Responding to the Skills Commission's 'Progression through Apprenticeships' report published yesterday, the Institute of Career Guidance has re-stated its strong support for the provision of independent career guidance in schools.
Two of the report's recommendations were particularly welcome. The first recommendation calls for the government to ensure sufficient funding for Connexions in order to deliver 'high-quality, impartial careers guidance on all routes, including apprenticeships, to all 14-19 year olds.' The Institute of Career Guidance vigorously promotes the rights of individuals to high quality careers education, information, advice and guidance that offers flexibility and a positive learning experience. It believes that competent and qualified professionals working in a properly funded service are the key to ensuring that this is available.
The report also recommends that career guidance professionals must have access to labour market information, including through regular visits to employers. This was highlighted in a survey of members undertaken by the Institute of Career Guidance as part of the Skills Commission's enquiry, in which 83% of respondents felt that more labour market information from employers was the best way to ensure a better understanding of Apprenticeships.
Speaking after the launch of the report, the President of the Institute of Career Guidance Vivienne Brown said: ""The Skills Commission's Progression through Apprenticeships Report adds further weight to the Institute's belief that all young people must be entitled to informed, independent and impartial career guidance provided by a professional workforce that is able to engage with, understand and communicate the complexities of the full range of progression routes for young people, especially those focused upon vocational and work-related learning."
Institute Chair Allister McGowan said: "The ICG values partnerships with employers and other organisations who recognise the added value careers specialists bring in nurturing individuals' career aspirations and goals."
The Institute notes that the new Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Bill states that teachers must consider whether careers guidance on apprenticeships is in the best interest of their pupils. Responding to the Skills Commission's report statement that 'The Government must ensure that teachers acquire a greater understanding and awareness of apprenticeships to avoid the requirement in the Bill being rendered ineffective', the ICG's Allister McGowan commented further:
"The Institute supports the Commission's determination that there should be a broader recognition within schools, and amongst teachers, of the diversity and quality of learning and training opportunities available to young people. But we believe that school staff need the support and involvement of career guidance specialists who have developed the skills, knowledge and expertise to support young people in planning and managing their career development through the range of possible learning and career pathways available to them." | 
