CAREERS ADVICE GOING? @ABC_Awards @FEWeek www.feweek.co.uk 7
Careers guidance changes from the head teacher, local authority and governor’s viewpoint
Legal requirement 3 — Schools’ in-house Legal requirement 4 — Schools must work with local authorities to Legal requirement 5 — The governing body must ensure independent
careers guidance must be combined with support more vulnerable young people including those with careers guidance is presented in an impartial manner, includes information
advice and guidance from independent and special educational needs, and those who are disengaged or at on the range of education or training options, including apprenticeships
external sources. risk of disengaging. and other vocational pathways and is guidance that the person giving it
considers will promote the best interests of the pupils to whom it is given.
Rob Campbell available and do better at identifying and
then encouraging the right choice for
chair of the National Association students.
of Head Teachers’ secondary As it stands currently, it will be a
education committee and principal
of Impington Village College,
financial burden — something in the region
of £8,000 to £10,000 for a school of my size
Nick Forbes all re-engagement funding to continue
improving.
is helping young people scrutinise and
improve school careers advice and in
vice-chair of the Local Government
Cambridge (210 students in a year group) which is not
inconsiderable given all the other pressures Association’s children and young
In Newcastle, we were able to locally
commission the Youth Contract, unlike most
Rochdale the council has created support
for all, including pupils, parents, teachers
Emma knights should not be construed to indicate a lack
of effort — for many the problem is a lack
of excellent practice which pre-exists the
statutory guidance.
and demands on budgets; we know this people’s board and Newcastle City councils, and we used our local knowledge and governors. In Suffolk the council has
Chief executive of the National of experience. Few will have had any Governors can also be a resource in
Governors’ Association (NGA)
I
I have no problem with external advice advice is important but if schools feel they Council leader and partnerships to deliver much more created a single website for pupils to access previous experience of providing careers themselves, for example by providing links
— indeed I think it’s probably necessary can provide it better themselves (and this successful outcomes than the national advice and apply for local opportunities. guidance to the extent now required so to local businesses. It has been suggested
C I
to ensure impartial guidance is there. In may be the case) then they may seek to ouncils have statutory duties to reduce programme. These initiatives are having some impact n the fast-changing labour market of today, National Governors Association welcomes that governing bodies have a designated
some cases, and not surprisingly, schools ignore it. youth disengagement and to secure While councils have helped schools take on but councils are absorbing unprecedented young people need to be given effective, the new statutory guidance, which is far careers governor but, as the governing
that have sixth forms often encourage their The other issue is quality; over the past enough suitable provision for all young the duty to provide advice we have long held cuts and cannot fund them forever. high quality careers advice. However, more detailed than its predecessor, and the body operates on the principle of collective
students to ‘stay on’ at 16 so ensure good decade the pool of well qualified careers people up to 19, and up to 24 for those with concerns about this move. We are worried We worry that our efforts to engage young the introduction of the duty on schools accompanying non-statutory guidance. responsibility, NGA recommends that an
recruitment. staff has diminished so it will be a challenge learning difficulties, and we welcome the schools have not been sufficiently funded people in learning will be undermined if to provide independent and impartial Governors want the best for the pupils in issue as important as careers education is
In addition children actually choose this to secure the right advice and guidance. acknowledgment of this by the reviewed and what government pressure on academic learning is not right for the individual or careers advice has given them an additional their school and we welcome the emphasis addressed by the whole governing body or a
too because of the lure of the familiar when Under Connexions, staff quality was varied guidance. learning means for students most likely to for local employers. While 16 to 18-year- responsibility with no accompanying extra on ensuring pupils are given high quality committee.
