On Wednesday, the Education and Childcare Minister talked to the Westminster Employment Forum about the government's vision for careers education. Since Michael Gove abolished the statutory requirement for careers education in schools in 2011, vision and funding have been noticeably lacking in government policy-making. This change of heart, in no small measure due to the barrage of critical reports from leading employers' organisations, Ofsted, teachers' unions and the career development profession itself about this appalling failure, must be welcomed. Here, the Minister outlines his ideas about the new milestones for careers education and guidance:
'This means ensuring that there is support for young people throughout their time in education, and especially at key transition points when they are making important choices.
At the end of primary school this means developing an emerging awareness that people have different jobs and a belief that in the future they will work - this is particularly important for children from workless households. It means making a connection between what is taught in school and what career path they will take in the future.
This understanding contributes to a motivation to do well, based on realising the importance of basic skills including literacy and numeracy for all types of careers.
At age 14, when facing GCSE choices (within the EBacc framework) this means developing an understanding of the routes that will be available to them in the future. And of the link between school learning and the world of work. For some, this will include a decision about whether to move to a UTCor studio school.
At age 16, this means receiving the required support in making key decisions about their KS5 route and subjects, based on a strong understanding of how this influences subsequent choice of careers, especially the link between attainment and career prospects.
And finally, at age 18, having the tools, skills and knowledge to make an informed decision about the next stage of education, training or work, which young people stick with. If young people are able to make the right choice initially, this will reduce the number of dropouts and reduce NEETs. For those entering work, it is crucial to understand what skills and behaviours employers value.'
You can read the speech in full here