Is careers advice failing our young people?

By: Lindsay Plumpton

Communications Leader

Thursday 19 September 2013

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Schools’ career services are not up to standard, according to education watchdog Ofsted. Three quarters of schools visited were reportedly not delivering effective careers advice and Ofsted chief Sir Michael Wilshaw commented, "It’s worrying that the new arrangements are failing to provide good guidance."

The main concerns were around a lack of employer involvement and a propensity to promote academia over vocational training, resulting in young people leaving education unaware of the full range of options available to them.

This is supported by research from the National Union of Students which found that more than 50% of university students had not been told about apprenticeship opportunities available.

The issue is particularly pertinent as youth unemployment figures rise again to 21% with apprenticeships forming a key part of the government strategy to tackle this problem.

Since 2012, schools have been responsible for providing their own careers guidance but often lack the in-house skills/training to deliver quality provision and don’t have the funding to buy in from external sources.

What do you think? As schools know their pupils best, are they in a good position to offer careers advice? Or do they lack the necessary resources? What extra support do schools need to ensure the careers advice they offer is fit for purpose? What information do young people require in order to flourish?

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Authors

Lindsay Plumpton

Communications Leader
96 posts
David Grailey

Chief Executive
79 posts
Andrew Gladstone-Heighton

Policy Leader
75 posts
Esme Winch

Managing Director
35 posts
Michael Lemin

Policy and Research Manager
25 posts

Schools

Colleges

Training Providers

Employers

Learners

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