it might be better they went elsewhere. I and if this is replicated again, schools will Overall, local government is doing a good go into vocational learning. We are not sure old disengagement is at all-time low, the funding. advice on a wide range of careers pathways, “Building careers education into the
also think well-trained careers teachers or be most reluctant to follow the advice to the job. The number of 16 to 18-year-olds not in schools in isolation can offer independent proportion of 19 to 24-year-olds not in work Therefore it is important that schools including vocational qualifications and school or college development plan is a
advisers will know the full range of what’s letter (of the law). education, employment or training (Neet) advice, aware of the full complexity of local or learning has grown to an all-time high. take a well thought out, strategic approach apprenticeships, as well as the options good way to ensure it remains a strategic
has fallen throughout the recession and is post-16 work and learning options. Without high quality independent careers to their provision, and governors have a offered by other institutions. Of course it is priority, as well as integrating it into the
now at all-time low. But more can be done A range of innovative activities are advice, these trends risk continuing into a vital role in making that happen. Reports not necessary for governors to be ‘forced in governing body’s work without creating an
and we think government needs to devolve emerging in response. In Leeds, the council growing economy. that schools are failing to meet their duties law’ to do this, and there are many examples excessive additional burden.
A primary focus for careers work in schools Shifting your attention outside of the
is to prepare pupils for future working life. school is an important part of the big picture.
A combination of in-house and external Careers advisers, coaches and mentors act Considerable challenges face schools, vulnerable and/or at risk. at a local and national level to address this Governors have a key role to play in ensuring schools careers Governors Alliance was launched om May 15]. I hope more people
arrangements is the best way forward. A as key informants between the worlds of colleges, local authorities and local enterprise I do have concerns that some young people important issue. Also, the SEN model of careers provision is planned at a strategic level and delivered well within a with come forward with a strong interest in young people’s transitions,
three-pronged approach by employers, education and work. A strong international partnerships in responding effectively to recent are falling between cracks in the system. In support for young people (and their parents) whole school approach. Effective governing bodies add significant careers and labour market intelligence. The National Careers
teachers and careers professionals working evidence base demonstrates these changes in careers provision. Schools and local many cases, young people and parents do is has an exemplary track record, therefore, value in the critical areas of school improvement and compliance. Council has been working with the National Governors Association
together to improve the life chances of all professionals complement and add value to authorities each have a responsibility to nurture not know where to go to for careers support, this approach must be retained in any future On May 15 an alliance of school governor bodies will launch a to strengthen communication on the statutory guidance and non-
young people should be a key driving force in employers/employees and teachers work in and support young people, including those most therefore, significantly more needs to be done delivery arrangements. campaign to get more people to volunteer as governors [The Inspiring statutory guidelines for schools.
all schools across England. schools.
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10 www.abcawards.co.uk WHERE IS CAREERS ADVICE GOING? @ABC_Awards @FEWeek www.feweek.co.uk 11
New careers service hit with delivery and funding issues The Skills Minister’s ‘culture change’ Plan
F
or careers advice and guidance, 2012 was they are no substitute for a conversation DfE is committed to supporting the work this, not just the £7m the DfE puts into the The state of careers advice and
the year it was all supposed to change. with a qualified, knowledgeable careers of the NCS properly? Will the DfE realise NCS.” guidance has preyed on the minds of
The Education Act, given royal assent professional who can help young people the opportunity that the NCS provides to The NCS started 2014 with a lot to prove, ministers for generations, but never
in 2011, meant schools for the first time make informed choices.” ensure that we have an all-ages, competent, and the sector’s eyes will stay on it as has there been so much pressure placed
were responsible for ensuring the advice And in September last year, Ofsted’s re-professionalised careers service?” said England adapts to new rules for schools on on government to improve the system.
they offered to pupils was independent and report, Going in the right direction? committee chair Graham Stuart. careers advice and guidance. In an exclusive Q&A session with FE
impartial. Careers guidance in schools from Mr Hancock said: “The funding issue The NCS is jointly funded by the Week, Skills Minister Matthew Hancock
Connexions, a relic of the early years September 2012, also had tough words for has been raised many times. Times are, of Department for Business, Innovation and talks about the “culture change” which
of the Blair government, was a target and the NCS and its web-based service. course, tight for funding, but the central Skills (BIS), Department for Education he sees as happening in career advice.
while it may have boasted personal, face-to- However, deeper concerns came last year point is that the legal duty to secure (DfE), Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and the
face advisers, it had been viewed negatively from former NCC members Professor Tony independent and impartial advice in Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Q: The new statutory guidance
in some quarters with varying levels of Watts and Heather Jackson over the way schools needs to be delivered from the recently published will force schools to
service. the NCS was funded. schools budget. specifically promote apprenticeships
It was replaced by the National Careers Professor Watts and Ms Jackson were “Schools have a whole budget to deliver and vocational routes. What is the
Service (NCS) in 2012, but far from the fresh not the only ones who questioned why so government going to do to make sure
start the government had hoped for with much of the NCS budget came from the this actually happens and what powers
the end of Connexions, the NCS has faced Department for Business, Innovation and can it use where this doesn’t take
criticisms of its own. Skills, and yet so little from the Department place?
