Looking to the future of careers guidance in challenging times

  The provision of objective information on learning and career opportunities is vital to ensure young people make thoughtful and well-informed choices about their next steps in education, training or employment. The importance of information, advice and guidance (IAG) was further highlighted in the Government’s 2011 Education Bill, giving schools autonomy and flexibility in developing their own careers education programmes. With the implementation of the Education Bill, the development of the first all-age careers service for England and the release of the Importance of Teaching White Paper; schools, colleges and local authorities were left pondering how best to implement the new requirements to ensure that every young person is provided the best possible start to adult life. Strategically timed for just before the implementation of the government’s all-age careers service, this conference brought together experts and leaders from schools, the further and higher education sectors, local authorities and all others involved in the provision of IAG to hear what the future holds.