In January the 157 Group launched a policy paper making the case for professional careers guidance. With the launch of the National Careers Service in April,information, advice and guidance is a hot topic within the education and skills sector and one that is regularly debated. When the House of Lords debated the National Careers Service, Lord Roberts of Llandudno said:

Are we certain they are going to be trained at the top level and that the interviews they conduct will not just be online or by computer but will be face-to-face discussions with the youngsters, who are often among the one million unemployed? In respect of impartial and informed support is available to help young people and adults to fulfil their potential. With the demise of Connexions and reforms to the careers service, it is important that we ensure learners’ ambitions do not slip through the net. The 157 Group welcomes moves to develop an all-age guidance service. A split at age 18 does not accord with the reality of many people’s lives. We are concerned, however, that in the transition from local authorities, valuable expertise will be lost and many young people will lose the option of face-to-face guidance. Consequently, we fear that services for adults will not be able to meet the demands placed upon them.

Learners need face-to-face advice In times of economic hardship, it is crucial that adults and young people alike get the impartial and informed support they need to make the right choices. Professional, face-to-face guidance is essential in making the most of the information available, writes LYNNE SEDGMORE the face-to-face discussions, do we realise that only seven per cent of young people know the meaning of apprenticeships? What are the government going to do to make apprenticeships far more widely known about and better accepted? The combination of policy changes, including the introduction of further education loans in 2013, the changing higher education landscape and rising unemployment, means that now, more than ever, we need to ensure that At the same time, we need to reinforce the hard work of existing FE colleges in delivering sound information, advice and guidance. Our policy paper exemplifies the good practice embedded within FE colleges with regard to the delivery of effective support services for learners. For example, in relation to potential students, colleges already help school leavers to make effective choices through participation in careers fairs; offering speakers and visits; and providing written information on local opportunities. Colleges allow young people

46 ADULTS LEARNING SPRING 2012