The National Careers Council (NCC) last for Education (DfE). A: Schools have a responsibility to promote
year wanted to see a large expansion of the Even the Ministry of Justice gave more all routes, including apprenticeships and
NCS brief and called for face-to-face careers than the DfE, prompting a headline in the vocational — and act in the interests of
guidance to be available to all pupils from national media to read ‘More job cash for pupils. The guidance sets out clearly how
the age of 12 (Year 8). jailbirds than kids’. schools will be held to account, confirming
It was a criticism picked up at the time It was an issue raised with Skills Ofsted’s intention to take greater account
by Brian Lightman, general secretary of the Minister Mathew Hancock when he during school inspections of the quality
Association of School and College Leaders. appeared before MPs on the Education of careers guidance and of pupils’
He said: “A national telephone helpline and Select Committee in May last year. destinations. I hope that will encourage
a website are useful for information, but “Will the minister reassure us that the schools to broaden the advice they offer;
schools will have no excuse for not opening
their doors to the different options. beyond the school. What matters is the and training options. The new departmental Q: Should any other bodies, such as
Expert
The service has provided advice education, FE and the voluntary sector needs of the young person — and how advice document contains a number of case local authorities, play a role?
and guidance to more than 1.5m new to provide young people and adults with Q: Do you think the onus should be schools can best raise their aspirations studies and paints a clear picture of what A: Yes. Local authorities play an important
joe billington
customers since it was launched. We have inspiring experiences, information and entirely placed on schools, or does the and enable them to consider a broad and good careers guidance in schools looks like. role in supporting more vulnerable young
delivered 2.5m face-to-face sessions guidance that will help them take advantage FE sector need to do more to promote ambitious range of careers. people and should work with schools to
with adults, handled 788,000 phone calls, of the opportunities in their locality. itself ? Q: What should colleges/ILPs/ identify and support those young people
emails and webchats, and received 22.7m NCS contractors will work in conjunction A: Many FE colleges work hard to ensure Q: Might funding incentives be used employers do if they feel they’re being who are at risk of dropping out of education
director of the National Careers Service web visits. with the new statutory guidance on careers that young people are aware of the learning somehow to address the problem? excluded from playing a part in school or training.
At the same time we have been evolving guidance and inspiration in schools to help opportunities they offer, including A: Our funding reforms are designed to information, advice and guidance (IAG)
The ‘ambitious agenda’ for a
a new model for operating to meet the new schools, colleges and employers to work apprenticeships and other vocational remove perverse incentives. We are funding services? Q: Where does you see careers advice
challenges facing careers provision. We have together. And our new model will mean we offers. We want young people to be aware of institutions ‘per student’ allowing sufficient A: The guidance is clear that schools in five years’ time? Is real improvement
been re-contracting the whole service for are in better shape to take this forward. the full range of choices available to them income for each student to undertake a full should give other providers who wish to likely in that timeframe?
new model careers service October 2014 to provide an enhanced offer
which builds on our achievements.
