A report, Inspiration and Aspiration: Realising our Potential in the 21st Century, published by the Skills Commission (2008) and compiled by leading figures from politics, education and business called for changes to careers advice in England. The findings from a six-month inquiry by the Skills Commission, part of Policy Connect, into information, advice and guidance (IAG) services in England, revealed a system of careers advice that is sometimes outdated.

The publication of the report on the 1 April, 2008, coincided with an overhaul in funding of careers advice. Local authorities became responsible for the provision of advice and guidance for young people. The report called on Government to take on board and apply key recommendations for future IAG policy including:

• re-evaluating information, advice and guidance services, which often operate using outdated delivery models;
• making sure that people have better access to improved websites and forums where they can find information about training routes;
• ensuring that people of all ages have access to careers advisors;
• making it a statutory duty that learning providers deliver careers education to young people up to the age of 18;
• reassessing its decision not to introduce an all-age service;
• ensuring Local Authorities devote sufficient funds to Connexions.

Professor Mike Thorne, Vice-Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University and Chair of the inquiry, commented, ‘The Government’s announcement that it will introduce an adult advancement and careers service represents a terrific opportunity. But, if the Government is serious about making the new service available to all, it needs to harness the power of the internet and revisit its decision to rule out a single all age advice service.’

Andy Powell, member of the Skills Commission and CEO of Edge, commented, ‘High quality information, advice and guidance is vital for the UK to improve its skills base. The reality is that a fifth of adults in Briton do not feel they are in a job that makes best use of their skills and, therefore, we are urging the Government to listen very carefully to the recommendations of the Skills Commission. We look forward to the day when all young people and adults in England are provided with careers advice suited to their skills and talent no matter what their academic capabilities are. The prejudice against vocational learning as a route for high achieving students’ results in many adults ending up in a career that is not suited to them. Careers advice in England should offer all options to everyone allowing individuals to make the right choices for their future.’

The launch of the report took place at a meeting held in the House of Commons on the 1 April, 2008. At the launch, Lynette Wieland, described her positive experience of IAG. Her short talk was moving and uplifting to listen to and highlights the importance of coaching and guidance to young people in transition. Below is an abridged version of her talk.

Reference
Skills Commission (2008). Inspiration and Aspiration: Realising our Potential in the 21st Century. London:
The Skills Commission.