The ICG has been working with colleagues in AGCAS and the Engineering and Technology Board to establish better links between career guidance practitioners and major engineering employers and the deadline for applications is fast approaching.

The Association of Learning Providers is lobbying for the education and inspections bill to place powers on the chief inspector of schools to scrutinise guidance services.

The employment rate of over-50s and those over State Pension Age continues to hold up well, but regional variations remain startling.

In December 2005, DfES launched the 14-19 Education and Skills Implementation Plan. This sets out in detail how DfES will create a system of 14-19 education that matches the best anywhere. It lists what needs to be done and by when, not just for Government, but for everybody with a stake in the 14-19 reforms.

No degree, or even A levels, but why has no-one mentioned the 26 other qualifications that newly-crowned 'apprentice' Michelle Dewberry has?