From October 2014, prime contractors
delivering the service will be engaging with
and that is why we have been even more
explicit in the guidance that schools should
programme of study, whether vocational
or academic. This moves away from the
do so the opportunity to inform pupils
directly about what they offer. It is good
A: I think we are in the midst of a big
culture change. Placing a duty on schools
Our ambitious agenda requires schools, parents and employers as well as give colleges and give other providers who difficulties of the previous qualifications- practice for schools to have a named contact was an important step towards improving
Having been set up two years ago, the It needs to give people relevant up to date contractors to provide the highest quality FE and higher education institutions, to wish to do so the opportunity to inform based funding system to give all institutions on their websites, to make it easier for the quality of advice and guidance young
National Careers Service is set to evolve information and experiences to guide them, service focused on positive outcomes relating establish the relationships through which pupils directly about what they offer. We the flexibility to deliver for the student. employers to get involved. I have asked the people receive. Following the publication
later this year, explains Joe Billington. providing insights into workplaces, clear to customer satisfaction, personal career young people can benefit from employers announced our aim to ensure that in every National Careers Service (NCS) to act as of our statutory guidance on April 10, no
next steps to realise their goals and enabling management, and progress in employment experience through talks, mentoring, local area, young people aged 16 have Q: What would the role of an FE a facilitator between schools, colleges and school has an excuse not to be engaging
B
ack in September last year, Skills them to develop and grow. and learning. It focuses on services provided coaching and work experience. access to a single online portal which will college be in the model example of employers to broker closer engagement. local employers. And from October this
Minister Matthew Hancock set out the The best motivation comes from real by highly skilled careers professionals give them access to the range of education a school’s careers guidance service? This will allow pupils/students to get more year, we are extending the role of the
case for a culture change in the provision experience of the workplace, seeing how working to improve continuously; and and training opportunities available in Would independent learning providers first-hand experience of employers and be NCS to work with schools, colleges and
of careers advice and guidance for young skills and knowledge translate into success delivered in partnership with local Our new their area. We are currently looking at how (ILPs) and employers be involved? How, inspired about the world of work. If there is employers to facilitate more employers
people and adults.
In order to address the mismatch of skills
and achievement, hearing from people in
jobs themselves, who can pass on their
organisations and businesses.
Our new service will establish national service will best to implement this. I expect colleges to
take up all the opportunities available to
practically speaking?
A: This will be different according to
a case where this is not working properly,
then I would expect discussions to take
engaging with young people to inspire them
through informative talks, mentoring,
shortages and high unemployment, we all
need to play a part in inspiring people to
enthusiasm and knowledge.
This is why it is crucial that employers
standards and expectations of quality and
service. It will be supported by a national
establish national set out the options available. the needs and ethos of the school. There
is no one correct model — it will vary
place first with the school and other local
partners. The expectations are very clear
coaching and work experience. More and
more employers are getting involved, and
seize the opportunities presented by the and schools and colleges work more closely contact centre that will hold information standards and Q: What would you say to head teachers by local circumstances — but I would and it would be a serious matter if anyone a multitude of inspiring organisations
world of work, economic growth and new
industries and jobs.
together: to provide inspiration and real-life
contact with the world of work so that when
and advice for individuals, employers and
schools and a national website through
expectations of who argue their schools are under
pressure to keep learners on post-16
envisage strong partnership working
between schools, local employers and other
behaved unreasonably and disregarded the
statutory duty and guidance.
like Careers Academies and Speakers
for Schools are being set up. Alongside
People are living and working longer: young people come to make big decisions, which customers will be able to manage quality and service because of fears about funding? education and training providers. I want the new league tables setting out pupils’
careers last a lifetime, but often involve they understand where different choices their own careers plans and actions through A: We want schools, colleges and other to see colleges and other providers giving Q: Should Ofsted’s role in schools IAG destinations as well as their exam results,
several jobs, various skill sets, multiple could take them in the future. The National personalised online tools and information. providers to offer high quality options, information directly to pupils about the be greater or different altogether? and Ofsted’s enhanced scrutiny of this
employers and numerous career decisions. Careers Service (NCS) will help build those But at its heart will be a local service The NCS is stepping up to play its part and about which young people can make an options available, alongside contact with A: Ofsted has already given careers area, I think this will result in a big culture
To meet these challenges, careers advice partnerships. combining digital, telephone and face-to- we look forward to working with colleges and informed decision. It’s right that funding inspirational employers. This ensures guidance a greater priority in school change — which I believe will lead to better
must inspire people to look ahead, seek the The launch of the NCS in April 2012 face services and working in partnership learning providers together with employers, should follow those choices. Head teachers that young people can benefit from direct, inspections. This sits alongside our new outcomes for young people.
next opportunity, and develop new skills to marked the start of an exciting new chapter with local authorities, Local Enterprise schools and others in inspiring people to should recognise where it may be in the motivating experience of the world of work accountability rules — new league tables —
prepare for the future. in careers information, advice and guidance. Partnerships, employers, schools, higher realise their potential. best interests of pupils to pursue options to inform decisions about future education for schools.
