HC Deb 19 October 1999 vol 336 cc547-8W
Mr. Willis

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to change the statutory basis for the Careers Service in England. [94033]

Mr. Wicks

Following publication in July of the Social Exclusion Unit's report on new opportunities for 16 to 18-year-olds not in education and training, we have consulted widely about a new service to support young people including its functions and organisation. The consultation period ended on 15 October and we are considering the responses.

Mr. Willis

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to integrate careers advice and guidance for young people with the service for adults; and if he will make a statement. [94039]

Mr. Wicks

Access to high quality information and advice on learning and career opportunities is essential for young people and adults to make well informed decisions about the range of learning and career opportunities open to them.

Following publication in July of the Social Exclusion Unit's report on new opportunities for 16 to 18-year-olds not in education and training, we have consulted widely about a new service to support young people, including its functions and organisation. The consultation period ended on 15 October and we are considering the responses.

From April 2001, the Learning and Skills Council will be responsible for planning and funding local provision for adults. We will ensure that provision for clients of all ages is complementary.

Mr. Willis

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to change the contracting system for the Careers Service; and if he will make a statement. [94035]

Mr. Wicks

Following publication in July of the Social Exclusion Unit's report on new opportunities for 16 to 18-year-olds not in education and training, we have consulted widely about a new service to support young people including its functions and organisation. The consultation period ended on 15 October and we are considering the responses.

Mr. Willis

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to make additional funding available to Careers Service contractors for improved use of ICT. [94037]

Mr. Wicks

The Government fund Careers Service contractors to deliver a range of services as set out in their contract with the Secretary of State. Contractors are expected to develop the use of ICT to deliver services more effectively.

Mr. Willis

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to improve guidance to 18-year-olds who are in full time education. [94034]

Mr. Wicks

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State requires careers services to focus their help on young people, including 18-year-olds, who need most help to stay in, or progress in, education. The "Learning to Succeed" White Paper announced the creation of a new youth support service which will provide guidance and support for all young people aged 13-19, building on what is currently provided by the Careers Service, parts of the Youth Service and other organisations. Guidance for 18-year-olds currently given through their FE institution or from the Careers Service will continue under a new youth support service. Eighteen-year-olds in higher education will continue to receive guidance through their education institution.

Mr. Willis

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to introduce externally validated quality assessments of Careers Service contracts and contractors. [94038]

Mr. Wicks

The "Learning to Succeed" White Paper announced the creation of a new youth support service which would provide guidance and support for all young people aged 13-19, building on what is currently provided by the Careers Service, parts of the Youth Service and other organisations. Consultation on the new service ended on 15 October 1999. Quality assurance arrangements are being considered as part of that process.

Mr. Willis

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to monitor the education and career progression of 18 to 25-year-olds. [94036]

Mr. Wicks

The Government have invested significant resources to ensure that all adults, young and old, have access to high quality and co-ordinated information and advice on learning and careers opportunities. Services will be co-ordinated and delivered at local level through the lifelong learning partnerships. The partnerships will be expected to identify and target particular groups of people who, for various reasons, may lack confidence and need extra support and encouragement to access the learning opportunities open to them. The Government, through the Learning and Skills Council from April 2001, will monitor the success of the partnerships in achieving this objective.