Experts are calling for an overhaul of the careers education system, saying young people are not being given enough information about non-academic options such as vocational qualifications and apprenticeships. It comes as the Commons education committee is set to publish its inquiry into the effectiveness of careers advice.
The review is expected to criticise the system of careers education, information, advice and guidance, and set out a new plan for the future.
Capital City College Group, which is the largest further education provider in London and trains more than 25,000 students a year, told MPs there was a postcode lottery in the standard of careers advice schools are providing.
In written evidence submitted to the inquiry, the college group said: “Working with secondary school leavers strongly indicates that many schools provide insufficient careers and skills guidance.”
The college group said school careers advisers are overstretched, underpaid and not valued, with a typical school employing just one member of staff to serve the needs of every student. Most schools focus solely on going to university and “there seems to be a lack of knowledge of the wide range of vocational options available to pupils”.
The group called for a culture change around careers guidance “so it is seen by schools, pupils and parents as something that is valuable”.
Disadvantaged students are the worst hit, the group said, and need specially trained careers staff. It said when they arrive at college “most have little confidence in their abilities and underestimate their value and resilience. Many have difficult home lives that also affect their outcomes.”
It comes as the Evening Standard’s Step Up Expo at Olympia on Friday and Saturday is preparing to give advice and guidance to thousands of teenagers about their options at ages 16 and 18.