12 www.abcawards.co.uk WHERE IS CAREERS ADVICE GOING? @ABC_Awards @FEWeek www.feweek.co.uk 13
Experts
good enough. enough young people. We need to enable it
Looking to the future, Labour’s vision to perform much more effectively. It could
Putting the cost on a priceless school service
Rushanara Ali
for careers guidance rests on three main play a vital part in ensuring young people
insights. First, the Labour Skills Taskforce universal, independent and impartial
highlights the need for a much closer guidance, brokering partnerships between
relationship between schools, FE colleges businesses, schools and young people.
Shadow Junior Education Minister and local employers. The government’s guidance for schools The Gatsby Foundation report Holman recommendations
An action plan to improve Today’s labour market is changing
rapidly. Global shifts in production,
published last month failed to recognise the
urgency of this challenge. Where schools
Good Careers Guidance has
been heralded as a wake-up call 1 Schools should be guided by eight
careers guidance services
technological changes and the financial and colleges can now contract providers for government and schools benchmarks (see below) when setting
crisis leave schools and FE colleges with to carry out independent careers guidance alike. their own careers programmes, and Ofsted
the impossible task of keeping a detailed provision, the same providers cannot It came out in late April and should be aware of them when making
judgements.
Armed with criticism from the Con- in the UK to the point of crisis and their understanding of dynamic, local economies. effectively market themselves to schools here, report author Sir John
2 Every secondary school should be required
federation of British Industry (CBI), shocking record deserves to be called out. After all, young people starting out today and colleges as NCS providers. Holman, who is York University
to have a careers plan, published on the
Rushanara Ali puts forward her view of Instead of raising life-chances by creating will change careers much more frequently Finally, careers guidance should emeritus professor in chemistry
school’s website.
where the National Careers Service is a world-class youth careers provision than their parents’ generation. To support encompass all routes. Careers guidance and education adviser to the
3 Every secondary school should be
failing — and how it can improve. ecosystem, this government — according them, we need employer-led partnerships needs to reflect the transformed landscape Wellcome Trust and the Gatsby
responsible for publishing the destinations
to the CBI — has left our nation’s career- which leave employers, educators and — Labour intends to create in terms of FE, Foundation, talks to FE Week. of all pupils for three years after their
Y
oung people’s aspirations can be guidance provision on “life-support’”. most importantly — young people better off. apprenticeships and technical careers
leaving date
transformed by top-quality, timely and The way in which the government What does that look like in reality? The opportunities. 4 The remit of the National Careers Service
E
independent careers guidance. Young decided to transfer the duty for careers CBI’s report to the taskforce shows us As things stand, the Association of ven before he visited six different (NCS) should be extended to give it
people deserve to be guided along the best guidance to schools has received blanket ways in which employers start raising Colleges found that only 7 per cent of pupils countries and five English independent unequivocal responsibilities towards
pathways to achieve their potential. disapproval throughout the FE sector. Also, awareness of new opportunities. For could name apprenticeships as a post-GCSE schools, Sir John Holman knew schools. To make it more responsive to
With almost 900,000 young people in we are left wondering why not a penny of example, the optics sector’s campaign, qualification. We need to signal to young something was not right with careers employers, the NCS should be reconstituted
the UK currently not in employment, the almost £200m previously spent on the New Dimensions, provides schools people that all routes — not just the route advice and guidance in England. as an independent agency with its own
education or training, the need to give all Connexions service has not found its way with interactive, engaging material to of academic progression — are available Sir John said he had always been acutely board on which employers are strongly
young people clear, independent advice on into school and FE college budgets. complement teaching. and open to them given the right guidance. aware of the issues faced by young people represented, alongside schools and
different pathways could not be clearer. Last year, Careers England found that Young people realise the value of a Labour’s Technical Baccalaureate, coupled in seeking the best route for their studies or colleges.
