To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what careers services are available to pupils in school before they leave education; what plans he has to improve links between schools and local businesses; and if he will make a statement on support for pupils looking for career opportunities at the ages of 15 and 16. [115126]
The responsibility for providing careers education and guidance to young people in England is shared between schools and the Connexions Service. Schools are responsible for delivering a curriculum-led programme of careers education to all students in Years 9 to 11. A new, non-statutory framework for careers education and guidance—which includes recommended learning outcomes from careers education programmes—was issued to all schools, colleges and work-based training providers in March 2003. We have also signalled our intention to extend the current duty on schools to deliver a planned programme of careers education in Years 9 to 11, down to Years 7 and 8. The work of schools is complemented and strengthened by the Connexions Service, which provides access to information advice and guidance on a wide range of issues—including on learning and career opportunities—to all 13 to 19-year-olds in England. The level and type of support provided is differentiated on the basis of individual need.The Department makes available £25 million a year, through the local Learning and Skills Councils contracting with education/business links organisations, to promote closer links between schools and business. We are working with them on ways of improving employer engagement with schools, in areas such as work experience placements, mentoring, enterprise activities and work-related learning generally.Responsibility for careers education and guidance in Scotland rests with the Scottish Parliament.