Guidance Sector

The Career Guidance Sector
Career guidance is available to both young people and adults from a number of different sources in the UK The majority of career guidance practitioners work within publicly funded agencies, including the (now changing) Connexions Services (14-19) and Next Step (adults) England, Skills Development Scotland, Careers Wales and the Northern Ireland Careers Service. Their services are provided through Careers/Connexions Centres, in schools, colleges, universities and in community settings. Career guidance practitioners also work in commercial companies, private practice, the voluntary and charity sectors and recruitment agencies.
Connexions
Connexions was introduced in England in April 2001 to provide a support service for young people aged 13-19, but has now largely been dismantled
From September 2011, schools will be responsible for the provision of independent and impartial careers advice for this age group. Advisers are also available through DirectGov at: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/YoungPeople/index.htm .
Next Step - adults careers service in England
Information, advice and guidance services for adults are provided by Next Step. This service is being newly re-launched buy the Coalition Government, and more details will be made available. For more information visit https://nextstep.direct.gov.uk/ or http://skillsfundingagency.bis.gov.uk/
learndirect
A copmprehensive webiste and telephone guidance service for adults in England.
For more information visit http://www.learndirect.co.uk or call 0800 101 901
Further and Higher Education
Within Further Education, there may be a range of guidance provision depending on the nature of the college and the client group. Some colleges employ their own career guidance practitioners. Higher Education institutions across the UK have no statutory responsibility to provide careers advice and guidance. However, it is seen as an increasingly important role for a university or college, all of whom have their own careers services. HE careers services help produce better-informed students who are self-reliant, and able to plan and manage their own learning and careers. For more information visit www.agcas.org.uk
Skills Development Scotland
Skills Development Scotland works with individuals at all ages and stages of career planning, and with employers wanting to recruit and maintain a productive workforce.
Further information is available on their website www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/
Careers Wales
Careers Wales is the national brand for all age information, advice and guidance services to individuals and employers.
It was established in April 2001 and currently comprises 7 Careers Companies. Further information is available on their website www.careerswales.com. The structure of careers services in Wales is currently under review (see The Career Guidance Sector in Wales on our website).
Careers Service Northern Ireland
The Careers Service in Northern Ireland provides a careers service to young people and adults, as well as an employment service.
Further information is available on the website www.careersserviceni.com
The Voluntary Sector
Voluntary Sector organisations may provide support and guidance as part of their work. Provision could include lifeskill and vocational training as well as counselling, advice and practical assistance, e.g. in applying for jobs.
The Business Sector
Employers are increasinglyrecognising that in order to recruit and retain staff, it is essential to provide employees with access to information, advice and guidance to maximise both their potential and their career. Guidance on issues such as promotion opportunities, development needs and performance reviews may also be provided.
The Private Sector Self-Employment and private enterprise Some practitioners set up their own career guidance services which can offer a range of services from interview skills to personality and skills testing. These can range from one-person operations to companies employing several people. Career Development Consultancy
Independent career development agencies are generally based in the larger cities, and tend to offer a one-off in depth service to clients that includes testing and an interview and provides the client with a report. They do not generally provide an employment placing service and they may charge quite substantial fees depending on the service provided.