Over decades, providing universal five in six schools were spending less on new career; employers nurture fresh with our work to continue strengthening working life. 5 Alongside career information, live labour
careers guidance has posed a particularly careers guidance than the previous year. talent ready to meet their needs. This is the status of FE, means we are creating a But he doesn’t believe the blame for the market information should be available to
difficult public policy challenge. At the same time, the government has aspirational careers education in action. new landscape. current state of play should be laid at the all schools through the ‘LMI for All’ service
The recent Gatsby report reminds us left many young people unprepared for Secondly, we need a step-change in our Now, more than ever, we need door of any agency or government. Simply, through the NCS website.
there is no ‘magic bullet’ to solving the work by removing the entitlement to work approach to providing careers services partnerships of professionals to come he hopes all political parties will pay 6 The National STEM Centre, National Science
issue. Yet it is clear that, since 2010, this experience. Ofsted’s own judgement on this nationally. Currently, the National Careers together to help young people find their attention to his 10 key recommendations. Learning Centre, and National Centre
government has pushed careers guidance government’s performance was clear: not Service (NCS) simply does not reach way. He said: “We have not really got this right for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics
should lead exemplary work to show
for several generations, and the system has
how curriculum resources for science,
GORDON
been letting young people down and leaving schools must make sure that pupils have that meeting all eight could cost as little as
technology, engineering and mathematics
careers advice is delivered by teachers who, In government, the Liberal Democrats them in the dark for at least as long as I an opportunity, not just to hear about these £38,472 a-year for some schools.
teachers can more effectively showcase
with an academic background, usually en- have given schools responsibility for secur- have been involved in secondary education. courses and apprenticeships, but to actually He said: “I welcome the fact it is seen as
career learning opportunities.
courage university as the best option. ing access to careers guidance for pupils in “I think one of the things I discovered in visit colleges, visit apprenticeship training relatively low cost, and I would say that
BiRTWISTLE
7 Employers, their representative
We need to establish independent careers years nine to 11 — and published statutory my overseas research is that you need to schemes and have ambassadors who are nevertheless schools are going to have to
organisations and organisations promoting
advisers: local employers and businesses guidance and a practical guide to imple- have a system which is both stable and well- themselves taking part in such programmes find this, and the most important thing
business links should cooperate in a
able to give first-hand advice on the wide mentation, learning from examples of good understood. If you keep changing it that coming back into the school and talking to is that school leaders prioritise careers comprehensive review of what they offer.
chair of the Liberal Democrat committee on variety of opportunities available to young practice. makes it very difficult for people to actually them. guidance and take seriously the need to find 8 Every school should have a member of
business, innovation and skills people and the fact that there are varied and Furthermore, the National Careers understand how the system works.” “I think the guidance could certainly this funding in their budgets.” their governing body who has a remit to
Local employers as key to first- different routes into work which may prove
to be more attractive and offer better career
Service provides a high quality helpline and
web chat service which was used more than
Sir John highlighted Finland and
Germany as examples of good practice —
go further if it is going to meet the eight
benchmarks I set out in my report. It’s
He also said it was also up to colleges and
other providers to make an effort when it
encourage employer engagement and to
take a strategic interest in career guidance.
hand advice on routes into work
advantage. 67,000 times by young people in its first year two countries where the guidance system certainly a step in the right direction in the comes to promoting vocational routes. 9 Employers and further and higher education
alone, and a website which has attracted 7m has, he said, not changed in a long time and respect of employers, but as my research He said: “The best thing that FE institutes should investigate the potential
In his role of apprenticeship ambassador in order to boost their position in the league
Students and visits.
We have made it clear to schools that
is widely understood.
“That makes life much easier to operate
shows, this is not a single dimension.
“You have to be doing a lot of things and
providers can do is to send young
ambassadors into schools. Former pupils of
for greatly expanding existing programmes
for sending young ambassadors into
to business, Gordon Birtwistle has seen tables; competing with other schools. young people left me pupils can use this free service as part of in, both from the point of view of the you need to be doing all of them schools can be the best ambassadors of all, schools from apprenticeships, colleges and
how careers guidance can be affected by
employers. He explains how he sees busi-
However, the league tables do not take into
account the alternatives for young people
with the very clear their careers guidance, but I am in no doubt
that face-to-face conversations are crucial to
employers and the schools,” he added.
