Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 3
3
Acknowledged
National Careers Service remains under-valued and under-utilised due to funding and awareness issues
Recommendation
The National Careers Service (NCS) is an under-valued and under-utilised resource. Due to a lack of funding and pressure to meet unhelpful targets, careers advisers often can’t spend enough time with people and have to focus on low impact interventions. There is also limited awareness of careers advice among Jobcentre staff and the public. The Government must address the current challenges faced by the NCS if it is to unlock the full economic potential of careers advice. (Conclusion, Paragraph 26)
Government Response Summary
The government commits to preserving the distinct roles of careers advisers and fostering collaboration with work coaches within the new integrated service, retaining current qualification standards. It is exploring the development of a dedicated training pathway for careers advisers, with further details to be provided as the service design progresses.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The government recognises the distinct roles that work coaches and careers advisers play in supporting individuals on their employment and careers journeys. We are committed to preserving the distinct roles of careers advisers, while fostering greater collaboration with work coaches. The new service is being designed to retain the strengths of both roles, with existing expertise built into its development. The Get Britain Working White Paper sets out a clear commitment to develop both professions in England. The new service will retain the qualification standards currently delivered within the National Careers Service and will align with professionally recognised standards. This will ensure high-quality delivery, ongoing professional development, and up-to- date practice for careers advisers. In addition to the planned Coaching Academy for work coaches, we are exploring the development of a dedicated training pathway for careers advisers. This pathway will support advisers through their professional qualifications and ensure continued development within the evolving service. As the design of the service progresses, we will provide further detail on how this training pathway will be implemented and how careers advisers will be supported and developed within the new service.