John Hayes, Minister for Skills, Further Education and Lifelong Learning, outlined Government plans for the introduction of the new National Careers Service for England at the annual conference of the Institute of Career Guidance today (3 November). After stressing the vital importance of independent and impartial advice and guidance, he called on the profession to work with the Government to develop a new model for the delivery of careers services to replace Connexions.
"The Connexions did not work because it was too broad", he said. "The transition will be tough and we are sensitive to the challenges, but where we were wasn't good enough. The model of the past is not the model of the future."
The new model will transfer the responsibility (in 2012) for career information advice and guidance from local authorities to schools. Schools will have a duty to secure access to these services - which must be independent and impartial - for pupils in years 9, 10 and 11.
Addressing delegates concerns that online and telephone services will replace face to face guidance, he said: "I share the view that face to face guidance is crucial, but I don't make light of [the importance of] online and telephone advice. However, I do understand that face to face advice marks the difference between information and advice, particularly for those with no access to social networks."
Questions from delegates expressed concerns at how schools would fulfill their duty to provide career guidance in the light of other pressures on their budgets. "Providing career guidance is not top of their 'to do' list," said a chief executive of a careers service. They questioned the use of the word "duty" instead of "entitlement" and stressed the need for quality standards in the emerging market for careers services.
Hayes reinforced the need for professional standards and assured delegates that the new online and telephone advice services would adhere to the Matrix quality standard.
He said: "There is no doubt that this is a massive change for the careers profession. We need to work with Government to ensure that, for both adults and young people, there is consistency and a coherent approach to the provision of career guidance services. There is an opportunity for us to engage with all UK Governments, head teachers and employers to develop a strong profile of our profession and develop a quality careers service provision for all during a difficult economic period."
For the full ICG Press Release, click here. | 