Sir John has welcomed new statutory
well. Employer engagement is a very
important one, but it is nowhere near
because if the pupils look at someone who
has come in and think ‘I can be like that’ —
universities.
10 The government’s guidance for schools
nesses playing their part. and that apprenticeships are vitally impor- impression that they ascertain the most useful information about guidance on careers advice, but shares the enough.” that is highly effective. should be amended to make it clear that
tant to our economic growth strategy. They were not receiving a pupil’s aspirations and deliver the best view of the Association of Colleges (AoC) in One of the key elements of Sir John’s “FE could be doing much more to send personal guidance can be provided by both
I
internal and external advisers.
recognise the huge importance of ensuring
young people receive the very best careers
are just as important as degrees and are the
best way for young people to learn skills adequate support advice possible.
Ensuring all pupils have access to an ex-
that it does not go far enough.
He said: “There is a very strong emphasis
report is eight benchmarks which he says
every school must meet to provide good
people into schools to talk about what they
have achieved.”
advice. while earning a wage and progressing within in choosing a career tensive careers advice service and appropri- on employers and the need for schools and independent and impartial careers advice
Having spoken to young people, businesses
and schools across the country, I am clear
a company.
YouGov surveyed 830 teachers in second-
and were unsure of ate work experience is crucial for children
to have their horizons lifted from an early
colleges to engage with them, but where the
guidance is still not meeting international
and guidance.
The benchmarks include requirements Schools fail to hit Holman benchmarks
that this is especially so in relation to ap- ary schools in June 2012. It found school the options post-16 age and make certain they are not held back best practice in my view is that it’s not that everyone in a school understands
prenticeships. teachers knew less about apprenticeships by low expectations or a lack of knowledge requiring the schools to both engage with an “embedded” programme of career As part of his research for Good Career they were aware of their statutory duty
One of the key issues that has been raised and vocational qualifications than they did I was therefore very pleased that the about options. employers and have an active school-based education, and emphasise the need Guidance, Sir John Holman asked to secure access to independent and
again and again has been the lack of ad- academic qualifications. Department for Education recognised the In my own area of Burnley, we have a won- careers guidance programme. for staged advice, access to workplace schools across England to rate their impartial career guidance. Of these
equate careers advice. A significant proportion of school teach- crucial benefits that independent careers derful independent careers advice service “Most teachers themselves went experience and information about a full own performance against his eight 85 per cent said they were aware, and
Students and young people left me with ers saw vocational qualifications as more advisers could bring and have set out plans set up by Lesley Burrows called the ‘job junc- the university route. It is a route they range of opportunities, both academic and benchmarks for good careers guidance. 84 per cent said they did secure such
the very clear impression that they were not suitable for individuals of lower ability — an for a proper system of careers advice to be tion’. Using visual aids she demonstrates to are familiar with, and many teachers, vocational. He received a total of 361 responses. Of access.
receiving adequate support in choosing a ca- outmoded view of apprenticeships which implemented across schools in England. local pupils the careers and jobs available in particularly in schools, often know very Sir John said he welcomed the response those responses, 55 per cent came from But when it came to the benchmarks,
reer and were unsure of the options post-16. bears no relationship to the highly skilled Ofsted will be looking more closely at the the area and what exactly the work entails. little about vocational routes and indeed the from the AoC and other organisations schools which have sixth forms, and 45 none of the respondents were able to
Many schools push the university route as and qualified apprentices I have met. quality of careers advice and support avail- It is a simple but effective idea which I would opportunities for apprenticeships. to a costing of the benchmarks by per cent came from those which did not. claim they met all eight benchmarks, or
the main route for pupils to follow — usually One of the problems is that much of the able when it inspects schools. love to see replicated across the country. “I said very strongly in my report that PriceWaterhouseCoopers, which showed Survey respondents were asked if even six or seven of them.
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