§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the performance by careers guidance services of the terms of their contracts over the last three years. [116462]
§ Mr. Wicks[holding answer 28 March 2000]: For the financial years 1997–98 and 1998–99, Careers Service performance was based upon a range of activities including individual interviews, group sessions and personal action plans. During this period, most Careers Services achieved their agreed targets and many exceeded them.
More recently Careers Services have focused on those who need help most in support of social inclusion and achieving National learning targets. In the financial year 1999–2000, Careers Services made significant shifts in their activities, increasing their resources on work engaging 16 to 17-year-olds in learning by 37 per cent. compared with the previous year.
Despite the change in focus of Careers Services young people have, however, suffered from a lack of co-ordinated advice and guidance and gaps in provision. That is why we have launched the Connexions Service. It will take forward the provision of careers information, advice and guidance as part of a radical new approach to raising standards and ensuring coherent and co-ordinated support for all young people.