A new government-run careers service could boost social inclusion and help young people into the workplace, skills minister John Hayes has said.
The National Careers Service went live on Thursday (April 5th) last week and will seek to offer independent, impartial information and advice on learning and work, via a telephone helpline and website.
It will also give people access to information about careers and the job market in their local area.
Through the service, the government hopes to reach around 370,000 young people as well as provide face-to-face advice for 700,000 adults each year.
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Mr Hayes said that the service would benefit people from all social backgrounds, helping them to find work or boost their careers.
“Making available the right advice at the right time and in the right places is to strike a blow for social mobility, social cohesion and social justice – a society that encourages people from wherever they start to journey to the destination of their dreams,” he said.
The service will be staffed by trained careers advisers and provide tools CV builder and a ‘skills health check’ to allow users to improve their employability.
Those using the service will also be given the chance to open a ‘Lifelong Learning Account’, which will provide them with a personal online space where they can access information and advice on skills, careers and financial support all in one place.
“With competition for jobs more fierce than ever, now is the time to introduce a careers service that will deliver on its promise,” said Mr Hayes.
“The National Careers Service, universally available to people at all stages of their careers, has the very best interactive tools on its website and the highest-quality advisers, committed to the noble cause of helping others fulfil their aspirations.”
